Wild magic is taking its toll on the land, and even Vanyel, the most powerful Herald-Mage to ever walk the world, is almost at the end of his strength. But when his Companion, Yfandes, receives a call for help from neighboring Lineas, both Herald-Mage and Companion are drawn into a holocaust of dark magic that could be the end of them both.

Many Heralds and Herald-Mages have died fighting to preserve the peace. Even Vanyel is in need of a respite from the dual threats of war and dark magic. But for Vanyel, there can be no rest. Not when Yfandes receives a summons which can’t be ignored—a desperate cry of a magical holocaust in the neighboring kingdom.

Almost overwhelmed by the devastations they discover there, Herald-Mage and Companion must try to unravel this tragic mystery. Is the young Prince Tashir, a newly Chosen Herald who can’t control his magic, responsible for the destruction? Or is Tashir a pawn in a deeper, more deadly game—and, if so, will Vanyel be able to find and defeat the true destroyer before this master of dark powers can strike again?