Peace and tranquility reign in the kingdom of the Six Duchies. The wars of the red ships are a thing of the past. There is no more King Verity. The country is ruled by Queen Dowager Kettricken until Prince Dutiful comes of age. Fitz Chivalry, a former royal assassin, has long since retired and has been living in a hut near the abandoned town of Forge for many years. But one day his old teacher Chade appears to Fitz and calls his former student to Deer Castle to teach the young prince how to master the ancient magic of the Seer dynasty. Fitz is also visited by an old friend who was once a jester at Buckkeep Castle. He also claims that the time has come to return to the big world. Fitz doesn't give in to persuasion. But then terrible news comes - the heir to the throne has disappeared without a trace, and if he is not found, the prince’s engagement will break down and the alliance on which the queen had high hopes will not be concluded...