The long-awaited brand new novel in the bestselling Valdemar series.
In this chronicle of the early history of Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey's bestselling world, a thirteen year- old orphan named Magpie escapes a life of slavery in the gem mines when he is chosen by one of the magical Companion horses of Valdemar to be trained as a Herald. Thrust into the center of a legend in the making, Magpie discovers talents he never knew he had...

Magpie, Lena, and Bear continue on their individual quests as they work to attain the status of full Heralds, Bards, and Healers of Valdemar.

A New York Times Bestselling Author Mags returns to the Collegium, but there are mixed feelings ? his included ? about his remaining there. Mags is afraid that his presence might incite more danger in the heart of Valdemar. The heads of the Collegia are afraid that staying in his known haunt puts Mags in danger. All agree that going elsewhere is the solution for now. So why not return to the place he was found and look for clues? And those who are...