Stephen Alphonso was a blind blacksmith who had been given his sight back after forging a treaty with the knifewriaths, a nocturnal savage race on his home world of Altron. In this new adventure the treaty is strained to the breaking point as his son and nephew come home for a visit, and what is worse, the beings from off-world that restored his sight to him are involved.

Cal Whems and Monjo Alphonso are the next generation of blacksmiths, and must help Stephen forge a new treaty with the knifewraiths, as well as help Stephen's son-in-law forge a treaty with the beings that restored Stephen's sight in the first place.

In their quest they will travel off world, meet a pirate descendant from their past, and take part in the establishment of the pirate planet called, Tortuga.

Sequel to: The Blind Blacksmith.