An unfortunate mistake has seen Tollerman inherit his father's talisman, a gem which has great power for good, but which is very harmful if misunderstood or misused. Its effect on Tollerman has been to give him terrible nightmares. In an effort to escape his "curse" Tollerman asks the soulbinder for help. Instead, she renders him mute and half mad. Tollerman's merryhound, Zara , is his best friend and solace. Later, he is rescued by Allyso Tormblood during a journey past McDaniel Waters.

Musson Hall and McDaniel Waters are named for my friends and fellow-writers Jean Musson and Jan McDaniel. Tollerman is featured in the book Candle-Iron .