At the conclusion to THE ELENIUM, the company of Pandion Knights led by Sir Sparhawk, having freed Queen Ehlana of Elenia from the spell which threatened her life, had marched on Zemoch, routed their enemies, and defeated or destroyed the evil God Azash. Sparhawk returned to Elenia, where he and Ehlana were married.

But their peaceful reign is destined to not to last long. A few years later, in the Tamul Empire, far to the east, unrest is brewing which threatens the nation's stability. Investigations show that the troublel is clearly of paranormal origin, and suspicion at first falls upon the Styrics. These suspicions prove unfounded, and indeed it is the pre-eminant Styric magician Zalasta who suggested that the Empire look westwards for assistance in solving their problems . . . specifically to the legendary warrior Sparhawk.