The world of earth and the society of magic stand on the brink of the abyss. Davon Ulwyn, son of Alton Ulwyn, the leader of the Circle of Daecia, has been convicted of murder. As he begins his death march across the Plains of Adrazul towards the Black Tower to face his fate, his father's position in the Circle weakens, and more devious powers lurk in the shadows to strike and bring down the House of Ulwyn forever