There are rumors that through Bland, a fugitive magician or priest can get to Cleria or Parinia, and get refuge, shelter and work there. Risanriel and her mentor, Master Nagal, are the last archivists and guardians of the relics of the Academy. They, risking their lives, take an ancient artifact sword from the burning capital of the Sharin Principality to the north. In search of an overnight stay and shelter from Quatt's envoys prowling around, they rent rooms from a respected couple in the city - in the house of an accountant and his clerk wife.