Long ago the forces of humanity under the brilliant leadrership of Johan Carlson met and conquered the Berserkers at a place called Stone Heath. So total was Carlsons victory that the rulers of the worlds of men decided that the Berseker War was over - and being men these rulers soon resumed fighting among themselves, even though it was known that some of the enemy had escaped...

A hundred and more years have passed with only an occasional sighting of the killer machines. But the Berserkers had not been idle : they had been regrouping, rebuilding, until they are stronger than before. And this time there is no Carlson to unify and lead humanity. This time the only hope of humankind, and all other life in the Galaxy, is an eleven year old boy...