Peter the Shifter is the carrier and Guardian of the Gamesmen of Barish, the pattern of the personalities of the first eleven people have talents. Transformed a thousand years ago by the Wizard Barish, they are accessible only to Peter, who can read their pattern and use their talents when he holds them in his hand.

Peter is told by a Seer that he must travel to the north, with the healer Silkhands, but as time goes on and he learns more about the story of Barish, the Eleven, and the history of their world, he realises that the bodies of the Eleven must lay in the north, waiting for their personalities, waiting to be restored.

He knows that the Demon Huld is gathering power for a Great Game, one that may not only destroy Peter, but take over the world.

Peter has lived for several years with the ability to use any talent he wishes at any time, and while he has tried to pursue justice, he finds that he doesn't want to give up the Gamesmen, and lose their powers. He must decide in the end whether he can stand alone, as Peter, or if he will keep them to use for his own purposes.