The story combines science fiction with fantasy, technology with witchcraft, in a way typical of Norton's works.

Shann moves across country with the wolverines and sees a downed scoutship explode and destroy a Throg flying disc.

Thorvald displays a coin-like disc that suddenly puts him into a trance and takes control of his mind.

He sets a trap, hoping to catch his telepathic assailant, and soon finds a small dragon-like humanoid caught in it.

Before the Throgs can begin torturing Shann to death, Thorvald and the Wyverns envelop them in a fog that realizes their worst fears and kills them.

After his wounds have healed, Shann discovers that he and Thorvald are to form the core of an embassy established on Warlock to maintain contact with the Wyverns.

Shann's victory over the beetle-like Throg and his civilized alliance with the women is told here with that sweep of imagination and brilliance of detail which render Andre Norton a primary talent among writers of science fiction.