Having escaped conscription to the Storm Towers at the last moment--thanks to some very quick train-hopping--Cymin is thrilled to at last be living his dream of seeing new lands and making friends with the fascinating secular mages outside Lux Temple. There's even a chance he could win over the enigmatic Laithondi and officially join the ranks of the student bound for Saigrath. Laithondi has already entrusted him with his dazzling ancillary sword, as well as the sacred Fei'suul Scepter. But that trust may prove the undoing of them all, when it marks Cymin as the target for ancient, corrupted spells. As he battles for his life and those of his new-found friends, Cymin must confront the darkest secrets from their shared past lives as well as the deadly plots threatening their lives now.