Once, the Deryni had ruled the Gwynedd, but their abuses led to their overthrow by the humans, thanks to the aid of Saint Camber of Culdi, a Deryni himself. For centuries since then, the Deryni have been outcast–their supra-normal powers of mind-reading and magic outlawed by the Church, and their race anathema. But now, with the assassination of King Brion, there are Deryni who hope to see their kind regain the throne and restore the tyranny they once enjoyed. hey are led by Charissa, a Deryni sorceress of tremendous powers, overweening ambition and deadly ruthlessness. Only one man stands between her and the throne. Duke Alaric Morgan, Adviser to the King, and a Deryni sworn to bring King Brion's young heir Kelson to his rightful coronation. In a maelstrom of intrigue and brewing war, as Charissa conspires on one side and anti-Deryni Church factions threaten from the other, Morgan must help the young Kelson gain–and keep–his throne...and prepare for the climactic battle by magic that will ultimately determine the fate of the kingdom.