Selane, the hero of this tale, lives in the world of Nadra, where men live alongside the less populous races of flighty elves, men with the traits of beasts, and other magical beings.
One day an Lithra, an old enchanter, came to the inn, his traveling companion slain by robbers. Selane discovers who he is, and that he is looking for his treacherous pupil, Resca, who stole the very powerful enchanted sword that Lithra had created, and fled.
Lithra manages to convince Selane’s parents to bring him along in his quest. They travel southward, acquiring a saber and sling for Selane along the way. Thanks to one of Lithra’s spells, Selane is instantly granted a master knowledge of swordsmanship, although he must still practice to gain full use of it.
They cross the border into Toiau, but lose Resca’s trail. Lithra takes Selane to a Locus, a stone structure capable of projecting images to and from other Loci, as well as locating people. Lithra uses the Locus to find Resca is headed for sea.
After a brief encounter with some Marinians, they board the Tranquility, and set out after Resca. They ride through a storm, which does little to help Lithra’s seasickness, but find Resca has gained a significant lead.
Arriving in the Toiaun capital of Vriea, they find Resca had apparently fled northward, and quickly follow. Unfortunately, they are attacked by pirates during the voyage, and are almost overwhelmed. Lithra manages to stave off his seasickness long enough to initiate transcendency, a state where enchanters can manipulate massive amounts of energy. The pirates are quickly annihilated.
They land in northern Mithere, and follow Resca northward. Enlisting the help of the Avians, they follow Resca towards the north border. Lithra suspects Resca will attempt to lead the Karod, tribes of ferocious barbarians, in an invasion against the North Countries.
Resca sends Drakar to attack and slow his pursuers. They manage to drive them off, but lose several Avians in the process, and Lithra sustains an injury that slows him further. Selane pushes ahead in hopes of catching Resca before he can contact the Karod. He arrives in the small town, and finally comes face to face with the villain himself. He attempts to bluff his way out, and fails. Surprisingly, he manages to knock him out almost immediately. Lithra arrives shortly thereafter, and after a moment’s inspection, discover that this man is not Resca!
The double reveals that Resca has instead turned south some time ago, and is instead recruiting the Southern Tribes for an invasion. The Karod would have attacked from the north, and the North Countries would have fallen to a two-pronged assault. The northern invasion has been stopped, but the Southern Tribes still pose a serious threat.
Lithra uses his considerable prestige to call together the leaders of the North Countries, and after some debate, they finally agree to unite against this foe before it consumes them all. They lay plans to drive the invader’s fleet into a battlefield of their choosing, and prepare for war. In reward for their service, the King presents Lithra with some magical crystals, Selane with a strong shield, and both of them with Thundersteeds.
