Hatched from an egg but unable to shift into dragon form, Jathen is a Moot among the Tazu. His rightful throne is forbidden him because of his transformative handicap, and neither his culture nor his religion offer acceptance of his perceived flaws....

Bit by bit, stone by stone, Jathen is building a foundation on which will stand his mastery of his rare ability. If he can survive a few lumps from his teacher. As Jathen gains more confidence and skill, things seem to be going his way, except for a still-looming prophecy of doom....

After a spell that went awry and the unexpected rescue of the notorious A'ron De'contes, Jathen finally has the answer to the question that has plagued him since his friends’ deaths: He is a Negater, one of the rarest, most precious of nontraditional Talents....

Wounded and alone, Jathen desperately tries to make his way back home to the Tazu Nation. His path is treacherous, as he is pursued by the traitorous Mikkal and the mysterious Sister. However, a Grand Artifact has chosen him as its guardian; it may have other plans for the wayward moot....