Wyl Thirsk is very young when he inherits the role as commander of the Morgravian army for a new king he detests. His first act is one of compassion to the accused witch Myrren, and this earns him her reward - but is it a gift or a curse? As war threatens from the north, the king deliberately sends Wyl on a perilous mission. But as Wyl discovers the true nature of Myrren's gift, he is confronted with an unimaginable choice. As the line between traitor and saviour becomes increasingly blurred, Wyl must navigate treacherous waters where the sinister new power he wields could either save or destroy him - and his entire country.