Teleo is a retired soldier descended from Mages, who were cast out of power generations ago. After years of war and sorrow, he wants nothing more than to live a quiet life on his farm and work his stonemason's craft. His wife and daughter had been murdered during a war raid several years earlier and his young son stolen by the enemy side. He spent years unsuccessfully searching for his son and returned home broken-hearted. At the local castle, he comes upon a war orphan stolen by his side from the enemy and rescues him from abuse, adopting him as his foster son. Teleo is working at the castle when he finds himself in the middle of a coup. This launches a journey to protect his new family, uncover the secrets of the ancient ways, and reclaim the magic of the Mages. A cast of lovable characters: Teleo - A gritty warrior who would do anything for you, unless you cross those he loves, then you will meet his blade. Dinsmora - A reclusive herbalist who weaves shadows. The fosterling - Orphan who forms a family and softens the toughest of hearts. The animals - Characters in their own right who carry burdens and bring glory. Magic: Magic was outlawed generations ago but lingers in the blood of the kingdoms. There were good reasons it was outlawed and reasons it must rise again.