For a thousand years, the people of Alera have united against the aggressive and threatening races that inhabit the world, using their unique bond with the furies - elementals of earth, air, fire, water, and metal. But now, Gaius Sextus, First Lord of Alera, grows old and lacks an heir. Ambitious High Lords plot and maneuver to place their Houses in positions of power, and a war of succession looms on the horizon." "Far from city politics in the Calderon...

When the High Lord of Kalare enters into a dangerous alliance with the Canim, and treachery destroys the Aleran army's command structure, an inexperienced, young Tavi of Calderon leads a poorly equipped legion against the Canim horde.