Trouble is brewing in the north. First, Flarman Flowerstalk, the renowned firemaster, suddenly disappears. Then the Stone Men, who are under the enchantment of an ancient geomancer, capture and hold his apprentice, Douglas Brightglade. And now, magician Wong’s homeland of Choin is in an uproar as warring factions fight over the emperor’s throne. Somehow the scattered fellowship of wizards must locate their missing members, break the old enchantments, and bring peace to the Choinese in time for Douglas to pass his firemaster exam and marry Myrn Manstar.