Familiars. Magical animal companions of sorcerers. Keepers of spells and secrets, guardians and watchers. Most important, devoted friends who bond with their mages for life. When one such familiar, Mellypip, is bonded to the young sorceress, Runa, he experiences the wonders of magical life. Together, Mellypip and his sorceress train under the tutelage of Runa's grandfather, Cathal, and his familiar, the magnificent mountain owl, Belwyn. Life seems peaceful, but they soon learn that secrets and sorcery do not mix, and a darkness from Cathal's past returns, threatening to reveal the truth about Runa's parents: a truth from which Cathal has strove to protect the young sorceress. When the unthinkable happens, Runa and Mellypip are thrust into a world of violence and intrigue. With the help of their trusted friends, they set out to stop those that mean their family harm. ...But time is running out. Runa and Mellypip must discover who is behind these events and stop them before the Gate of Souls is opened, and the demonic minions of The Otherworld overrun the mortal realms.