Robert Douglas, Earl of Dunlorn, returns to Lusara after three years of self-imposed exile to find that the Guilde has spread throughout the land, bringing fear and tyranny to the people. The usurper King Selar is oblivious or uncaring, too busy planning to overthrow his brother, King of neighbouring Mayenne. Robert has sworn a vow never to oppose the king, but his brother Finnlay won't let him return quietly to his lands and abrogate responsibility for the country they both love: for Robert, like his younger brother, bears a heavy duty: they are sorcerers, and thus outlawed in Lusara. For though magic is believed by most to have vanished from the land, there are a few who still wield the power in secret. And when Robert and his brother rescue Jenn, running in fear of her life from Guildesmen, they discover a new kind of sorcerer, whose powers, though different, may be as great as Robert's. And with Jenn come new possibilties ...