The cooper Kharl does not have any quicker taken possession of the estate bestowed upon him by Lord Ghrant of Austra when he’s summoned back to the capital. After a bloody advertising campaign, where Kharl discovers and is forced to make use of even more deadly purchase magery, civil order is normally restored and Ghrant’s throne securely secured. But Kharl is now a famous and feared public body, the Lord’s Mage, and his notoriety makes him uncomfortable.

To his surprise, Kharl is quickly called upon again by Lords Ghrant and Hagen. Back his hometown of Brysta, he discovers that his previous foe Egen is engaged in a plot with the Hamorians to consider the throne from his father and open Nordla towards the foe. Kharl must find a alternative, with regard to both the land of his birth and his followed new country.