Korvaan is a world of all-powerful Emperors and jealous rival Kings, where the Dar'Shilaar craft items of magic from unbound magestones. From magic portals and mirrors that can traverse great distances for use in travel or communication, to flying ships and floating citadels, the Dar'Shilaar have proven almost anything can be done. But at what cost? Hoyle is a brash, young, street-wise, thief who specializes in acquiring things that others in Tala'ahar cannot. No treasure is guarded too well that he cannot find a way in, and, more importantly - out, with the goods. Little does Hoyle know that his latest choice in jobs, the theft of a shipment of unbound magestones, will set in motion events that will reshape his world. Celia is a member of the Dar'Shilaar, a Spell Wielder, who discovers the theft and is determined to track down the thief and bring them to justice. Complications arise when she encounters Hoyle, and determines that he is by far the smaller threat. Hoyle and Celia team up to investigate the forces behind the theft and uncover a far ranging plot that twists and turns, trapping them within its web, forcing them to prove their innocence to the Emperor, or face execution.