Sparhawk returns to Elenia, where he and Ehlana are married, but their peaceful reign does not last long. In the Tamul empire unrest is brewing, threatening the nation's stability. The trouble is of paranormal origin, and suspicion falls on the Styrics, but prove unfounded, and the Styric magician Zalasta suggests that the empire looks to Sparhawk for a solution to its problems. Part 1/3.