There have been twenty years of peace and prosperity in the known world, but the bellicose Ali-Ali from the Caliphate in the south threatens all of that. He has formulated an audacious plan to turn the young King Louis of the Great Ocean City State against his father, Lord Gnarl, and conquer the City State in the north. Two decades of rule has seen Lord Gnarl consult less and trust his own judgement almost exclusively. It is a dangerous developing flaw in his character. As a result, he is becoming increasingly distant from his family and friends and now appears estranged from both his twin sons.

Lured into a trap, Lord Gnarl becomes a hostage in a diabolical scheme characterised by a striving for power and revenge. Aurelien, who is a lot more than a Head Gardener, recruits Serheed, a survivor, to attempt to rectify the deteriorating situation. In his mission Serheed gets extra security from some alchemical experiments, which allow him to turn the tide of despair, with courage and determination.

Battling a bitterly cold winter, Lord Gnarl is locked in a life and death struggle to survive. He experiences heartbreaking loss, demonstrates great bravery, and remembers some important skills long forgotten. For Lord Gnarl, it is a desperate attempt, and compelling desire, to travel back home and seek forgiveness and redemption.