Saliman has travelled to Norloch to study the High Arts under Nelac of Lirigon, one of the greatest Bards in all Annar – but he feels isolated from his fellow students and angry at the prejudice he encounters from them. One such student is Cadvan of Lirigon, who to Saliman seems arrogant and selfish. However, it would seem that the pair are destined to become friends … and that through their growing friendship they will fight the darkening of the Light itself.