Following generations of war, the Arani finally know peace. The proud Noble Houses have tamed the wild colonial lands of Taer and embarked on the rebuilding of past glory-while also returning to the shores of their blasted homeland, in an effort to reclaim what they left behind. But a relentless enemy has pursued them. By use of the Forbidden Arts, sinister agents have infiltrated the highest offices of the Arani, and the chaos they create threatens to destabilize the New Kingdoms. Fate places a heavy burden on the shoulders of two young nobles. Bryn Tabral's backwater barony is rent asunder by the vicious, and seemingly unprovoked, murder of his parents at the hands of a nefarious sorcerer. Alyssa Deveron of the Crown Robes uncovers a hidden enemy, placing her life at risk. With the help of a canid companion, an unlikely tutor, and those drawn to their cause, Bryn and Alyssa must unravel the mysteries of the past and come to terms with their fate, before the future is lost.