However, Kalvan is in double-jeopardy: first, his technological knowledge (the secret of gunpowder formula) and his defense of the small Princedom of Hostigos, quickly make him enemies of Styphon's House (the tyrannical theocracy that controls the Fireseed Mystery and most of the gold in the Five Kingdoms) and his overlord, Great King Kaiphranos of Hos-Harphax. In addition, his advanced knowledge and familiarity with higher technology make him a possible threat to the Paratime Police, who have as their prime directive: Protect the secret of Paratemporal transposition.

Now, it's up to Lord Kalvan to save the people of Hostigos, including their lovely Princess, Rylla, without unwittingly stumbling on to the threat to the Paratime Secret. While Paratime Police Chief Verkan Vall must balance his own admiration of Kalvan's growing success with the possibility Kalvan may uncover the one inviolate secret and thus be terminated.

The end result: a classic adventure that has pleased blood-and-thunder fans, alternate history enthusiasts, military history devotees and readers who just love a great story.