Given the chance to train as a squire kitchen servant Achan Cham hopes to pull himself out of his pitiful life and become a Kingsguard Knight. When Achan's owner learns of his training he forces Achan to spar with the Crown Prince--more of a death sentence than an honor. Meanwhile strange voices in Achan's head cause him to fear he's going mad. While escorting the prince to a council presentation their convoy is attacked. Achan is wounded and arrested but escapes from prison--only to discover a secret about himself he never believed possible.
