Introduction: Raised a maid within a peaceful barony, Alyce takes great pride in her home's fertile land, great orchards, and the purest of waters. But when a ghastly misfortune happens upon a neighboring town, two mages are sent from the Blue Sanctus, a council of noble magicians, to survey the humble territory. For why has all the surrounding villages fall to demise, while this county has not? As Alyce knows her home well, she is asked to accompany the esteemed Hollis and her apprentice, Kytes, to show the best of hospitality to them both. But the longer they stay, the more Alyce learns about the deteriorating world outside her haven home and how she might have been the reason for ensuring safety for its people....