Welcome to Fountain Reach, the ancient seat of the Aubuchon dynasty. In this majestic setting of the White Stone Tournament, Alex Verus' (not entirely reliable) reputation attracts all sorts of personalities, most of whom are quite eccentric. However, there is one invitation he simply cannot refuse. At Fountain Reach, Alex is perfectly positioned to uncover why apprentices are disappearing among the known and the notorious. But the tournament is a minefield of old rivalries and new threats, and Alex cannot afford to miss a trick while his elusive adversary is always one step ahead of him in this most dangerous of games.