A young graduate of the Talador Magic School was sent as a combat magician to the Dalniy Rog fortress to practice. But the tests take place in combat conditions: there is a war, and the hero will have to meet in battle with those who significantly surpass him in terms of training. The ring of enemies around the fort is inexorably shrinking, and the magician has to solve complex problems, and at the same time try to build some kind of personal life. But whether love and war are compatible is the question. Especially at a time when probable death is at arm's length.