Which route will Simon, Tom, and their small army choose to face the least danger? Through the valley of the giant Orcs, risking capture, torture, or worse? Or over the Mountains of Doom, where human-eating spiders lurk? Simon finds himself in this predicament after marrying Elfwyn, who became Queen of Arkadia following her father's death. Her uncle Athelstan and his knights have driven Simon and Elfwyn back to the safety of Ishtar. After overcoming Athelstan and his followers, Simon meets with the leaders of the Federation to discuss the Orc menace, who are slaughtering inhabitants beyond the Mountains of Doom. Will they conquer the Orcs and bring peace to their neighbours?