Synopsis: "During the events of In Wilder Lands and Into the Desert Wilds, many nations were struggling to survive the Turessian invasion. This story takes us back to the beginning, as the Turessian war first approaches the plains. Ilarra's attempts to live a normal life and grow up to be a famous wizard seemed an almost sure thing, until the war came to Lantonne. What she finds instead of her dreams will change the face of Eldvar for generations. Lantonne is the last and greatest city in the region, having stood against armies for centuries. What force, no matter how great, could get past its walls and challenge the school of magic within?" (publisher's blurb)