Mags, a telepathic herald, comes under suspicion by foreign operatives, prompting him to investigate who his parents really were and what his connection is to these mysterious spies, so that he can prove his loyalty to the king before he is banished as atraitor.

"In the thrilling third volume of the epic Collegium Chronicles, orphaned Magpie pursues his quest for his parents' identity with burning urgency while being trained by the King's Own Herald as an undercover agent for Valdemar. Shy Bardic Trainee Lena has to face her famous but uncaring father, one of Valdemar's most renowned Bards. And Healing Trainee Bear must struggle against his disapproving parents, who are pressuring him to quit. Each of the...

"Mags returns to the Collegium, but there are mixed feelings--his included--about his remaining there. No one doubts that he is and should be a Herald, but Mags is afraid that his presence might incite more danger in the heart of Valdemar. The heads of the Collegia are afraid that coming back to his known haunt gives him less protection than if he goes into hiding. All agree that going elsewhere is the solution for now. So why not return to the place...