The Shards call to him. Korrun's Army Grows. Griff is no longer just a student at Bergots. He's a mage tied to ancient power. As he and his family start a new life, Griff gains a dangerous secret. One that he hides from his professors and even his family, all while carrying the burden of the king's mission: find the Shards to the Orb of Essence before Korrun can. Between nightstalkers, dragons, and Altar Storm matches that test more than just magic, Griff must learn to trust his friends-and himself. If he hopes to survive. ¿Tyrell, once the son of a battlemage, now walks among the enemy. Embedded deep within Korrun's army, he must keep his wits about him if he's to succeed in his mission... and avoid being consumed by the war he thought he could escape. ¿One mage holds the key to an ancient mystery. The other hides the truth behind enemy lines. Both are being watched. As the Shards call to Griff for protection and Korrun's military campaign gains momentum, Griff and Tyrell will have to face the monsters outside-and the ones within.