Among the grizzled mercenaries of the frozen north, few are as strong as Reiz--a reputation his son, Almark, has not inherited. Casting off his timidity, Almark seeks to become a fighter worthy of his father's recognition. But Reiz wants more for his son, hoping to spare him the cruelties of life in the north. Reiz sends Almark to the South's prestigious Norkh Institute to hone his affinity for magic. Here, in this land that has forgotten war, a boy who has known nothing but conflict will strive to one day return home strong enough to bring prosperity to his homeland and make his father proud.