Gawyn Archenhold, mage and wizard, is an ugly man who has created many wonders, not least of which are his myrmidons, gigantic spiders which can be ridden like horses. But he is far less adept in his dealings with people, especially his former beloved, the proud, powerful—and beautiful—Commander Averyll of the Queen's Guard. Can this mismatched pair get past their differences and find each other again?