King Olaf their beloved king lay ill. He had seen them through the upheaval of the Breaking with humanity and understanding. But he had no living children. The city of Cantar wondered what would happen when he died; then he named his half-brother, Prince Oleg as heir, and all seemed well... until it didn't.
For other powers were at work in the kingdom, subtly and subversively manipulating the arrogant and ambitious for their own ends, for retribution, and vengeance. And in the midst of it all, was a boy on the edge of his manhood... Garrard.

   One damp autumn day, a young musician, Taffind by name, arrives to try his luck. As his skill and talent earn him fame and renown, fate is already conspiring against him. After achieving the highest accolade, cruel fate threatens to snatch it all away.
In moments the sound of a forgotten voice resurrects a terror from his past, a terror that threatens all he has achieved. Can he survive the horror that follows? Will his music, and his empathy for those around him again save him? Only time will tell.