When King Jekoniah of Xandria is kidnapped by evil Grishnaki, the royal family searches for a way to save him. The desired ransom is impossible, and an outright war on the Grishnaki would end in disasterso Prince Kiriath undertakes a secret mission into the Grishnaki's valley. But danger slows the prince's journey, and as the ransom deadline approaches, Kiriath begins to wonder whether he will reach his father in time.