Enter the kingdom of Lur, where magic is wielded by few and others are imprisoned if they dare try. the Doranen have ruled Lur with magic since they arrived centuries ago after fleeing Morg, the mage who started a war in their homeland. to keep their lands safe the Olken – Lur's original inhabitants – are forbidden to use magic. Any Olken who breaks the law will be executed. Gar has come to Lur's capital city to make his fortune. He finds himself working in the royal stables and in time becomes a mediator between the Olken and the Doranen. Soon, he will have enough money to return home and set up his own fishing fleet. But there is unrest among the Olken. It has been prophesied that the Innocent Mage will be born, and the Circle is dedicated to preserving the magic of the Olken until the saviour arrives. the Circle have been watching Gar, and as the city streets are filled with Olken rioters, his life takes a new turn …