After Kerrick rescues his people from the warlike Yilane, they must regroup and consider their future. They find a safe haven and there begin to rebuild their shattered lives. But with fierce predators stalking the forests, how long can these unarmed human outcasts hope to survive? They need weapons, but the only effective weapons lie in the hands of the technologically superior Yilane. The small band of humans have no choice but to confront their fate head-on.