Ash isn't the Chosen One — he isn’t even supposed to learn the Song. And he’s certainly no hero — he’s just a kitchen slave. But when the Malshorne appears in Mildaresh, everything changes. First Ash gets caught up in the mysterious quest, then an awful series of events leaves him no choice but to act. He’s terrified, but he’s made an oath, and he can’t abandon his spirited friend Kep to her dreadful fate. Together, the teenagers flee Mildaresh. But can they really outrun the most ruthless tracker in the city, with his orders to kill? Haunted by the Song, and strange visions of the past, the unlikely friends are swept into a world of peril and adventure. Wild beasts and bounty hunters are the least of their troubles as ancient history collides with the present, revealing fearful secrets. What strange destiny lies in wait as they journey onwards? And what is the mystery of the Taelstone? An exciting debut novel from a fresh voice in the fantasy genre, this heartwarming story is sure to delight. With engaging characters and interesting themes, this ripping adventure is full of mystery, twists and surprising revelations.