The world is young, so much so that the Southlands have yet to be united as a country or even to be ruled under a single power. This young land is known for the gift of magic and the few mages who wield its power. In the shadows of this land exist mysterious, phantom-like creatures known simply as the darkborn. They are believed to be linked to ill intent and corruption and, in one of the many small villages of this land, two boys, as different as night and day, are born.

At the start of their seventh year, a seer looks into their futures and predicts that one boy will grow into...