Introduction

As Aldair's Stygiann companion, Rhalgorn, so eloquently put it, "This cannot be nowhere, Aldair, for that is not anywhere at all."

Fighting real and deadly enemies is one thing, but facing creatures from other worlds, in times before and times past, is something else again. At last, Aldair comes face to face with his makers, and learns that these last remains of the Lords of Earth are a pitiful lot indeed.

In this final volume I wanted to show how fate has a way of turning life inside out, how all that's lost is suddenly found. That's the sort of ending that makes a good story, (and I do hope you'll agree.) Now, it's Aldair who must somehow get the human slaves of the hideous monster, ojt'Miyer, on their feet, and set things right again. He has a little help, of course: There's Connie, the ancient mind of Aldair's golden ship of space, and T'edchak, and the lovely Becky-Sue...

I'm betting it all comes out all right.

-Neal Barrett, Jr.