What would you do if you stumbled on to the brazen kidnapping of newborn twins of two of the Arcane Order's most powerful members? And found a pack of Graylish mercenaries, with a mighty fire demon leading the attack? If you're Dacha Mandlebrot, young Mage of the Order extraordinaire, you leap blindly into action. Headfirst into the opening foray of a battle, half an epoch in the making. Little does she know, the beast has stolen some of the Arcane Order's most closely guarded, and most powerful, secrets. And decides to try them out on her, nearly killing her in the process. She's determined to make the creature wish he had finished her off when he had the chance. For payback…is her middle name. And, she has a bedtime story to finish with an adorable set of twins. If she finds an entire planet in need of salvation along the way as well? Well, a hero does not rise, until the occasion is great enough to warrant it. A hero who rides atop the greatest and most powerful horse in the Universe. The stallion Mieto, telepathically bonded to Dacha for the last eleven hundred years. And together: a team for the ages! Two mighty battles. Against an ancient and diabolical enemy. Catapult our heroine toward legendary heights. A thrilling series of adventures! A defining moment! Not just for the Arcane Order, but for its brightest rising star! This standalone Dacha origin story, brings another facet of the Arcane Universe to life. In nail-biting, page-turning fashion. Bam! Lots of familiar and favorite faces from the Sage and the Arcane Order series, showing how the Arcane Order responds when one of their own is in need. A must-read for fans of the series!