Christa Lewis is chosen as the narrator of this first episode, the narrator has given a separate style to all the characters which were tough no doubt. It is basically the tone through which we are able to understand what type of character is present in front of us. Author Mercedes Lackey does not add too many characters in the novels because this tends to confuse the audience on most occasions.
Briarheart and The Robin and the Kestrel will make you more aware of the style that the author adopts in the novels. Talia was once nothing more than a runaway because she had no place to go then she met Rolan i.e a horse like being who chose Talia because of her powers. Rolan alone was able to understand what Talia has in her possession. Together the two got selected as the elite guard of the queen of Valdemar.
It was a good chance for Talia to rise in the ranks very quickly. Suddenly she is told about a conspiracy in the kingdom which can bring the entire rule of the queen down within no time. Talia knows that she alone can stand against the powers which have appeared in the kingdom.
There is dark magic that she has to face if she wants to save whatever she holds dear to her heart. The enemies are far greater in number and as a lone warrior, Talia has very few chances of success and survival. The fate of Valdemar lies in the hand of Talia and her trusted companion Rolan. Both of them have to use their full strength if they want to succeed on this occasion.