Altherat is a mage at Goddrick's command, a vicious, sadistic king who does not hesitate to kill or have killed whoever he sees fit. Altherat must obey him and serve his most insane purposes. He finds comfort only in the arms of his beloved deceased but has risen in secret. When the king starts to covet the other kingdoms of Yrlanie, Altherat is concerned. And when, at a banquet organized by Goddrick, King Erik and his mage die poisoned, the anxiety passes to disarray because the poison used is that of Altherat. An investigation begins...