A band of Gnurls hunts for Tamyth, seeking the surviving Kitchak from the recent raid on their nursery camp. An officer of the Kristhyan National Army too pursues the young Kitchak, in search of the remaining criminal from the theft of The Book of the Banished. Tamyth is captured. His life is forever changed. Friendship is found in the most unlikely of places. And a voyage is made to the ancient home of the Kitchaks: Westerly. But legend tells of horrible monsters on that sinking island, and soon it is clear that the stories surrounding Westerly are very true indeed. It will take all of Tamyth's courage if he is to face the Vlaska.