The story is set in a fantasy world that is ruthlessly governed by an evil wizard, Maeleccirik, also known as the Master of Fiends. Maeleccirik uses his sorcery to command an army of demons, and he delights in enslaving and torturing innocent creatures and people. The only opposition to Maeleccirik's rule comes from the good wizard Cryltaur Tabbetang, assisted by a handful of good spirits and four humans who possess special mental powers or Talents. These extraordinary humans are the heroes of Hill's story.

As the book opens we meet these four warriors: twelve-year-old Jarral, who possesses the power to summon forces of nature; young Mandra, a girl who can cloud the minds of others and alter perceptions; Scythe, physically blind, whose psychic vision makes him a swordsman without match; and Archer, a female giant who can move objects with her mind, and whose skill with the bow...