The arrival of the mysterious Magi, along with their near invincible guardians, signals a change.
For Jakob, apprentice historian, and son of a priest longing for adventure, it begins an opportunity.
When his home is attacked, Jakob starts a journey that will take him far from home and everything he has ever known.
Studying with a new swordmaster, he gains surprising skill, but also strange new abilities that make him fear the madness which has claimed so many has come to him.
He must withsta.