For Prince Saxthor, his loyal friend Bodrin, and their mentor, wizard Tournak, the time is right to return from exile. Wizard Memlatec, warns them it's still too dangerous to return home. First, he explains, they must undertake an even more perilous journey to retrieve the hidden power crystals and restore the mystical Crown of Yensupov. Putting aside his desire to see his family once again, Saxthor takes on the new quest for the sake of his kingdom. His companions insist on coming along to protect him. The journey is fraught with hazards. They must travel a long exposed way undetected, under the very eyes of the Dark Lord of Dreaddrac. What new challenges will they encounter? Will all they meet wish them well or attempt to destroy them? Witch Earwig too, discovers they are back and vulnerable. Her madness intensifies, as does her determination to destroy the royal family. Will she succeed or will her rage continue to trip her up?