The Erdlings live in the underground world below the magical root -- banished there forever by the Ol-zhaan, supreme members of the Kindar, who live in the lofty branches of their forest home in Green-sky.

The Erdlings are starving and escape through the iron-strong root is impossible. Yet, when eight-year-old Teera learns that her pet Lapin must be used for food, she runs away -- and climbs through a break in the root to the forest floor above.

Rescued by Raamo, the newly chosen Ol-zhaan, Teera enters the seemingly peaceful world of the Kindar...and unknowingly embarks on a dangerous adventure on which hangs the future of Green-sky, and the world below the root.