Apprentice magician Talisman Morning has always been lucky. It's a problem. Talis knows his luck is a magical talent -- but he can't control it. And good luck for him can mean bad luck for other people, and a lot of trouble. He's beginning to wonder whether he belongs with the magicians at all, or whether he should give up and run away ... until he meets a royal guard who asks for his help. King's guard Jeryn de Machaut could use a magician...