It is rumored that through Bland a fugitive magician or priest can reach Cleria or Parinia, and get shelter, shelter and work there. Risanriel and her mentor, Master Nagal, are the latest archivists and keepers of the Academy's relics. They, risking their lives, take an ancient artifact sword from the burning capital of the Sharin Principality to the north. Looking for shelter and shelter from Quatt's envoys scouring around, they rent rooms from a respected couple in the city - in the house of an accountant and his clerk wife.