In a post-apocalyptic world ruled by twelve Dukes, Dale Kesley, a farmer in Iowa Province, grapples with a profound sense of dislocation and fear. He feels he doesn't belong in the rural life he has adopted, haunted by memories of a past he cannot fully recall. His life takes a dramatic turn when a stranger, Dryle van Alen, appears and reveals that Kesley is not merely a farmer but an Immortal, a being with the potential for eternal life. Van Alen, from Antarctica, seeks Kesley for reasons tied to a larger conflict among the Dukes. As Kesley navigates his identity crisis, he learns that he has been living under a false narrative constructed by van Alen to protect him from the Dukes, who would see him as a threat. The story unfolds with Kesley being drawn into a web of political intrigue, betrayal, and the quest for self-discovery. He is thrust into a world where the Dukes, including Winslow and Miguel, vie for power, and where his very existence poses a challenge to their authority. After a series of confrontations, including an assassination attempt on Winslow, Kesley finds himself on the run, pursued by the Dukes' forces. He seeks refuge in Mutie City, a haven for mutants, where he learns more about his past and the nature of his powers. The mutants, who have been marginalized by society, offer him a glimpse of a different way of life, one that contrasts sharply with the oppressive rule of the Dukes. Ultimately, Kesley discovers that he is the son of an Immortal lineage, which makes him a target for the Dukes who fear the potential of a new generation of Immortals. As he grapples with his newfound identity, he resolves to confront the Dukes and dismantle the barriers that keep the world divided. With the help of allies like Daveen, he embarks on a journey to Antarctica, where he hopes to reclaim his heritage and challenge the status quo. The narrative explores themes of identity, power, and the struggle for freedom in a world where the past looms large and the future is uncertain. Kesley's journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to embrace his true nature and the responsibilities that come with it, ultimately seeking to reshape the world around him.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1973 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction · 16 chapters