Set after the events of The Magic Engineer (and before the Magic of Recluce), The Purchase War illuminates great numbers and major events in the historic war between order and chaos this is the central concentrate from the saga of Recluce.

The deadly White Wizards of Fairhaven, wielding the forces of chaos, have completed their great highway through the Westhorns and today threatened the ancient matriarchy of Sarronnyn, the last bastion of order in Candar. The ruler of Sarronnyn attracts the Black order wizards of Recluce for help.

Justen-a young Black Engineer in the town of Nylan-joins the alleviation push. Despite their success in destroying more than half the White armies, Sarronnyn falls to the White Wizards, and Justen is normally chased in to the most inhospitable desert in Candar. These studies are but the beginning, for the White Wizards have all Candar within their understand. Justen must battle both Recluce and Fairhaven, as well as the highest powers of order and the forbidden technology to funnel chaos itself in his attempts to halt the conquest of the chaos wizards.