This volume covers the adventures of Niall's three sons: Brennan, Prince of Homana; Hart, Prince of Solinde; and Corin, Prince of Atvia. After a disastrous tavern fight, Brennan must marry an Erinnish Princess, Hart must leave and rule Solinde, and Corin must go to Atvia. Eventually, Corin falls in love with Brennan's bride, Hart loses a hand, and Brennan is seduced by an Ihlini. They all are brought to Strahan and only barely escape with their lives, becoming men in the process.