For six years now, Rice-Michael has been sitting on the throne of Gwynnedd, a puppet in the hands of all-powerful advisers. Realizing his powerlessness, the king waits for the slightest opportunity for liberation. This chance is given to him at a difficult moment for the country. From neighboring Torent, an army of supporters of Mark Festil, the son of Imre, who was overthrown more than 20 years ago, invades Gwynnedd. Only King Haldane himself, who is rumored to have mysterious power, can fight the Deryni prince, and the advisers, unknowingly, are forced to give Rice-Michael the opportunity to gain real power...