[1] The book starts with an unnamed black cat investigating the run-down former living quarters of the wizard Merlin of Arthurian legend with the implied intent of trying to find something worth stealing.
In his final act, Merlin transforms Nimue into the water of a nearby lake, close to the cave where he remains trapped.
They are fated to be confined, yet in proximity, until 'the seeker' (the reader) solves 'the spell' (the puzzle's solution), thereby summoning the wand as the ultimate reward.
In keeping with earlier armchair treasure hunt books, such as Masquerade, the plot bears no relevance to the solution.
The borders contain objects that make up the solution including Latin names for plants, chemical elements, and symbols indicating direction and movement.
The book also includes images of a variety of landmarks, and of English culture such as Beefeaters, Town criers and Toby Jugs.
[5] Along with a prize of either £75,000 or $125,000 (which were then equal under the exchange rate), the winner would have been awarded a thirty-six inch long wand, the head of which was made from ancient gold-threaded Brazilian crystal set into silver with a gilded staff representing a branch from the tree of life.