rt human) is called by an old wizard to help defeat the evil Marauder. Disliked by all species, Keori finds his journey very rough. Keori is frightened by an old dwarf who is an unskilled seaman and almost drowns himself and Keori as the rickety boat flounders. His unusual journey takes him first to a bumbling marmouse, and then on to find the ice witch. He encounters a gnome on the way who can play a ziptar. Next he finds the ice witch who is beautiful but deceptive. She captures him. It takes the hard work of his friends to snatch him away from her. His journey continues.