After rescuing a neighbor's daughter from a violent attack by two aristocrats, Kharl, the finest cooper in Brysta, discovers that he has run afoul of Egen, the corrupt and evil son of the local ruler.

After using frightening powers to save lives and survive a war, Order mage Beltur is forced on the run.

Four centuries after its founding, Solidar's Collegium of Imagers is in decline, the exploits of its founder, the legendary Quaeryt, largely forgotten. The Collegium is so lacking in leadership that the dying Maitre must summon Alastar, an obscure but talented senior imager from Westisle far to the south who has little knowledge of politics in the capital, as his successor. When Alastar arrives in L'Excelsis and becomes the new Maitre, he finds disarray...

Alastar has settled into his role as the Maitre of the Collegium. Now married and a father, he would like to focus his efforts on improving Imagisle and making it more self-sufficient. However, a crisis is brewing in Solidar, causing the High Holders to call for repeals on the Codex Legis. Once again, Alastar must maintain a careful balance, but he can't avoid the involvement of the Collegium when someone begins killing students. Trying to protect...