 The wizards are gathering, plotting against the reign of King Erius, who possesses the Sword of Gherilain, a symbol of the ruler of Skala, which no King or Queen can rule without.Tobin begins to attract attention form the other boys, with his refusals to join them in the brothels and his stunted growth.However, he proves himself in battle against brigands, rallying the Companions to him, while Prince Korin freezes in the heat of battle.