For 15 years, Baron Morgarath has lived in exile in the grim Mountains of Rain and Night. He lives alone in his castle, guarded by the fierce and hideous Wargals, creatures whose misshapen human bodies are topped by dog-like heads with simple brains that the baron commands through mind control.

Morgarath’s rebellious battle against the young King Duncan of Araluen was suppressed by a surprise cavalry charge led by a Ranger. Wargals fear horses, and the rout cost Morgarath his beautiful and fertile Araluen lands. Now he plots a return invasion, his Wargals bolstered this time by the powerful, beastly Kalkara.

With Choosing Day in the morning, young Will feels too nervous to eat dinner. The other boys chide him, since most know already which Craftmaster will choose them as apprentices. Will, small and without any special skills, has no idea which life will be selected for him.

Will is confident about where his fellow yearmates will be placed the next day. Tall and graceful Alyss, already destined for diplomatic training, kindly suggests that all of them are nervous. Horace insists he’s not afraid.