Because of interference from Aeron, the shadow demon, Bianca has lost so much standing in the Agency of the Ordinary that she's been relegated to errands. But an opportunity presents itself in the fall of a magical slave trade.Meanwhile, the island of elves continues to find heroes to help aid the cause of light. One is a wizard who finds his own path in the human world, hoping to shed light on the destruction facing magic.Both sides, light and dark, are gaining ground and allies. A clash is inevitable.