The school’s reputation is in tatters after the events of the previous year. If the tournament goes wrong, there might not be a school for anyone to return to at the end of the year.
By competing in the tournament, Nyine and her half-trained students can help save the school. If her students don’t compete, Nyine may lose the position she fought so hard for. But her students don’t know what they’re doing and if they push too hard, they may get hurt.
Trial by Magic is a sequel and is best read after Teaching Magic.