Rhennthyl, an apprentice portraitist, discovers that he has a magical ability called Imaging after accidentally killing his master with his powers, and when he starts to train as a secret operative in the Collegium of Imagisle, he makes a powerful enemy and learns the truth about the world in which he lives.

"The saga of the Imager Quaeryt, Commander in the forces of Lord Bhayar, reaches a new climax as the great struggle to unify the continent of Lydar enters its final phase. Only the land of Khel remains uncommitted to Bhayar's rule. Their decision could mean a lasting peace, or more conflict across an already war-ravaged realm. While the conqueror of Bovaria awaits emissaries to arrive with news of Khel's decision, other weighty matters occupy Bhayar,...