Synopsis: Kame Halarek has been exiled from Starker IV as a boy, sent to a green, civilized, warm world and trained in peace-keeping arts by the intergalactic navy. Now Karne's father and brothers lay dead, slain by an enemy. Karne had been summoned back to Starker IV to rule - and battle according to the ancient laws of this barbaric kingdom. He has to learn the ways of the warrior and pick up sword and stun gun against piratical overlords on an icy world. (adapted from the back cover of the first edition)