Four years have passed since Rafel disappeared in the expedition over the mountains. Deenie, right now eighteen, starts having disturbing dreams about her brother. She comes to believe he’s not really dead in the end, but is in trouble and requirements her help.

She enlists aid from her cousin Randa and the girls hatch an idea to flee from Lur. They get away and survive the dangerous journey across the coastline at night mountains. With their dismay they discover that the lands beyond Lur are blighted with about The Hesitant Mage lawlessness and chaos. The remnant of Morg’s awareness that survived his loss of life splintered at his downfall and wanted refuge in whatever systems could be found to sponsor them.

Throughout their travels and adventures they get some answers about the other lost expeditions, and keep hearing about one fearsome mage who’s gradually gaining the upper hand from his stronghold in the blighted near-mythical land of Dorana. Deenie does know this is definitely her brother – that Rafel’s not only in peril, he’s become harmful. If he’s not ended he could turn into a danger to depends upon. Maybe even another Morg.