When young Alvar Alvarson is evicted from his farm for non payment of taxes, he sets out to make his own way in the world. Charged by the sinister old enchanter Doctor Meliboe with delivering a message to a secret band of conspirators, he finds himself caught up in a plot against the ruling military caste. His life becomes a whirlwind of action, colour and conflict as he first falls for the passionate girl soldier, Evadne, and then is forced to head up a desperate rebellion against the country's rulers. Colourful characters and swashbuckling adventures abound as Alvar makes his way from adolescence to manhood.