When young Alvar Alvarson is evicted from his farm for non-payment of taxes, he sets out to make his own way in the world. Charged by the sinister old enchanter Doctor Meliboe with delivering a message to a secret band of conspirators, he finds himself caught up in a plot against the ruling military caste. His life becomes a whirlwind of action, colour and conflict as he first falls for the passionate girl-soldier, Evadne, and then is forced to head up a desperate rebellion against the country's rulers. Colourful characters and swashbuckling adventures abound as Alvar makes his way from adolescence to manhood.