Instrument Arcanae: powerful, sentient musical instruments, embodied with the souls of fallen gods and demons. They must be bonded with a skilled musician to wield their magic. Those chosen must be strong of will to resist the power of the Instruments. There has not been a bonding between bard and Instrument Arcanae in over a generation. This year there are two: Cochlon Baughn, the outcast part Eleondarie niece of abusive Master Bard Cadfairn, and her cousin, the ambitious Journeyman Bard Emrick Baughn. Called by the seductive voice of the Harp of the Moon, Cochlon steals the harp and flees. Emrick, chosen by the bloodthirsty Black Flute, sets out to capture Cochlon and the harp and bring them back to Brendonwyr Hall. Chased by bandits and madmen, manipulated by the powerful seeking to use their power, Cochlon and Emrick must learn control the wild power of the Instruments to survive.