From the bestselling author of Instrument of Omens and the Castes and the OutCastes comes a tale of outsiders who never wanted to be heroes. And yet that is the price to pay for those destined to master the magic in their veins.

William survived Sinskrill, but he's unable and unwilling to forget what he suffered there. Some hardships endure. And despite his wonderful, new life on the lush paradise of Arylyn, nightmares continue to haunt him.

But closure will only come if he finds a means to reconcile himself to that terrible chapter of his life. Only then can he save his loved ones who remain on Sinskrill: the wise troll, Travail, and William's teacher and one-time tormenter, Fiona. Both remain trapped under the boot-heel of the Servitor, Sinskrill's terrifying ruler.

William has promised to return and free them, and while he's gained powerful allies, such as Rukh and Jessira, to aid in his quest, saving Travail and Fiona will only happen when he masters his own magic and summons his own courage.

But will courage alone be enough against the Servitor's terrible power?

Return to a world of adventure where one young man must summon the strength to fight for what he loves and forgive what he hates.