The story is set in the fictional Aleran Empire, made up of “crafters”, individuals who have control over the elements.
The main protagonist is a young girl called Amara, a trainee to become a member of the Cursori spies. Her mentor, Fidelias, betrays her and a watercrafter named Odiana. She makes contact with the head of the Cursori, First Lord of Alera, Gaius Sextus, who tells her to go to the city of Garrison.
The perspective then shifts to a young boy, known as Tavi, whose family have been attacked by Marat soldiers, enemies of the Aleran empire. When fighting, he sees Amara and the two come across the Princeps Memorial. Fidelias then arrives to capture Amara but she and Tavi manage to escape with a slave, Fade, before they split up.
Tavi and Fade are attacked by the slaver, Kord, the leader of Kordholt and are later captured by a Marat named Doroga. Amara continues to head to the Garrison where is once again confronted by Fidelias again. They engage in a fight and Fidelias runs away, stealing the Aquitaine's dagger.
In the end, Tavi is given a scholarship to join the Cursori and Amara becomes the Countess of the Garrison.
