Alexander Sylemsyn, previously the prince known as Illander Krodin, has been banished from his home to be constable for a town on the outskirts of the kingdom. His first day is rather unremarkable, he meets the people, finds his home, and is happy. But when a man is found murdered in a small room that has enormous claw marks filling it, Alexander finds himself thrown into a mystery that threatens not only the towns people, but holds a secret about himself that could unravel his entire world.