The novel is a direct sequel to Turner's 1997 Newbery honor book The Thief. In that book, Eugenides is rescued from the King of Sounis's prison by his magus, who needs his talents as a thief on a quest for the Hamiathes Gift, a magically-charged stone.

After many adventures, including detainment by the Queen of Attolia, Eugenides surprises his own queen by bringing her the stone.