The King of Ayr has died before naming an heir, leaving behind the Renne and Wills families as possible successors. Yet these families are not the only competitors for the throne; there are others, noble and sorcerer alike, who prefer the realm divided, using the years of strife to mask their own growing greed for power. But when the turmoil wakes the dark river spirits, all must somehow band together before there is nothing left of their kingdom.