When graduating from the famous School-on-the-Hill, each graduate must write a qualifying scientific paper. Phelan Kle chose the Bone Plain as his theme, a subject of ongoing debate for nine centuries. Even in a school that prides itself on the spirit of true ancient art, this plain with its three trials, three treasures and three punishments has long been considered a myth. Phelan's research leads him to study the life of Nairn, the legendary Wandering Bard, the Unforgiven, who lived and worked during the founding of the School. But how are Phelan’s father and the mysterious harpist who came from the north connected to him? And what power can the best musicians of all lands awaken when they gather for a competition, the winner of which will be called the First Bard of the kingdom?