Ruh is set to be sacrificed in a grisly ritual meant to earn the favor of Balcifer. Dar, Tao and Dartanus must rescue him. Soothsayer Callista, King Zad's plotting, seductive and manipulative sister, seduces Zad's most loyal man.
Dar sneaks into Xinca to rescue a very special horse, despite a fortune-teller's warning that this will lead to Dar's death at the point of his own sword.