Racial warfare causes the collapse of civilization and a return to barbarism in America. Centuries later a man clad in buckskin explores the dense forests of the North Central States, discovering what is left of society and becoming involved in the rescue of a young girl kidnapped by a raiding band of horsemen from the South.

Led by their prophetess mother, twins Bowman and Kestrel travel with the Manth people to their promised land, struggling along the way Bowman with desire, and Kestrel with the troubling realization that she cannot foresee life beyond this journey.

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...

When Emperor Surabar is assassinated, Shalidar makes plans to put Lord Tremarle on the throne, in return for being appointed his heir. The remaining lords have other plans, however, and the city descends into anarchy. Femke and Reynik go into hiding with the Emperor designate, Lord Kempten. But for Kempten to take over, he must destroy the master stone - a stone which is kept in the heavily-guarded palace. As gladiators face up to assassins, can Femke come up with a plan to get them into the...