Things can't possibly be any worse for Auburdeen Hayle. What began as a quiet trip for her own protection has turned into a nightmare of capture and escape. Taken by the Brotherhood of Atum and infected with living metal, Burdie is to be used as a weapon to start a war between magic users and the common man. Meanwhile, she battles to combine her witchcraft with the sorcery that has been woken inside her, both of which fight for control. If she can't bring balance to her magic, she could very well be lost forever.