Ryne is the youngest member of the dark monks; a supernatural brotherhood whose ultimate mission is to improve the dire circumstances of poor, war-torn villages using powers unique to each member. Or so he was led to believe. Ryne's only trait that he shares with his brothers is his eternal youth. He cannot charm or compel like Woodrow, he cannot cast illusions like Knox, he isn't swift like Swithin, not powerful like Blake. He is barely an assistant to his rapid-healing, dear brother Wilbur, with his herbology and alchemy. He was told to make himself scarce.

That is what he did. Centuries of silence. Watching as his dark brothers help raise decrepit, starving hamlets into modest villages, into clean towns, then to prosperous cities. All using their gifts.

Until one night when Ryne discovers that their mission was a cover for something bloody and sinister.