Gundersen returns to Holman's World seeking atonement for his harsh years as colonial governer. But now this lush, exotic planet of mystery is called by its ancient name of Belzagor, and it belongs once again to its native alien races, the nildoror and the sulidoror. Drawn by its spell, Gundersen begins a harrowing pilgrimage to its mist-shrouded north, to witness a strange ritual rebirth that would alter him forever.