A young illusionist discovers a source of power that could bring him money and fame--but right now, he'd settle for a little positive recognition . . .

All Wil McKenzie wanted was to be Harper Valley's small-town wizard, bettering lives with benevolent magic and illusions. But that ship has sailed--literally. The Flying Calypso has transported Wil and his telepathic wampus cat to the port town of Manifee City to face a tribunal.

Here, among the greatest movers and shakers of the wizarding world, Wil is expected to explain why brokering a peace treaty back home ended in chaos, among the outcomes his alleged alliance with the enemy and the death of a mage. Suspected of treason, he must prove he's just a well-intentioned wizard with more skills than sense, who bungled his way into trouble. His counsel is going for the fool defense; at least fools are forgiven.

Meanwhile, Wil sits on the discovery of a lifetime: a rare understanding of the leylines. He's learned how to dig deeper into those snaking rivers of magical power to get a little extra bang out of them, and this invaluable knowledge could save his skin. It could also change the world. Of course, that all depends on how things shake out for a wizard on trial.