High Magic had been lost to Valdemar centuries ago when the last Herald-Mage gave his life to save the kingdom from destruction by dark sorceries. Yet now the realm is at risk again. And Elsperth, Herald and heir to the throne, must take up the challenge, abandoning her home to find a mentor who can awaken her untrained mage ablities.

The realm of Valdemar is imperiled by the dark magic of Ancar. Princess Elspeth, heir to the throne, has gone on a desperate quest in search of a mentor who can help her defend her kingdom by teaching her to use her fledgling magepowers.

Princess Elspeth has sought magical training from Tayledras Adepts, and now she and her Hawk-brother partner Darkwind must return to Valdemar and try to protect her kingdom from Ancar, a dangerous enemy.