Peter Spandeau is destined to inherit the Havlan kingdom on the planet Travan, a rich mining colony. However, he makes his appearance as a pawn in a game of conquest.Taban, the Sa Hatas high master, stood at the large window gazing at the nearby Patwa volcano. His plain indigo robe cast a shadow that stretched to the feet of his Tepesian host. He considered Dr. Ismon's question and a thousand possible replies. "The future of the young man is uncertain," Taban hedged, shifting his gaze to the Sesovan desert."Sa Hatas boast of being able to discern the future. Could it be you are a fake? Do you think I would hesitate to destroy the woman you have come here to save?"Taban spun around, enraged. "I did not come here; you came to our sacred mountain hoping to blackmail the people of Havla. You have no right to hold her against her will! You have no right to threaten her this way!"