Earth's twin is the barbarian planet Horus, ruled by the reigning priests.

Tarl Cabot - an earthling, a confidant of the lords of Horus, is sent on a secret mission to Port Kar - the capital of pirates, a city where scoundrels from the entire planet.

Eleanor Brinton is a rich slacker from New York, kidnapped and brought to Gore for an unknown purpose by powerful enemies of the reigning priests.

Inevitably, the paths of Turl Cabot and Eleanor Brinton must cross... The result of this meeting is unpredictable...