Elminster becomes ensared in the schemes of a powerful witch-queen who will stop at nothing to bear the heir she longs for

The Simbul, Storm-queen of Aglarond, is unhappy. Though she has triumphed over her enemies, she lacks an heir to the throne—a child to love and nurture. But now she's found the perfect father for her child: Elminster, the old mage of Shadowdale. All she has to do is win his consent.

The Simbul has the perfect gift with which to accomplish this: A mysterious colt called Zandilar's Dancer. Unfortunately, the colt belongs to Ebroin of the Cha'Tel'Quessir. And getting it away from him won't be easy, even for the Simbul . . .