Talia Winterlaus wishes nothing more than to control her own destiny. She longs to serve her people to a greater extent than a politically advantageous marriage. After all, she was the first born, leaving the womb minutes before her brother. She dependably studies and trains harder than her lame excuse for a twin. Tanin Winterlaus is tired of the king, their father, showering Talia with his affection and praise. Tanin is the heir apparent. He deserves to wear the crown and rule the people without having to play second fiddle to his sister. He can't wait until she is wed and out of his hair for good. Their feud comes to a head when Talia is given the chance to participate in the Forging Quest alongside Tanin. They must search the continent in a year long journey to find five jewels lost from the Tarbin crown. In the end, the newly bejeweled crown and the proper blood will choose who wins the title True Heir. A title that means more than either imagined.