Sam Hatcher lives a simple farm life with his parents in the kingdom of Parmall—until the day he turns sixteen.

Then Sam meets Rigby Skeet, a wisecracking "Sword for Hire." The two uncover a plot that has captured the true king in a dungeon—guarded by the terrifying Boneman. The king's evil (and very strange) brother now rules the kingdom.

Sam then embarks on a rollicking cross-country adventure with the unpredictable Rigby—encountering deadly ambushes, evil guards, a wily sorcerer, and even a beautiful girl held captive.