Howard Barton travels up the coast of California, ostensibly to acquire a sketch for the museum where he works, but really because after living for some time in the south he's realized there is something missing in his life. He's drawn north with the idea of tying up some loose ends with his cousin Sylvia. Howard's quest, however, turns out to be one to save a Holy Grail from the eccentric and perverse people who want to take its power for their own.