Synopsis: From back cover: "Monash and his brothers have their lives clearly plotted and set before them on the verge of their graduation. As they are Wards of the city, they are expected to be paragons of humility, obedience and loyalty to the High Council of Xylana. Unfortunately, these are not traits their family is associated with. The young men naturally chafe against Council dictates at every instance. As they prepare themselves to enter Xylana society, yet one more unfortunate trait their family is associated with threatens to unseat them; a nose for intrigue. As Monash navigates his way through the intricacies of Xylana society, he and his siblings realize that their understanding of their family history is not necessarily how it has been described to them by the High Council. As each embark upon their adult paths, Monash's enthusiasm for his new-found freedom begins to be tinged with other, darker emotions as to what the High Council's plans for himself and his family really are. Can Monash navigate these pitfalls and reclaim their family's honour? Will he settle for a comfortable dull life, or seek to put himself in harm's way? Will Monash rise to a position of respect or influence, or be ground beneath the heel of the City of Bells? Time will tell as Monash and his siblings begin their feted journey over the length and breadth of their gritty, fantastical world."