While Elric, the last Sorcerer Emperor of Melniboné, hangs crucified above the deck of an enemy ship, his mind quests across worlds for the return of his sorcerous black sword Stormbringer. In another universe, his daughter, Oona, follows her granddaughter through the multiverse, seeking to keep her from their enemy, Gaynor the Damned, and his allies. 'Oonagh, meanwhile, will require the help of Elric, his counterpart Ulric von Bek, and as many manifestations of the Eternal Champion as she can call upon, for Gaynor's plan goes far beyond a simple kidnapping. If Oonagh can be forced to lead them to Elric's albino son, Gaynor will be able to use him to summon the Runestaff. And that mystical artefact, in the hands of Gaynor and the Dark Empire of Granbretan, could threaten the entire multiverse, and the existence of the Cosmic Balance itself ...