The sudden appearance of a strange and frightening statue foretells darkness. The Hierophants--magic users of the highest order--have fled the land. And the shadowy beasts of the nearby Hinterlands are gathering near the borders, preparing for an attack. Young Prince Alphonsus is sent by his mother, the Empress Sabine, to reassure the people while she works to quell the threat of war. But Alphonsus has other problems on his mind, including a great secret: He has a clock in his chest where his heart should be--and it's begun to run backwards, counting down to his unknown fate.