The story takes place 500 years after the death of Thallo of Angkhor. In Angkhor, the young king Xerakis rules. His half-brother Malios tries to murder him with his father. However, they are exposed. Malios has fled to the Jiund Swamps, where he is captured by the lizards and is to serve as a human sacrifice to their god Karandhar.
At the same time, Xerakis has wild dreams about Karandhar and a bleak future. He consults a good friend who guards a magical passage, at the far end of which is the seat of Sorva-Gatok, the mightiest of the Mighty. Xerakis goes to ask him for help. During Xerakis's absence in Angkhor, preparations are underway for an attack by the lizard army. Kerandhar is freed and wants nothing more than to return the lizards to rule the world. The war campaign begins…