Irilik and Tedak, a young priest and his servant witness destruction of all they have known.

The princesses Elianin and Calanin face marriage to a middle-aged pawn of evil.

Balchad builds a city to his glory and falls to the lure of a spy.

Brother and sister, Saaden and Virda begin a revolution.

Taleek and Janak, rebel leaders.

Lamath, a pirate loves Belnian, a princess sold as a slave.

Kumnor and Tarsha lead a clan of roving cattle herders.

Algun, head of the rebels accepts the role of 'God-King' from the wizard priest, Malgrod.

Tagnet and Falga, sons of Algun become rivals in Okishdu.