It's been thirteen years since Hagen Patterson inherited his mother's demon, "Al." A thoroughly modern alchemist, however, Hagen has done everything he can to ignore its presence and focus on his career. Now, a father of three and a full member of the inner circle of alchemists, Hagen has only one remaining obstacle in his path: Juliana, his nagging shrew of a wife. But when Hagen takes on a new apprentice, Lana Hardwood, he sets in motion events that will forever change his life, and maybe even the world. A power struggle unfolds among the alchemists and governmental agents capture Lana. It is here that Al will finally reveal his purpose in Hagen's life.