After the spectacular victory at Kortag, Thandor appears safe. Bek and Jez, however, are imprisoned and in grave danger. Forced to fight in the deadly arena where all who face them are enemies, they make plans for their escape... but to escape, they must first survive.

Perdimonn, Warder of the Earth Key, also faces a perilous road. The powerful Magician, Selkor, having restored Darkweaver's amulet, is now attempting to gather the Keys of Power. Perdimonn must risk everything to stop Selkor and avert disaster.

For Perdimonn a dangerous race... and for Bek, the deadly contest to prove that he is still... First Sword.