"The competition to become the new city Representative-a magician who serves the magistration and protects the people from monstrous husks-is fierce. Eight young apprentices and their animal familiars are vying for the role, while behind the scenes, corrupt officials work to ensure their favored contestants make it to the next round. Lucy Marlowe wants the job more than anything. A win would show their master that they aren't a worthless waste of effort. But being Representative isn't all it's cracked up to be!"-- Provided by publisher.