In a world where magic
has been outlawed for centuries, one young man discovers that he
possesses powers beyond his wildest dreams.
But he does not realize how pivotal this gift will be in the days to come.
Except for the healing arts, magicking is a punishable offense in the realm. The only places it is still practiced are the Long Halls scattered
throughout the land – isolated haunts of wizards called mages and their
long-suffering students.
But hidden rivers of power course deep beneath the earth, and not
everyone has obeyed the edict banning magic. Vixens lie in wait on the
Galwyn road. A mysterious race of telepaths comes and goes invisibly. It is even rumored that Elves still hide among the wizened trees. And
somewhere beyond the badlands, a growing menace threatens the hard-won
peace of the realm.
Hyam has always shown a remarkable ability to master languages, even
those left unspoken for a thousand years. But now the shadow of
suspicion that was cast upon him as a child prodigy at Long Hall is
lengthening, and he must keep his identity hidden – or face annihilation.
As Hyam's mother slips toward death, she implores him to return to
Long Hall before he settles down to farm his land. This journey born
from duty becomes an impassioned quest for the truth. War is coming
swiftly, and Hyam must rely upon his newfound powers and the friends he
meets along the way in order to unravel the puzzling past and ensure
that he – and the realm – will have a future.
This young man could stem the ominous tide... but only by turning
away from everyone and everything he has ever known. And facing dangers
he cannot fathom.
