Something dark is moving in distant nations, and ancient powers ready themselves for a final confrontation. A Dark Queen has raised a standard in remote lands and is gathering armies of unmatched might. Into this battleground of good and evil come a band of 'desperate men' who will embark on a quest that is at best dangerous and at worst suicidal. Among them is Nakor the Isalani, a gambler who knows more magic than most magicians, yet who claims magic doesn't exist. He alone knows the true nature of the Dark Queen whose shadow threatens to engulf their world. And travelling with the group is the mysterious Miranda upon whom all must wager their lives. She appears to be an ally but knows much more than she is willing to tell. Does she have a hidden agenda of her own And will she prove ally or even more deadly foe when the final confrontation is at hand