Bradley provides multiple explanations for Sharra. In "The Sword of Aldones", Sharra is described as a powerful matrix in which an Alton "leronis" had become trapped eons ago. However, in the rewrite of that book, "Sharra's Exile", Bradley describes Sharra as a portal to another dimension, though which a powerful alien energy is able to gain a foothold on Darkover. Breen describes Sharra as an anthropomorphized matrix weapon, left over from the Ages of Chaos. Desideria Leynier, in "The Winds of Darkover", uses the Sharra matrix against a group of bandits who have taken over Storn Heights. In "The Heritage of Hastur", Marjorie Scott and Lew Alton, drugged and under the influence of Kadarin and Beltran Aldaran, raise the Form of Fire and destroy the Terran spaceport of Caer Donn. The Terrans then finally realize the meaning of the Compact, and its necessity.