Orpheus Nigel is a 14 year old with a quick-wit, a silver tongue, and a penchant for all things non-sensical. When he celebrates his 14th birthday on June the 5th, his uncle reaveals a secret. This secret will ultimately change the way he lives forever. Along the way, he meets Dilphius, a common theif seeking shelter from the village authorities. Agreeing to exchange his help for protection under Orpheus' status of importance to the kingdom, Dilphius travels alongside Orpheus. Of course, Dilphius doesn't prove to be much help other than smuggling food from the town, finding a map or two, and sometimes immediately blowing their cover, but Orpheus and Dilphius soon become best friends. After a horrifying run-in with lesser village pillagers, Dilphius takes the injured Orpheus to "a colony among the trees". There, they meet the rough-and-tumble Epidess, a tricky magician who proves to be "worthy" of their company. Epidess seeks to find the Grand Sorcerer, and to conquer him. So, joining Dilphius and Orpheus after they were healed, they set out for their own goals, together.
