For twenty years, the world of Eorthe has enjoyed peace, after the destruction of the powerful, undead sorcerer Uhr. For twenty years, Uhr's destroyer, Eric Corbin has raised his family, cultivated his powers, and guided the contentious, distrustful Four Lands toward peace and cooperation. And for twenty years, Uhr has plotted his return. And with him he will bring the unstoppable force of a forgotten civilization of warriors to ravage the Four Lands and bring them once again under his dominion. This time, he's coming for the children.

Eric Corbin, a deep space explorer, finds himself marooned on an unknown planet, along with his friend Angus MacTavish. The planet is home to medieval human society, four countries played against each other by the thousand-year-old sorcerer named Uhr. Taken prisoner, Eric and Angus soon discover that they are pawns in a thousand-year-old struggle. Surrounded by the mysterious Eagle Knights, the deadly Red Priests, and the rebellious Lord Valerion, Eric and Angus have no idea whom to trust. And all, it seems, are pawns in Uhr's deadly game.