When Rahl, an apprentice scrivener on Recluse, begins using order magic for his own benefit, his abilities attract the attention of the Council magisters, and he is banished to Hamor, where his magical training continues under perilous circumstances.

As the Alector civilization plans to abandon Corus for a rich new world, the planet Corus will be cut off from the civilizing government of the Alectors and used for a dumping ground for malcontents, despite the efforts of honest Alectors.