This is book four of The Collegium Chronicles series.
Mags, a young Herald trainee in Haven, the capital city of the kingdom of Valdemar, has talents not commonly found in Herald trainees. Recognizing this, the King's Own Herald, Nikolas, decides to train Mags as a spy in order to uncover the secrets of a mysterious new enemy who has taken an interest in Mags himself. Why is the even deeper mystery. The answers can only be found in the most unexpected corners of Mags' past...assuming he can live long enough to find them.
Synopsis[]
The story starts with the marriage of Prince Sedric and Master Soren's niece, Lydia. Amily's leg has healed and she is getting stronger physically. Lena and Bear elope, after receiving some advice from Dallen, who points out that it is easier to seek forgiveness than obtain approval. Bear's father attempts to use force to take his son home, but Bear stands him down, with the assistance of the Guards and the priest who officiated at the ceremony. He declares that he doesn't know this man, as no father of his would act in such a foolish a manner. Nikolas and Mags continue to run the pawn-shop in Haven. The relationship between Mags and Amily progresses, but Mags is not certain on how to behave. Mags feels someone watching him, but is unable to determine who it could be.
Mags is kidnapped and has flashbacks to the mine. He discovers his Mindspeech has been blocked. He manages to escape, but encounters a Karsite demon. He is saved by a young Karsite Sunpriest, Franse, and a Suncat, Reaylis.
[Is a Suncat the same as a Firecat? Or is a Suncat similar to a Firecat, but perhaps of a lesser order? Given that a Firecat such as Altra could have jumped Mags away from his captors, this would seem to be probable.]
Reaylis explains the history behind the red-robes, black-robes, and white-robes of the Karsite priesthood and why Gifts were banned from Karse. Reaylis breaks the block on Mags' Mindspeech, and with their help, Mags is able to contact Dallen in Valdemar. However, the Karsites find Mags after his use of Mindspeech. Ironically, his kidnappers save him from the Karsites. His Sleepgiver captors are determined to force him to return to the Nation to become the Heir. They will brainwash him with drugs, and then give him a Talisman that will take control of him. Mags bargains with them to drop the contract against Valdemar in return for his full cooperation. He undergoes the first part of the ritual and is flooded with memories, but is able to resist being consumed by them. Before he has to continue and accept the Talisman, the Karsites turn up again, providing a distraction. He is rescued by Dallen, Reaylis, and Franse, and they escape to Valdemar..
Characters[]
Main Character[]
- Herald-Trainee Mags
Major Characters[]
- Dallen - Companion to Mags
- Healer-Trainee Bear - Mags’ best friend and Lena’s husband
- Bardic-Trainee Lena - Mags’ friend and Bear’s wife
- Herald Nikolas - King’s Own and Mags’ mentor
- Amily - Nikolas’ daughter and Mags’ sweetheart
- Kan-li - One of Mags’ kidnappers and professional assassin
- Levor - One of Mags’ kidnappers and professional assassin
- Franse - Karsite priest who rescues and befriends Mags
- Reaylis - Suncat partner to Franse
Minor Characters[]
- King Kiril
- Rolan - Companion to King’s Own Herald Nikolas
- Father Poul - Clergyman who officiates Bear and Lena’s wedding
- Healer Tyrall - Bear’s father
- Prince Sedric - Crown prince of Valdemar
- Lydia - Master Soren’s niece and Sedric’s wife
- Finny - a First-year trainee with a powerful Fetching Gift
- Dean Caelen- Dean of the Heraldic Collegium
- Constable Baltis
- Bard Tharis - teaches history
- Healer Charis - Healer who helps Mags analyse his fear of ghosts
- Melak Pieters - Cole Pieters third son
- Jarrik Pieters - one of Cole Pieters' older sons
- Prince's Choice Kirball team:
- Herald-Trainee Gennie - team Captain
- Herald-Trainee Pip
- Herald-Trainee Byren
- Dustin - Byren's Companion
- Jeffers
- Alton - Foot position
- King's Choice Kirball team:
- Herald-Trainee Halleck
- Herald-Trainee Narvil
- Meled
- Lord Wess
- Corwin
- Beales
Referenced Characters[]
- Master Martin - luthier in Haven
- Saski
- Tobias Marchand - Lena’s disgraced father
- Master Soren
- Guard Archivist
- Cole Pieters - Mine owner and Mags’ former master
- Weaponsmaster
- King Anders - historical Monarch
- Greyer - deceased woodcarver
- Herald-Mage Vanyel
- Bon - child miner
- Calli - child miner
- Davven - child miner
- Tyndale - a member of the Pieters family
- Old Harald - Sunpriest; Franse's mentor
- Vkandis
- The Shadao - Leader of the assassins
- South Kirball team backup players, Foot position:
- Tanner
- Chet
- Potter
- Green
- Deceased child miners:
- Bat
- Issie
- Lu
Places[]
- Haven, Valdemar
- Palace Complex, Haven
- Collegia, Palace Complex
- Companion's Field, Palace Complex
- Sacred Grove, Companion's Field
- Temple of the Grove, Sacred Grove
- Royal Palace of Valdemar, Palace Complex
- Companion's Stable, Palace Complex
- Herald's Wing, Royal Palace of Valdemar
- Temple of Rusal, Haven
- Cole Pieters' mine, Valdemar
- Karse
- White Foal Pass
Referenced places[]
Terminology[]
- Companion Dancing
- Kirball
- Mercenary Guild
- Hawkbrothers
- Bondbird
- Knockers
- Whisps
- Horrors
- Son of the Sun
- Suncat
- Sunpriests
- Karsite demon
Gallery of cover images[]
