The series picks up events following The Serpentwar Saga, and deals with the secret titular organization formed by the great magician Pug, and its initial struggle against evil necromancer Leso Varen while in the employ of Kaspar, Duke of Olasko.

Vowing revenge against the murderers of his family, he joins a secret organization known as the Conclave of Shadows, whose ultimate goal is said to oppose the evil in the world.

Talon takes on a secret identity as Talwin Hawkins and the persona of a noble to gain enough fame and power to fulfill his vengeance upon his enemies.

Hoping to gain more information, the head of the Conclave, Pug, transports them to the elf lands of Elvandar where they seek the wisdom of the elves.

Even the elves prove to be of no help, and just as the sorcerer Pug and Kaspar are to return, a reincarnated Leso Varen attacks the elven land with his hordes of undead.