When his father the king dies, Prince Rouland's uncle Sewal accuses him of using magic to murder him. He has the palace wizard bind Rouland's magic then orders his execution, planning on taking over the throne as the heir apparent. However, Rouland manages to flee the city, only to be arrested for stealing bread from a baker's shop. With no magic, he must rely on his thieving skills and the aid of his familiar, Ebony, to escape the jail.

On the run, he finds a safe haven at Bernard's farm. He leaves when Bernard learns who he truly is, but only after Bernard suggests he find a powerful wizard to break the binding of his magic.

Soon after, Rouland meets Jarvis, a farmer's son who asks if he may join him in his travels. Rouland agrees and the pair begins to bond. He lets Jarvis know about his thieving skills, but not the truth of who he is -- until forced to in order to explain why he's searching for a wizard. Jarvis accepts it with no reservations as by then they have become more than merely friends.

The question becomes, can Rouland find a wizard willing to help him? If so, will Rouland be able to stop his uncle Sewal's coronation as the new king and take his rightful place as heir to the throne?