When Theo agrees to print a traveling showman's pamphlet, he only thinks of the money it will bring in. Instead, it sets off a chain reaction that results in the smashing of the press and the murder of his master. Caught on the wrong side of the law, Theo must flee the city. Soon, he has teamed up with the traveling showman Count Las Bombas (who is actually a con artist) and his servant. The trio is soon joined by Mickle, a clever, strong-willed girl with a mysterious past. Performing feats that astound and amaze, the motley crew falls into a trap set by Chief Minister Cabbarus, who is determined to wrest power from the grief-stricken king. Now they must not only save themselves-they must save the kingdom...

This is the first volume in Lloyd Alexander's classic Westmark trilogy.

There are 184 pages in this book. This book was published 2002 by Penguin Books (SA) (Pty) Ltd .

Lloyd Alexander is one of America's most distinguished authors. He has won the Newbery medal and has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Children's Literature from Parents' Choice and another from the World Fantasy Convention.