Elkay knows that the ancient word "ren" means pure, but to do the right thing is difficult in his time. The kingdom of Southland is shattered into eight realms, each struggling to fight alone against their common enemy Kabar. If Elkay can forge a new kingdom, they could easily achieve a final victory. He needs only to convince the seven other lords to unite under one king- under himself as king. Elkay finds that he desires the crown of this new kingdom more than any other treasure in the world. To get it he lies and even finds ways to eliminate those who stand in his way. As Elkay grows older and falls deeper into the pit of arrogance, his kingdom slips further from him. In the end, Elkay may discover too late that pride and lust for power will destroy those things dearest to him.