Synopsis: Publisher's description on the cover: "Rhoyd Smytheson had no idea what a terrible place the world could be when he ran away from home. Nearly killed by bandits, Rhoyd is rescued by the Keltoran mercenary, Conor Mac Manahan, and his healer wife Eithne. The bandits are under the control of the bloodmage Socorro Nathrach who wants to steal Rhoyd's essence. But when Socorro sends the bandits to fetch Rhoyd, Eithne is kidnapped instead, and Rhoyd and Connor must join magic and might to save her. Rhoyd learns that his destiny lies in the hands of a dead ancestor whose spirit is determined to create the ARD MAGISTER ... But in order to live up to that destiny, Rhoyd must face the worst enemy he has known ... his own father."