Simon L'Furil, also known as the Sellsword Bard, travels with three companions: a mage from the feared country of Colta, a dwarf fond of strong drink, or any drink, that has a tendency to ax first and question later, and a seven foot tall Northman of the White Wolf clan, the age-old enemy of all dwarves. They have been up to every challenge thus far, but when Simon agrees to help a besieged duchess they will face a Necromancer for the first time, a Necromancer supporting a neighboring duke's army with the undead he controls.