Sands returns to the strange and haunting world of the ancient Mayan civilization, and to Sky Knife, the young priest who defeated those who would topple his people's city. In his new story, he must go to the distant kingdom of the Teotihuan, to reopen diplomatic ties with these strange people. When their king is killed and bad luck seems to descend upon the kingdom, it is left to Sky Knife to solve the riddle of his death -- or he will be slaughtered in the killer's stead.