Synopsis: A king in spite of himself! Liras-ven had never been particularly thrilled to have been chosen from the many royal offspring to ascend the throne of Averidan. To have his mind dominated by the powerful and somewhat frightening Crystal Crown, then be married off to a barbarian princess whose relatives would like nothing better than to kill him was bad enough! But to have to do battle with the most dangerous and powerful wizard in the land? With allies who could turn to enemies at the drop of a hat? Liras didn't have much choice. Only the wearer of the Crystal Crown could stand against the evil magus Xerlanthor, and only the King of Averidan could wear the Crystal Crown. No more the quiet life - Liras had to find victory at any cost, or not only lose his life, but the security of his country as well! (from the back cover of the DAW Books first edition)