Aldric's position as a professor of magic at Nevis academy has finally given the man a home. But between his eager young students wanting to know anything and everything about him and this upcoming mage tournament, Aldric can't help but be filled with unease. They've already been attacked, after all. Are they really safe?

Foolish question.

Even after all these years, Aldric somehow forgot the world's oldest truths; that nothing is at it seems, and everyone is looking for their own angle. Aldric has no idea who to trust, or even who his real enemies are. And to top it all off, all three warring countries are now coming together for the first time in decades.

Aldric better have meant it when he said he'd prepare his new family for the worst. Because they're about to be tested.