Stranger in a Strange Land: The fanlisting for The Gandalara Cycle

The Steel of Raithskar
After his cruise ship is hit by a meteor, an ageing language professor, Ricardo Carillo, wakes to discover that he has been transported to the body of a young man, Markasset, in the desert world of Gandalara. He finds himself in the middle of an investigation surrounding the disappearance of a sacred gem, the Ra'ira. Lacking full access to Markasset's memories, he sets out to discover the truth of his involvement, accompanied by Markasset's sha'um - the giant cat Keeshah with whom he holds a special telepathic bond. Through his quest he finds himself establishing a new identity as 'Rikardon', a blending of human and Gandalaran personalities which is completed when he finds the key to recovering Markasset's full memories.

The Glass of Dyskornis
Having cleared Markasset and his father of involvement in the theft of the Ra'ira, Rikardon hopes for a period of rest in which to get to know his new world. 'Destiny', however, seems to have other ideas: returning to the stronghold of the Sharith, a society based around the special bond between Gandalaran Riders and their sha'um, Rikardon finds himself elevated to a special position among them. There, an encounter with the beautiful illusionist, Tarani, sets him back on the trail of the Ra'ira, accompanied by Thymas, the son of the Lieutenant of the Sharith. Tarani's uncle, a glassmaker, has been captured by Gharlas, the man who also holds the Ra'ira. Their quest to free Volitar and recapture the stone leads to the discovery of hidden truths about both Tarani's past and the nature of the Ra'ira.

The Bronze of Eddarta
Their pursuit of Gharlas leads Rikardon, Tarani and Thymas to a final confrontation in Eddarta, a city controlled by the descendents of the Gandalaran kings. There, Tarani is reunited with her mother, who reveals the full truth of Tarani's heritage. Tarani herself discovers new dimensions of her mindpower as the battle with Gharlas reaches its climax, uncovering new mysteries about the Ra'ira and its place in the history of Gandalara.

The Well of Darkness
As Rikardon and Tarani set out to return the Ra'ira to the protection of the council of Raithskar, their escape from Eddarta is thwarted when Keeshah's instincts compel him to leave them and return to the Valley of the Sha'um to find a mate. Though able to flee Eddarta once more, they are forced to leave the gem in the hands of Tarani's brother Indomel. The pursuit drives them to the dangerous 'Well of Darkness', from which Rikardon must attempt to reach Keeshah in the Valley of the Sha'um.

The Search for Kä
Now accompanied by Keeshah's mate, Yayshah, with whom Tarani has bonded, the couple return to the Sharith in Thagorn. Though Tarani finds honour as the first woman rider, Yayshah's presence disturbs the natural cycles of the Thagorn sha'um. They are forced to return to Markasset's home in Raithskar for Yayshah to bear her cubs. From there, they set out in search of the ancient city of Kä and the lost sword of the kings, a symbol by which Tarani could challenge Indomel for the position of High Lord.

The Return to Eddarta
Returning once more to Raithskar, Rikardon and Tarani discover that the city is under increasing threat from the vineh, ape-like creatures that had previously been tamed to undertake the city's manual work. Knowing that this threat is linked to the loss of the Ra'ira, they set out as quickly as possible for Eddarta. Yet even as Tarani claims her place as High Lord, Rikardon discovers that their quest is not yet fulfilled, as he uncovers disturbing new evidence about the fate of the Ra'ira.

The River Wall
As they set out to free Raithskar from the control of the lord who now holds the Ra'ira, Rikardon and Tarani encounter the signs of a geological change in Gandalara that will transform the entire way of life of all its inhabitants. In facing the new challenges this presents, Rikardon finally uncovers the knowledge he has sought all along - what is Gandalara, and why was Ricardo Carillo brought into this world?