Zayne is entered in the 'Dueling Duo' Tandem Open, and he has had a special handicap forced on him by threat of death! Aubin, the inexperienced, backward son of a veteran warrior-hero will be his partner in the preliminary battles! Zayne must make sure his partner survives the duels until the last round-but he can't figure out what is behind Aubin's entrance in the battles. That is, until Jarael discovers that what drives the duel sports is a slavery-based 'farm system' that provides the warriors. Jarael, Gryph, Rohlan, and Zayne must save Aubin and bring exposure to what horrors lie beneath the surface of the duels.