Though apprenticed to a legendary wizard, the young orphan, Darian, remains difficult and strong-willed. But a sudden twist of fate changes his life forever; the sacking of his village forces him to flee into the great forest where the mysterious Hawk people lead him on the path to maturity.

By now the boy who ran from barbarian invaders is both knight of Valdemar and a master mage; he is governor of a small province and in love with Keisha who returns his feelings, but he still has problems and responsibilities. For one thing, he has never solved the mystery of what happened to his parents. For another, Keisha refuses to marry him lest his role as governor and hers of healer come into conflict--and there are still barbarians beyond the...