The two novels contained in this book are some of the finest works of Andre Norton, whose imagination knew no bounds. it centers around a young man, Jern Murdock and his remarkable companion, Eet and their interactions with Zero stones linked to the Forerunners who mastered space long before humans ventured into it. Rather than give a narrative hitting the stories high points, I instead encourage you to read them for yourselves with the knowledge that you will very much enjoy them.