Having overcome tremendous dangers to rid himself of the curse of the Black Gem, Dorian Hawkmoon seeks to return to Camargue. However, the Rune Sceptre has other plans for him.

Gisela has been kidnapped by the faithful of the Cult of the Mad God, taken to distant Ukraine. Hawkmoon must reach the castle of the Mad God, not only to save his beloved, but also to retrieve the Red Talisman from the enemy, a precious aid against the forces of the Dark Empire, which have already spread throughout Europe and threaten the defenders of Camargue.

In the midst of repeated scenes of violence and death, Hawkmoon must cross the ancient continent from one end to the other, and clash swords with the Orders of the Boar, the Tiger, and the Wolf in a desperate race to save all those he loves.