Enter the world of Tékumel, where the planes of existence are easily crossed and the skeins of fate twist and turn. Hársan, linguist and priest of the god of wisdom, is sent on a diplomatic mission beyond the frontiers of the Empire of the Petal Throne. He and his companions are caught in a skirmish with ferocious foes, both human and alien, and flee in an ancient underground tubeway car in order to save a spoiled and petulant N'lüss princess. Arriving in distant Ghatón, they discover a plan that could change the very future of Tékumel. And this is only the beginning of their adventures...