The Sanctuary is now home for Zahli. The execution of her cousin for treason and the disposal of the shop mean that the last details of her life outside have been wrapped up, and she is committed to staying and working towards her ambition of one day qualifying as a magus.

With nothing now to distract her, she throws herself into her studies, determined to learn all she can and make the very most of her magical power. Life is settling down into a nice routine of study and work.

Along with her studies, she also continues her training in combat skills, although the idea of fighting a war to drive the Ladrisians out of Wuntril still feels like more of a dream than reality.

But when the Ladrisians discover the location of the Sanctuary and move to attack it, she finds herself abruptly thrown right into the forefront of the defence. Suddenly, the war is all too real, and Zahli and the magi are fighting for their very existence.

The Sanctuary is the second and final instalment in the Order of the Red Cloak series.