Simon Branthwaite and his companions travel northwards up the River Aramassa, leaving the Stoney Mountains far behind. Many adventures befall them in this unknown country. During one they encounter Essa, a servant girl whose mysterious origins and strange knowledge both aid and baffle them when she joins their quest.

When they come to Reschora they are welcomed by its rulers, but warned against travelling further north, though no one will tell them why. Then, at last, comes a clue to the existence of Lyonesse. Ignoring all pleas, Simon and his friends set out north into the lonely and treacherous lands of the Nine Gods. There they will encounter their strangest and most perilous adventures so far...