It was published in February 2009, and is a stand-alone prequel telling a story occurring hundreds of years before her bestselling Black Magician Trilogy.

It tells the story of a war between Kyralia and Sachaka through the eyes of Tessia, a young woman and magician from a countryside village.

Despite knowing that women aren't readily accepted by the Guild of Healers, Tessia is determined to follow in her father's footsteps.

One day when Tessia comes by herself to Lord Dakon's mansion to re-apply bandages to Hanara, Takado tries to force himself upon her, holding her body still with magic.

There are long hours of study and self-discipline, and Lord Dakon's other apprentice, Jayan, makes clear his dislike of her, Tessia's new life also offers more opportunities than she had ever hoped for, and an exciting new world opens up to her.

There are fine clothes and servants, and – she is delighted to learn – regular trips to the great city of Imardin.

Stara must bed Karicho in order to heir a son, or her sister-in-law, being infertile, will be killed by her father.

They join up with the rest of the army, and Dakon is relieved to see his ex-apprentice (Jayan is now a full magician) and his apprentice are safe.

10 years later Narvelan, one of Sachaka's rulers, is forced to retire by the king, taking his loyal servant, Hanara, with him.

He breaks the storestone, a stone filled with magic, which kills him and Hanara and renders acres of Sachakan land infertile.