Chapter 1

In which the wizard lures the battle-weary warrior into joining
his latest 'enterprise', and the warrior hears disquieting news.

Chapter 2

In which Valarien leads a merry dance.
Kai, exasperated, drops a clanger and gets a lesson in magic.

Chapter 3

In which a trap is sprung giving Valarien much to think about,
and Kai finds himself in mortal danger.

Chapter 4

In which Kai discovers that magic is not a predictable science, and the
activities of the Saghan’ îl cause concern for the town and people of Laurenna

Chapter5

In which storm clouds are gathering around Laurenna and
Valarien learns that Kai is not entirely predictable either

Chapter 6

In which Kai joins the enemy,
and finds himself in a tricky situation . . .

Chapter 7

In which Valarien and Scipius Magnus marshal resources
for the defence of Laurenna.

Chapter 8

In which Kai turns the tables and finds an ally,
then finds that the tables have turned back again.

Chapter 9

In which Valarien finds a glitch—
or vice versa . . .

Chapter 10

In which Kai is called to account
and issues a reckless challenge

Chapter 11

In which Valarien finds himself in very uncomfortable quarters
between a rack and a hard case.

Chapter 12

In which Kai gives the dwarves something to think about,
but finds their thought processes agonizingly slow

Chapter 13

In which Valarien discovers that the games people play
can be both painful and pleasant

Chapter 14

In which Leon takes the initiative
and Junak gets things moving

Chapter 15

In which Valarien discovers a new kind of magic
and becomes an enthusiastic apprentice.

Chapter 16

In which the reader learns more about Istvan and his Eyrie.
A tale of base treachery is told and plans are made.

Chapter 17

Which tells of success for some
—and disaster for others.

Chapter 18

In which fear takes on an added dimension
and time is of the essence

Chapter 19

In which desperate afflictions require desperate remedies
and Valarien contemplates the hand of Fate.

Chapter 20

In which Ewan tells his tale
and his listeners hear of an old acquaintance

Chapter 21

In which Ewan adds another piece to the puzzle,
Kai has a shock and Valarien is not impressed

Chapter 22

In which Valarien acquires a new skill
and plotsand counter-plots are made.

Chapter 23

In which Kai receives some worrying news
and acquires two new accomplices.

Chapter 24

In which the pickled pair find themselves in a pickle
as Vash'târik gains the upper hand

Chapter 25

In which Valarien rings a peal over the two revellers
and Kai learns that a temple is not the best place for armed combat

Chapter 26

In which the townsfolk look forward to a bonfire party
and Kai's history is revealed

Chapter 27

In which Kai hears the worst,
and Valarien turns pugilist

Chapter 28

In which consumer satisfaction is sadly lacking
and the enemy has a set-back

Chapter 29

In which Ewan recalls uncomfortable memories
and Leon finds a playmate.

Chapter 30

In which Leon's luck is running out
and Valarien makes a desperate decision

Chapter 31

In which Valarien takes possession
and storm clouds gather

Chapter 32

In which Valarien misses the fun
and local intelligence warns of ‘ King ' Erik Bloodaxe

Chapter 33

In which King Erik extends his hospitality
and a tale grows with the telling

Chapter 34

Which tells of the aftermath of the visit to Eriksheim

Chapter 35

Which introduces another of Valarien's chosen ones.
The new arrival has a cunning plan which Kai does not fully appreciate

Chapter 36

In which Kai acquires a bodyguard
and reaches the curtain wall of Gyldenburg

Chapter 37

In which Ewan and Stoddard get to the heart of things
and gather some interesting and useful information

Chapter 38

In which Ewan is over-confident
and things go from bad to worse

Chapter 39

In which Omanisa leads the dance
and Kai leads the search

Chapter 40

In which Kai confronts his own demons in his quest for Hell
and discovers that its torments are different from his expectations

Chapter 41

In which Kai finds that the pains of Hell have multiplied
and then increased by two.

Chapter 42

In which opportunity knocks for Valarien
and Kai essays a rescue.

Chapter 43

In which Omanisa tidies up
and rejoicing is put on hold

Chapter 44

In which Kai reaches the end of his tether
and the natives are getting restless

Chapter 45

In which the companions discover that
not all the loose ends have been tied up...

Map
of the
Known World

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Map
of the
Eastern World

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Map
of the
Western World

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for full size map