Magic is a part of the world. Now the First of the Blade must master it. Having saved her people from the danger of the branox, Imogen must find a way to lead them home. The way back is treacherous and there’s an ever-present threat of more dark creatures attacking. When hunted by a new threat, the sacred patterns are not enough. Imogen must find a way to bring her people together while staying on the path the Porapeth have seen for her, but even that might not lead her to safety. The First of the Blade must be more than a sacred sword master. If she can’t unlock potential hidden deep inside her, all her people will fall.