In this volume Pug must help overthrow the leader of the Dasati, the Te-Karana, help install a new leader, and help prevent the Dark god of the Dasati from entering the First Circle of Reality. However, the battle for Kelewan is futile, since men are not a match for the Dasati Death Knights and the foul magic consuming Kelewan as the Dark God enters the First Circle. Only a remnant of the mighty Tsurani Empire survives on a new world found by Pug. Here we find also about the mystery of Nakor and his true purpose.