The Novice

Sonea is the only novice in the Magicians' Guild who comes from a poor background. She has still won allies among the magicians, and one of the strongest is Lord Dannyl, who has just been promoted to Guild Ambassador.

Dannyl's new post takes him to the court of Elyne. That leaves Sonea exposed to the lies and malicious rumors her enemies are spreading about her, until High Lord Akkarin steps in on her side.

Akkarin's help has a cost. In return, Sonea must guard his mysteries, including a secret that could draw a young novice mage toward darkness.

The story follows two threads. Dannyl's first task as ambassador is to take up Akkarin's long-abandoned research into ancient magical knowledge. The work sends him into unexpected danger and toward a future that holds both wonder and terror.

The book is fantasy, with its action split between the Guild and Dannyl's travels. Sonea's question is how far she can trust the man who protects her.