Queen Ariane, Longswordsman Corin an Fol and friends, having narrowly sprung the trap in Crenna, sail south in pursuit of the lost prince, Tarin, and missing fragments of the crystal crown - the Tekara. Zallerak, a mysterious Warlock/bard, has joined their cause, informing them that Tarin is bound for the Permio Deserts, to seek the blind Smith-God who will re-forge the crown to redress his earlier crimes. Corin doesn't trust Zallerak although the bard's trickery has helped them twice. Despite Corin's misgivings, Ariane believes their only hope now lies in taking the bard's advice, and...