Years before the Spell of Entrapment, a youth named Halscrad finds himself at an impasse with regards to his future. Weary of his own studies in Instruction, he wishes to expand his knowledge through travel and adventure. But with his mother, Chrieana Moorhead, in poor health, he finds escape from Trava Town all but impossible.

Upon a chance encounter with a Troll, Halscrad becomes the catalyst for a renewed war between the Travans and the Trolls. As he falls in line with one side of the war, he discovers a magic within him that supports Chrieana's last words. Just where has this magic come from, and can he use it to correct his own mistakes?