A simple mission ... with twists and meanders that capture his heart and divert his destiny. Just when Mage Everand thought his mission was concluded and he could follow his heart to be with Lamiya, she is kidnapped. He must save Lamiya - and find out exactly who the rogue half-mage is. Forced to continue Malach's training in magic, Everand is confronted by his past actions as the apprentice to Malach's father. Unexpectedly, the Guild mages forcibly translocate him home! Obliged to report on his mission, he reluctantly reveals the existence and identity of the half-mage. Appalled at the Guild's verdict for Malach, Everand finds himself pitted against his master Mage Mantiss, the Head of the Guild. Can he escape to return to Lamiya? How can he foil the Guild's plan to obliterate the half-mage? Meanwhile, in Riverplain Lamiya's abilities are evolving and she calls her own dragon. Or wait, did the red dragon Akachi call her? Nothing is as it seems, the unfolding events hint at deep secrets and betrayals ... mysterious forces and connections. In a twist of irony, Everand and Malach both become fugitives. The stakes are far higher than imagined.