For a thousand years the mages of the Empire have flourished through sorcery. But an ancient spell forged by the semi-divine simurgh is draining magic from the world. They call it the Ban. And the Emperor dares not defy the simurgh.

The decision might not be the Emperor’s for long. Powerful lords in distant lands are taking preserving sorcery into their own hands. One particular sailor, Akai, is thrilled to help a lord on just such a quest. Though as his job slides from ‘transporter’ to ‘spy, ’ he sees a side of the struggle that leaves him feeling distinctly disturbed.

A young shepherd and notorious love fool, Zanthred, is dismayed as strife breaks out in the Empire and vows to stand up for the Emperor. But he’ll definitely need some help if he is to make it as a soldier, particularly when he ends up serving shoulder to shoulder with the seductress who plunged him into public disgrace.

A civil war is brewing, and the actions of few individuals will decide the fate of the empire. And, perhaps, magic itself.

The first book in an epic fantasy trilogy.