Dor was having trouble growing up to be the next Magician-King of the Land of Xanth. He wanted no part in running the Kingdom. But now Good King Trent was leaving on a trade mission to the non-magical Mundania, home of such unlikely beasts as horses and bears, so Dor had to take over for a week.

After three weeks, King Trent still hadn't returned. Surely something terrible had happened to him? Dor was left with the burden of ruling -- and with Irene, who was entirely too willing to be his Queen!

His only hope was to enter Mundania and find King Trent. Bravely He started forth, together with Irene, a golem, a centaur, and a young ogre, heading for the far south of Xanth.

The entrance to Mundania, of course, lay to the north...