Young Eamon Goodhand has completed his training to join the Gauntlet, the army of the Master of the land. The Master maintains tight control of his domain by virtue of the Gauntlet, his commanders the Hands, and his ruthless second in command, the Right Hand. Eamon swears to serve the Master in opposing the villainous Wayfarers, whose depredations threaten the land. His gifts, particularly his potent insight, are valuable to his superiors. However, the Master's bloody rule, and an encounter with another who claims to be king, throw into doubt Eamon's assumptions about what might be true, and worthy of service. But he has already made his vows...