As the Dark Wizard Rath’s pursuit of eight-year-old Bird and brother Aren continues, Bird finds new allies: Brenna, failed apprentice to a gentler Order; Hobard, white-robed female Druid called back after a thousand years of living within earth, stone, trees; a colony of Dark Druids banished centuries earlier for teaching magic to humans, and whose white robes have turned gray during their long penance. Finding refuge in the Barren Lands with the Dark Druids, Bird begins to learn the extent and use of her powers. Rath’s forces, unable to enter the Barrens, must settle for watching for the child to leave their protection. However, a new threat to her home valley arises, and Bird and Aren must again try to evade the wizards and return home, accompanied by her new Druid allies. The Dark Wizard Rath plots his revenge.