The prequel to VASSAL, the Second Book of Tir Athair, "Darrion" tells of a young child with magical gifts during the chaos started within MINSTREL. Once the gifted elite, those born with magic now must submit to the king for use within his war. Can Darrion's mother keep her son away from the army while he still has a childhood left? Or will she lose her head for refusing to surrender her child?