Before Queen Ehlana took a hand in educating him, the Tamul Emperor was a mere puppet ruler. His vast territories were prey to insurection; Sparhawk and the giant Atans crushed one such rebellion within the gates of the pearl-bright Tamul capital Matherion. But yet greater turmoil threatens Sarabian as Trolls, Cyrgai, vampires, zombies, ghouls and Ogres form a vast conspiracy to take over the Empire. Most disturbing of all are reported sightings of Shining Ones amongst the hordes. These luminous beings inspire more fear than the rest combined.

There are secret and divine masterminds behind the conspiracy against Sarabian, and he must emulate Ehlana's ruthless statesmanship - one of the qualities Sparhawk admires in his wife - if he is to hold together the centre of his Empire. Sparhawk is fully occupied on the feild of battle, where he commands once more the awful power of the Bhelliom. The enemies of the Empire know that possession of the jewel makes Sparhawk as dangerous as any god. But while Sparhawk defends the far-flung Tamul Empire, he cannot protect his beautiful Queen . . .