Eliam is clumsy, thick-headed, and useless by the standards of his people. Yet he seeks to prove his worth to both society and his elder sister Kalindra.

His race, the derha, were once a strong and proud people known for their powerful magicks. Now, however, they are dying of a mysterious plague. Amongst the victims was their mother, an altruist that dedicated her life to searching for a cure.

When Eliam finds notes of his mother’s work, his life begins to change in ways that no one–not even his cunning sister–could have anticipated.

Eliam is finally ready to stand up for himself, but Kalindra refuses to allow their mother’s work to be bastardized by him. Little does she know that the fate of their people may very well rest in the hands of an illiterate fool.