For a thousand years the mages of the Empire have flourished through sorcery. But an ancient spell forged by the semi-divine simurgh is draining magic from the world. They call it the Ban. And the Emperor dares not defy the simurgh. The decision might not be the Emperor's for long. Powerful lords in distant lands are taking preserving sorcery into their own hands. One particular sailor, Akai, is thrilled to help a lord on just...