Duel in Solitude

Thorna, a Terranaut with no PSI abilities, is psionically manipulated by Queen Stella by Starlight on Adzharis. Stella, driven mad by the planet's moon Chrama and loyal to the banished Valdec, seeks to uncover the mission of David terGorden and Nayala, who are secretly on Adzharis to cultivate a new Yggdrasil seedling. Thorna reveals that David is alone in the north, undergoing a trial by the dragon-witches to protect the seedling. Stella orders the other Terranauts detained and a search party sent after David. Thorna manages to send a mental cry for help before losing consciousness.

Meanwhile, on Earth, the Council debates the Terranauts' treaty amidst growing economic and political unrest. Anlyka terCrupp defends the Terranauts, while others demand a return to Kaiser Force technology. A garbled message from Stella by Starlight arrives, claiming a Terranaut conspiracy. The Council refuses to send a ship to investigate, but Patran Grevenhart, the acting Manag of Kaiser, sees an opportunity to seize control of Biotroniks and Driver space travel. He secretly communicates with his twin brother Aldous, a loyalist of Valdec, and plots to eliminate David and Valdec.

Asen-Ger and the other Terranauts awaken to Thorna's mental cry and realize Stella knows about the Yggdrasil. They escape detention, steal a Gray Guard glider, and flee towards the TASCA at the spaceport. After a harrowing chase, they reach the TASCA and escape into Space II. In Space II, Asen-Ger has a vision of the destructive nature of Kaiser Force. The TASCA is intercepted by a Guard cruiser, but they manage to transmit their Council authorization. Stella's message, however, reaches Grevenhart, who manipulates the Council into sending Ignazius Tyll to Adzharis, accompanied by himself.

Thorna regains consciousness and escapes, eventually being rescued by Vandel and Trut of the Dragon Clan. She seeks help from Nayala, who defies the Witch Council to assist David. They fly to David's location, but are followed by Stella's forces. David, tending the Yggdrasil seedling, is attacked by Stella's forces. He uses his PSI powers to create a shield, but it weakens. Asen-Ger, Tyll, and Grevenhart arrive on Adzharis, but are met with suspicion. They learn that Stella is hunting David and that Queen Yazmin, a Valdec loyalist, is also on Adzharis. Grevenhart is revealed to be in contact with Yazmin, and a battle ensues.

The Terranauts, with the help of the Dragon Clan, confront Stella's forces. Grevenhart attempts to kill Narda, but is stopped by David. Queen Yazmin's ship is destroyed, and Stella is left mentally broken. Grevenhart dies as his connection to Yazmin's ship is severed. David gives the first mistletoe to Narda, who will bring it to Earth. Asen-Ger and David realize that Valdec is still a threat. Narda and Nayala remain on Adzharis for Narda to train with the Dragon Clan. The Terranauts depart for Earth, having secured the Yggdrasil and laid the cornerstone for the Second Driver Space Age.