Alayiakal, who will one day be known by many names-not all of them flattering-has to climb the ranks of Cyador's Mirror Lancers, fighting against unforeseen weapons and ancient technology.

Alayiakal, however, has secrets of his own to protect: his ties to the Great Forest and his magus abilities. He must silently pretend to be a conventional soldier favored by fate-until that very same fate forces him to choose.