All across Scotland, the resistance movement is growing in both strength and numbers. For the first time in five generations, the Mages are afraid-and it's all because of one woman. But Mairi knows where the real power lies and that it is the Mages who maintain control of the country. She has become the poster girl for the resistance and her magic is growing stronger by the day. That doesn't mean, however, that she has any real chance of succeeding against the might of the Mages. And yet strange things are afoot. Crude runes are appearing all over the country while the Afflicted seem to be changing-and not for the better. The very soul of Scotland may soon be up for grabs. If ever there is a time for a true hero to step forward, this is it.