Raised as a maid in the barony of Neburh, Alyce takes great pride in the peaceful sanctuary she calls home. Neburh is renowned for fertile land, great orchards, and the clearest of waters. Furthermore, the reigning lord is also a fair man, ensuring the best of living circumstances for his people. But when a ghastly misfortune happens upon a neighboring town, two mages are sent from the Blue Sanctum, a council of noble magicians, to survey the humble county. As Alyce knows the lay of the land like the back of her hand, she is asked to accompany the esteemed Hollis and her much guarded apprentice, Kytes, and show the best of hospitality to them both. But the longer they stay, the more Alyce learns about the deteriorating world outside her haven home and how she might have been the reason for ensuring safety for its people.