When the god of healing gave River the Gift, she didn't realize that the direction of her life would be at his whim for all the rest of her days. Living and learning in the temple of Bhanur was all that River had known for most of her young life. She dreamed of becoming a Hand, healing everyone who came to the temple, but soon discovered it wasn't going to be that simple. A great upheaval scattered Hands and pupils all over the face of Haroon. River had to contend with lethal accidents, powerful mages and truculent tutors in her journey to understanding the hidden dangers in the magic. When a major catastrophe tests them brutally, she struggles to stay within her own limits as crowds of victims descend upon the temple. Her Gift can heal those who need it, but her own life lies in the hands of the god.