From the back cover: it is the time before myth drannor, when the heartlands are home to barbarians, and wicked dragons rule the skies. In these ancient days, elminster is but a shepherd boy, dreaming of adventure and he...From the back cover: it is the time before myth drannor, when the heartlands are home to barbarians, and wicked dragons rule the skies. In these ancient days, elminster is but a shepherd boy, dreaming of adventure and heroics. When a dragon-riding magelord sweeps down upon him, though, the boy is thrust into a world of harsh realities, corrupt rulers and evil sorcerers.