Former military medic Darya McLeighan has settled in as the local village healer, keeping her magic hidden from everyone to avoid re-conscription. With no end in sight to the war, the supplies needed to maintain the health of her local community are scarce and she has to risk exposure to save those she cares about. The problem is, since leaving service, her magic is also in short supply.

On leaving the Emperor's army, General Nate Kirin has turned saddle-back merchant, to help keep the family business running. While seeking out Ms. McLeighan's healing help for his ailing aunt, the two nearly collide when a young boy calls her away to aide in his mother's complicated birthing.

While on route to the labouring woman, enemy rovers cross into local territory, waylaying Darya's efforts to reach her patient. Weaponless, Nate rushes to Ms. McLeighan's rescue, wherein he finds himself in a situation where everyone needs a little help... and a little healing.