Loren did not ask for the dagger at her waist. She did not ask to be born to cruel parents. And she did not ask to be drawn into a conflict that threatens more harm than she can possibly imagine. After 15 years of toil, when her dreams of adventure have very nearly died out, a spark arrives to rekindle them. A half-glimpsed coat of blue, dodging through the trees of the Birchwood. A wizard. A fugitive. Escape.

In an unknown tavern in the kingdom of Dorsea, a young noble girl named Sun meets an old man: Albern, of the family Telfer, once the dearest friend of Mag. Mag. The uncut lady. The wanderer. Stories of her skill are known throughout all the nine kingdoms. But few know how her tale ended - and even fewer know how it began. Albern begins his tale.

All his life, Ebon has been denied the opportunity to learn magic. Though he was born an alchemist, his father would never let him attend the Academy for Wizards and master his powers. But in his 16th year, everything changes when his aunt intervenes and enrolls him in the Academy. After years of living under the thumb of his cruel father, he finally has a chance to make friends of his own, as well as experiencing all the mystery and wonder of the High King’s Seat, the greatest city in the history of the nine kingdoms.

Theren has only recently left the Academy for Wizards, in full command of her magical powers. But all the spells in the nine kingdoms cannot save her from the fate she fears. Theren’s patron, Imara, sees her as a possession - a toy to be paraded before other nobles as a symbol of strength. Theren would do nearly anything to escape such a life.

Eilean was born a “wretched”—a lowly foundling raised by the Aldermaston of Tintern Abbey. Then she’s chosen to assist in establishing the new abbey of Muirwood, now the site of a castle in the swampy Bearden Muir. Eilean’s role is as night servant to the druid Mordaunt, the king’s exiled advisor—and prisoner. He’s clever, dangerous, and invaluable to the Aldermaston.