College lecturer Nevin Reasoner is confronted by a peculiar little man making frantic claims of persecution, anarchy and devastation. Dressed in tunic and breeches, this man says he is a “mage” from a place not found on any map. Nevin refuses to believe that magery exists beyond sleight-of-hand and superstition until he is shamed for his own scientific chauvinism. Following some inspiring and amusing experiences, Nevin agrees to help this man and together they contrive a deliverance to the kingdom of Antrim by extraordinary means. Nevin gradually sorts out the scientific plausibility for the spellwork he witnesses and helps carry out.

Nevin and Anson team up with a soldier in their valiant struggle to bring peace between warring kingdoms. When they are forced to add an enigmatic, high-born woman to their group, things get more complicated. Magery and scientific acumen are needed to supplement their courage as they deal with obstacles posed by a rogue scientist, angry trolls, an even angrier elf lord, a desperate community of dwarves, and a megalomaniacal king. A crude explosive device—the “tickled dragon’s tail”—impassions the negotiations for peace. Nevin must finally reconcile his feelings for Corissa, who may be the king’s consort as well as confidante.