Long ago, in a distant land, a lonely young man struggles to discover whohe is and where he belongs. He carries the blood and magic of two peoples,a sword of unimaginable power, and a staggering potential for great good...or greater evil. In the land of Corona, the roads are unsafe to travel,as goblins and bloodthirsty Powries seek out human prey; and, in thissavage world, princes feast while peasants starve, and two religionsbattle for control. A monk, Bran Dynard, returns from his mission in afar-off land with two prizes: a book of mystical knowledge and a new wife,the beautiful and mystical Sen Wi. But the world he left behind haschanged, and Bran must now decide who he can trust, and where he shouldplace his faith.