Years ago, Taunton Merick witnessed something. Something magical and terrible that redefined the world as he knew it. But at a terrible cost. He has never been able to speak of it, bound by an ancient spell or curse. The event as a whole exists intact in his mind, but in order to unravel its mysteries, Taunton needed to find a way to counteract the ancient magic. Starting from the beginning with his blessed wife was as good a place to start as any.