Young Eamon Goodhand has completed his training to join the Gauntlet, the army of the overlord Eldered. Eldered maintains tight control of his domain by virtue of the Gauntlet, his commanders the Hands, and his grimoire the Nightholt. Eamon swears to serve his master in opposing the villainous Wayfarers, whose depredations threaten the land. His gifts, particularly his potent insight, are valuable to his superiors. However, Eldered's bloody rule, and personal friendships, start to challenge Eamon's assumptions about what might be true, and worthy of service. Yet he may not forswear his vows ...