The gathering forces of the Dark Powers threaten the world of man. The legions of Faery, aided by trolls, demons, and the Wild Hunt, are poised to overthrow the Realms of Light. Holger Carlsen, a puzzled twentieth-century man mysteriously snatched out of time, finds himself the key figure in the conflict. Arrayed against him are the dragons, giants, and elvin warriors of the armies of Chaos and a beautiful sorceress. On his side he has a vague prophecy, a quarrelsome dwarf, and a beautiful woman who can turn herself into a swan, not to mention Papillon, the magnificent battle horse, and a full set of perfectly fitting armor, both of which were waiting for him when he entered the magical realm. The shield bears three hearts and three lionsthe only clue to his true identity. Could Carlsen really be a legendary hero, the only man who can save the world?