The last book in the wolf-nomad series following Mika-Oba and his wolf companion Tam Tur. Having left all of his friends and family behind on the island Dramidji, Mika continues to wander without purpose or direction. He enters an area full of warring states and gets caught up in the plans of several nations. A mysterious game has been created by the rulers of Tusman to disrupt and destroy the economy and stability of neighboring Perranland, making it ripe for conquest. At the same time, the ministers of Perranland have used to the game to overthrow the king, leaving things further confused. Mika is brought in as a controllable husband for the impetuous princess Linnea and gets involved with the game. In the end, Mika and 2 fellow wizards as well as an unlikely love in the form of the princess much band together to stop the invading army of Tusman and the monsters of the hills. Mika loses his magic gem and finally begins the trek back to wolf nomad country. This book really felt phoned in. Mrs. Estes wanted to the conclude Mika’s story but had no idea how to do so. The writing is shallow, light and unsatisfying. Better not to have written this one and a disservice to the colorful character of Mika-Oba.. ( )