Deep in the mysterious forests of Murkowydir, Kitt stumbles upon the crumbling remains of ancient cities and abandoned copper and tin mines and saves a man from mortal danger. Not for a moment does he suspect that this selfless act sets off a chain of events that will plunge the kingdom of Rilante into war and despair.

Prince Ardri is driven by the convolutions of the Wandering Stars and the intrigues of Cryssumha's ancient magical kingdom. He tempts the young blacksmith with the secrets of bronze, and the price is high, too high. As the ensuing chaos unfolds, only the crown prince Flannan stands between his people and his younger brother's foul treachery. The question looms large: can it be wrong to save a man from a terrible death?

To mitigate the horrific consequences of his unwitting actions, Kitt has used a forbidden thing of magic, threatening woe to Isenkliff itself. To avert this danger, he again goes to the Murkowydir, where a monstrous black thornbush devours the heart of the forest, nourished by dark and cruel rituals of alien creatures. Kitt and the Woodstalkers must unite to eradicate the dreadful growth before it reaches the homeland of humans.

When Kitt returns home, his family is gone. He learns the truth about his birth. With his life turned upside down, he leaves the island to venture into the world.