In the aftermath of a horrific accident, the Regent of Thylana orders all magic-users permanently banished. But many years have passed, and now the outcasts and exiles wish to return. Secretly, the Regent's niece, the Princess Kathedra, supports their claim, but holds no sway with her uncle. Branded a Umagi sympathizer and traitor to the crown, she surrenders her post of Gryphon Highlord and flees the castle, only to fall into the hands of her enemies. More rightly, her uncle's enemies. And an enemy of her uncle is now surely her friend...or not.