On their pilgrimage to Innsbrooke, honorable Elf Mikell's greatest concerns are shielding his wife Mara from magic and keeping his harrowing memories of the Hranite war buried where they belong. But when the kingdom of Kenara's beloved Princess Tashan is proclaimed murdered by those same Hranites, Mikell and Mara suddenly find themselves caught up in a political plot that threatens to thrust all of Endonsha into chaos.
Despite all reservations, Mikell finds himself joining the unlikeliest band of "heroes" on a quest to uncover the truth behind Tashan's death if she was truly murdered. To his dismay, a magic user named Ari joins their company, threatening to corrupt his innocent wife with her teachings.
Somehow, Mikell must find a way to trust Ari's help while also keeping her evil magic, and the ghosts of his past, from destroying everything he loves.