When King Jekoniah of Xandria is kidnapped by evil Grishnaki, the royal family searches for a way to save him. The desired ransom is impossible, and an outright war on the Grishnaki would end in disaster, so Prince Kiriath undertakes a secret mission into the Grishnaki's valley. Strange creatures, roaming bands of Grishnaki, and a stretch of desolate land called the Deserted Kingdom slow the prince's progress. As the ransom deadline approaches, Kiriath begins to wonder if he will reach his father in time. - Back cover.