Kendor was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Twice cursed and pursued by a powerful magician, his search for a means to free himself from his curses and free the slave girl who laid one bane upon him, leads him into Falook's city. Internal strife, impending invasion and enemies made whilst acting as policeman and executioner in the services of a mad king are causes for concern. His time is not his own what with running an apothecary while training a courtesan and recruiting an army. To add to his problems he must indulge in a little murder daily. As if these were not enough to contend with, someone has brought a daemon to the city.