Alan Morgan, Earthman, swordsman, adventurer extraordinary, finds his most amazing challenge on Llarn, distant world of a far red star. Among the ruins of fabulous cities and fallen empires, Alan Morgan becomes a prime piece in a time-spanning game of planetary chess. His prize - the incredible jewel of Zaxeron, held in an impenetrable light shaft guarded by all-destroying fires.

And always at stake - the life of Tuarra, crown princess of Kharthol and wife of Alan Morgan. For this was more than a mere game of living chess.

It was war for a world!