<p> "You want to know the truth." </p> <p> Sonea has learned much since she was but a penniless urchin possessing an awesome untapped ability. She has earned the grudging respect of her fellow novices and a place in the <i>Magicians' Guild. </i>But there is much she wishes she had never learned&#8212;what she witnessed, for example, in the underground chamber of the mysterious High Lord Akkarin . . . and the knowledge that the Guild is being observed closely by an ancient fearsome enemy. </p> <p> Still, she dares not ignore the terrifying truths the High Lord would share with her, even though she fears it may be base trickery, a scheme to use her astonishing powers to accomplish his dark aims. For Sonea knows her future is in his hands&#8212;and that only in the shadows will she achieve true greatness . . . if she survives. </p>