In the city of Imardin, where those who wield magic wield power, a young street-girl, adopted by the Magician`s Guild, finds herself at the centre of a terrible plot that may destroy the entire Sonea has learned much at the magicians` guild and the other novices now treat her with a grudging respect. But she cannot forget what she witnessed in the High Lord`s underground room - or his warning that the realm`s ancient enemy is growing in power once more. As Sonea learns more, she begins to doubt her guildmaster`s word. Could the truth really be as terrifying as Akkarin claims, or is he trying to trick her into assisting in some unspeakably dark scheme?