The once-immortal Elminster Aumar faces old age and old enemies in this epic first installment in the Sage of Shadowdale series   The great mage Elminster is now an old man, surrounded by enemies and dreaming of the noble adventures of his youth. Once a wizard more powerful than any other—immortal, and beloved of the goddess of magic—Elminster’s world was torn asunder by the murder of Mystra and the mayhem of enchantments her death triggered throughout the realms.   Weary, weakened, and with little magical ability, Elminster and his lover, Simbul, are in grave danger: he, from his many enemies and she, from her own insatiable need to consume magical items—or lose lucidity forever. Unfortunately, their ever-growing and increasingly risky collection has the power to lead Elminster’s enemies right to his door.