Merzan is a machine intelligence scouting from another galaxy. Stranded on an exciting new world, he meets Avice, a powerful magic user hiding her strength from the theocratic Magisters of Deomat. Together, they found a new town, aiming to combine the best of both of their cultures; but the controlling magisters do not blithely allow them their freedom. Will it be advanced technology or arcane knowledge that wins the day in this science fiction...