They are bound together by murder and magic, in a plot to steal a mind, pervert a life, usurp a throne -- and perhaps destroy the world. Caradoc Penlluathe: a gifted, bitter young Mage expelled from his sorcerous Order -- for violence. . . Borthen Berigled: a criminal mastermind with unnatural powers -- and a supernatural hatred. . . Gwynmira Du Bors: a royal lady who wants to rule Garillon -- over her stepson's dead body. . .Evelake Whitfauconer: an innocent boy -- a bigand's pawn. . . Magister Forgoyle: a healer, teacher, wizard, ordered to save Caradoc's soul -- or oversee his death. . . Margoth Penlluathe and Serdor Sulamith: Caradoc's sister and friend -- who'd pay any price to save the Mage himself. . . In a tavern in Ambrothen, th die is cast. . . An epic of sorcery and power begins.