Dragons rule the land and mankind hides underground. Only a brave few dare to cross the great outdoors - Surface Runners. Captain Targon of the Dragon Dodgers has Ran the Surface for far too many years. In the hope of becoming rich, he has dragged his men all the way across the continent. But the men are exhausted by the dangerous journey and some believe a change of leadership is required.

Aric and Fadan are half-brothers. Both sons of the Empress, but only one of them the son of the Emperor. A decade ago, Fadan's powerful father tore the Empire in two by outlawing the use and practice of magic. Forbidden from seeing each other, Aric and Fadan defy the Emperor and wander the vast Imperial Citadel until one night, they stumble upon an ancient Manual of Magic. They are faced with a choice: take the book straight to the Emperor or see if one of them has the forbidden magical Talent. Their world is turned upside down and the half-brothers find themselves swept away as tragedy and conspiracy separate them, sending each to either end of the Empire. In a world of dark mages, massive creatures, and vengeful gods, one will train as a Dragon Hunter while the other taps into magical powers that could spell his execution.