[1][2] In its expanded form, it was first published in Fantastic Science Fiction magazine in two parts, as "The White Isle" and "The Magician's Daughter," in v. 27, no.

Losing his wife in childbirth, the prince studies magic and heroically undertakes a descent into the underworld to reclaim her from the god of death.

He finds it a strange and terrible place, and the afterlife a thing of unremitting horror, with every human being condemned to everlasting torment regardless of their conduct in life.

Maddened and embittered by the failure of his quest, Evnos retires to a rocky island with his daughter to eke out his declining years.

She notes that the "misery is somewhat alleviated by some wonderful imagery, especially when Prince Evnos is in the underworld," reminding her "of Tanith Lee's FLAT EARTH books."