In book two of the Collegium Chronicles, Herald Trainee Mags and his Companion Dallen continue their education at the newly formed Herald's Collegium. However, things aren't going smoothly. Bear's family, namely his older brother who is now head of the family, want him to come home and marry a girl that he barely remembers. They claim he takes up space at the Collegium that someone with a "true" Healing Gift could use. And Lena's father, the arrogant Master Bard Marchand, shows up, and his indifference towards Lena makes her go to almost any length to get his attention.