Only seven minutes younger than Rolencia‘s heir, Byren has never hungered for the throne. He laughs when a seer predicts that he will kill his twin. But the royal heir resents Byren‘s growing popularity. Across the land the untamed magic of the gods wells up on the earts heart. It sends exotic creatures to stalk the wintry nights and it twists mens minds, granting them terrible visions. Those so touched are sent to the abbey to control their gift - or die. At king Rolens court enemies plot to take his throne, even as secrets within his own household theaten to tear his family apart. Political intrigue and magic combine in this explosive first book in an exiting new fantasy trilogy.