Leda, a fire Elemental, has been charged with finding a dangerous alchemist's bible. The trail is cold and her only lead is a plainfolk savage who hates all magical beings.Greyhawke Tams would sooner stay in jail than help a fire mage. But when he discovers the thief who stole the grimoire might also control his future, he joins Leda in a prickly alliance that leads them to the truth about the Earth that was, and a thousand year old secret on how the Elemental mages were born.