Simon Stewart is a factory sorcerer employed to extract ore from rock using magic. He survives a terrorist attack in which everything familiar is deconstructed: His workplace is destroyed, his friendships called into question, and the way he casts spells tarnishes his credibility with the local royalty. By assisting the undead prevent a second attack, he becomes embroiled in the politics of war. For Simon, the war begins with a harlot bound to a piece of eight.