Long ago, the gods forged Twelve Swords of Power and threw them on the gameboard of life to watch men scramble. But they had forged too well: the Swords could kill the gods themselves. Now, the gods gone, the Swords are scattered across the land, some held by those of good heart, and some by evildoers. One is held by Arnfinn, a country boy who knows nothing of Sightblinder’s power: to make the viewer see that which he most desires—or most fears. Sightblinder must be used, if Ben of Purkinje is to rescue Prince Mark from the hell in which he lies captive, prisoner of the horrifying ageless Ancient One.

Sightblinder, one of the ancient Twelve Swords of Power, is held by Arnfinn, a country boy who knows nothing of its power to make the viewer see what he most wants--or fears. But Sightblinder must be used if Ben of Purkinje is to rescue Prince Mark from the hell in which he lies captive, prisoner of the horrifying, ageless Ancient One.

Mark and Ben travel deep into the Blue Temple's hidden horde in an attempt to recover whatever gold and Swords they can for the forces of Sir Andrew. Gods, demons and human traitors have other plans for the Swords and for the adventurers. In the game of the gods, no one’s survival is secure, even a god’s.

 Now the great Mindsword is in play. Murat of Culm with the help of Coinspinner has located the Blade. Knowing Mindsword brings blind devotion to whoever wields it, Murat plans to keep the Sword sheathed until he can gift it to the beautiful Princess Kristin of Tasavalta to win her free affections and to make reparation for a grave past transgression. The power of the Sword and the intentions of the Murat’s son and advisors make for twists and turns in Murat’s once honorable plan. Prince Mark, consort of Kristin, having neglected of his home duties while in the service of his father, finds himself in a struggle for his wife, his kingdom and his loyal friend.

A new generation confronts the ages-old battle between magic and technology in this new chapter of Saberhagen's Empire of the East.

Jason and his fellow Argonauts rescue a man, severely injured in a battle with a giant, who knows only that his name is Proteus, unaware that Proteus is really one of the Olympian gods.