An uneasy peace follows the devastating civil war in Ean which ousted the vicious Sutanite ruler, Jakus. But the deposed leader heads an invasion force to seek revenge and to obtain supplies of a scent-enhancing crystal held in the peaceful neighbouring country of Rolan, that will intensify his powers. The defenders, led by the tarnished Eanite hero, Targus, and an aging female mystic, Alethea, prepare to fight for their freedom against the ruthless enemy who is using a new and powerful scent-based weapon. But their task is made harder by a parasitic presence infecting Targus and seeking to control his will. Ultimately, all that stands in the aggressors' way is a new and subtle scent magic employed by the women of Rolan.