From their impregnable stronghold the swift and deadly pirate fleet of Tarakus had ravished the main for half a century. The lawless realm of sea-going rogues had grown more daring and audacious until the lean black ships struck at whole cities, pillaging the ports of the South without fear of reprisal.

All this Thongor knew well, for long ere Chance or Fate or Heaven raised him to the highest throne of the West, he had been a roving adventurer, ravening with the sea wolves of Tarakus. Now a savage and ambitious leader had arisen to goad the corsairs to new enormities - Kashtar, Red Wolf of Tarakus, men called him. Wealth, mere gold, did not suffice to sate his furious hunger... he would win thrones, kingdoms - an empire... Patanga itself!