Alternate Cover Edition can be found here. From back cover: For 500 years the distant Terran colony of Corwin had no communication with Earth. But now the invincible war-horde of the Klodni was on the march and the long-forgotten planet desperately needed Earth's help. Baird Ewing was appointed ambassador, sent to get that help. But Earth ... Earth had degenerated into a decadent world of worthless pleasure seekers, and would never be able to give the aid that would save Corwin. Earth had nothing to offer, and Ewing had so little time—the answer was right under his nose if he would only look ....