Map in hand, Fam and Ihrie go after the Proof of Royalty hidden in an ancient castle — running headlong into rival explorers Miguel and Rasha, and the thoroughly untrustworthy merchant Galuff. By the time the dust settles, they've learned the catch: the Ultimate Power takes three relics, not one.

On the road, Fam meets Prince Lyle and promptly falls for him. In a ruined city the party runs into Ruguduroll — a sorcerer their attacks simply cannot touch. Lyle then reveals what's driving him: this is the man who destroyed his kingdom.

Only someone whose wishes are free of self-interest can lay hands on the Sword of Sargus — and that turns out to be Fam. Then Ruguduroll strikes, making off with the relics they've gathered. In the chaos, one thread of hope surfaces: Ihrie's magic is the one thing that can wound him.

Magical records lay bare the tragedy in Ruguduroll's past — but there's no turning back now. The party storms his castle and finally brings him down, and Lyle sets out to rebuild the kingdom he lost.