Jorian, the one-time unbeheaded king, was now safely retired from getting into trouble. But his younger brother Kerin was caught in compromising circumstances with the maiden Adeliza, so Kerin had to be sent at once to sea. But Kerin's talent for trouble was not to be denied. First came Belinka, a sprite sent by Adeliza. Then, the ship captain mistakenly believed Kerin was seducing his mistress—so Kerin left hastily. That led him to a voyage on a pirate ship, where the kidnapped princess Nogiri was held captive. Kerin was unable to save her—until he gained the help of a hermit-wizard, who then seized the girl to be used as a human sacrifice. Kerin managed to save Nogiri again, helped by another wizard. Then Kerin and Nogiri set out, this time to the Emperor of the Farthest East. There Kerin discovered more magic, and the Emperor learned that no man should be absentminded when using a powerful spell. But it was later that Kerin discovered the limitations of roller skates.