The main characters are the three sons of Prince of Krondor Arutha ConDoin, Borric, Erland, and Nicholas.

However, following The King's Buccaneer Feist changed publishers, and his new editors wanted a brand-new series rather than a continuation of the old one.

This novel is about Borric and Erland conDoin's journey to the Empire of Great Kesh and their personal growth.

When Borric is captured and hears of the plot to kill them both, he escapes and travels back to the court to warn everyone of the traitors' plans.

However, this is more than a simple pirate raid with the cutthroats serving a dark force threatening to end the entire world of Midkemia, something which Nicholas must confront.