Martil and the Rallorans are trying to gain control of the north for the rebel queen, Merren. But the people are turning against them because bards are painting them as murderous barbarians. Martil wins a key battle but the usurper, Count Gello, escapes to Berellia with the remnants of his supporters. With his new allies and their fearpriests, he prepares a massive invasion of Norstalos. Desperate, Merren comes up with what may be the only solution - to get the goblins on her side. But this race of primitive men have been vilified and persecuted for centuries and are suspicious of the queen and her companions. Then a dragon and its elf rider arrive, demanding that Martil, the Dragon Sword wielder, accompany them to their homeland...