Dray Prescot must escape his exile and return to his homeland to face a looming danger, but first he is drawn into a perilous treasure hunt. An Earthman stranded on a world orbiting Antares, Prescot finds his triumphs often lead to infamy. Now, he must navigate the treacherous Jikaida City and venture into the illusion-webbed catacombs of a haunted valley. Here, desperate men seek fortunes at the cost of their sanity and their followers' lives, a game Prescot seems destined to play.

The premise sets up a classic science fiction adventure narrative, focusing on Prescot's struggle for survival and his return to a homeland in peril. The description suggests a fast-paced plot driven by high stakes and dangerous environments, characteristic of the adventure subgenre. The narrative likely emphasizes Prescot's resourcefulness and his ability to overcome formidable challenges in an alien world. Readers can expect a story filled with action and a quest for both personal fortune and the safety of his people.