<p><em>GRIMLY Eric John Stark slogged toward that ancient Martian city&mdash;with every step he cursed the talisman of Ban Cruach that flamed in his blood-stained belt. Behind him screamed the hordes of Ciaran, hungering for that magic jewel&mdash;ahead lay the dread abode of the Ice Creatures&mdash;at his side stalked the whispering spectre of Ban Cruach, urging him on to a battle Stark knew he must lose!</em></p><p>Stark is taking a dying friend, Camar the Thief, back to his native city in the north of the planet. Just before his death Camar entrusts Stark with a talisman he had stolen, wanting him to return it.<br />
Soon, Stark is ambushed by bandits and presented to their leader, the warrior Ciaran.<br />
Joining up with Ciaran&rsquo;s band, Stark embarks on adventures and battles&mdash;through cities under siege and conflicts with strange aliens&mdash;that will decide the ultimate fate of the talisman and Camar&rsquo;s homeland.</p>