After using a key intended for his roommate, John Tofflerand his two closest friends--Laurie and Bill--are thrown into theharsh world of Basawar. John and his friends survive the winterwilderness with the aid of a rebellious young priest, Ravishan, andeventually join Basawar society in the city of Amura'taye. While Laurie and Bill find shelter in the household of the exiledLady Bousim, John ascends the Thousand Steps to the monasteryof Rathal'pesha where he reunites with Ravishan. He hopes thatamong the mysterious teachings of the Pashmura priesthoodhe can find a way to return home. After a year of service in themonastery, he has made many discoveries and a few friends, chiefamong them the aged priest, Samsango, and the healer, Hann'yu. But the way home still eludes John. Soon John begins to fear that Laurie's newly developed powerscould be those of the destroyer god, the Rifter. If she were to bediscovered, it would mean the end for all of them. Complicatingmatters further is the fact that Laurie continues to practice theforbidden arts of witchcraft under the tutelage of Lady Bousim. In the midst of John's turmoil, Ravishan confesses his attractionto John. But Basawar is a world where such desire is punishedwith death. And after a frustratingly brief kiss in Candle Alley, Johnorders Ravishan away from him--for both their sakes.