"The council has decided," the old man finally said. "Young Marco, you are forbidden to take the title of teller. You are forbidden to use a sen-name. You are forbidden to tell the stories. And you are forbidden to speak to anyone of your dreams. Do you understand?" What happens when the future you have prepared for your entire life is suddenly gone? You join the army, of course. Marco took that one step further, however, and joined the army that invaded his village. As his skill with both weapons and magic grew, so too did his regret. Ultimately, his concern for what a girl thinks of him leads to his next questionable decision, deserting the army. Pursued by soldiers, he follows a cryptic dream, looking for a hero who can't possibly be alive still, to help him confront the most powerful wizard in the land.