Having graduated from the Academy of High Sorcery in the “Necromancy” course, the tawny owl Fess sets off on a journey to carry out his direct duties—to put restless cemeteries to rest. Difficulties and dangers only grow along his path, and the choice between Light and Darkness becomes harder and harder. Fess has to fight not only against dark forces threatening all living things, but also constantly encounter the Inquisition in the person of a fanatical preacher—Father Etlau. The half-elfess, the novice of the Temple of Swords Rys, an orc, and a gnome accompany Fess to Narn, the abode of the Dark Elves. And soon the necromancer learns what pride leads to—and why you can’t make irresponsible decisions toward friends, comrades, and fellows.