Suldrun, daughter of King Casmir of Lyonesse, is a pensive girl who discovers and spends much time in a secluded old garden in the palace grounds as to avoid the more unpleasant obligations of a princess.

When Casmir arranges her marriage to Duke Faude Carfilhiot, she resists, and her father confines her to the garden as punishment.

Princes Aillas and Trewan of Troicinet are sent on a sea voyage to visit the various kingdoms of the Elder Isles to gain experience with statecraft.

Shimrod can not act directly against Carfilhiot to rescue Glyneth and Dhrun, because that would constitute advocating for Aillas in a political matter and thereby violate an edict of Murgen, the master magician.

The siege is eventually successful, Dhrun and Glyneth are rescued, and Carfilhiot is hanged as a traitor to his king.

Aillas, now King of Troicinet, Dascinet and South Ulfland, and his son Dhrun, make a diplomatic visit to Lyonesse.

"[1] Dave Langford reviewed Lyonesse for White Dwarf #56, and stated that "Though it has its moments [...] these are diluted by merely adequate passages, as though Vance needs to hoard his strength for this marathon.