Will is now a full-fledged Ranger assigned to a quiet northern fief. He investigates rumors of sorcery and a terrifying "Night Warrior" in Grimsdell Forest, discovering a plot involving treason, a dying king, and a hostage situation and Ranger Will Treaty as he fights to liberate Castle Macindaw, which was captured by the traitorous Sir Keren to aid a Scotti invasion. Will recruits shipwrecked Skandians, reunites with his friend Horace, and uses intellect and sorcery-illusion tricks to rescue his friend Alyss and reclaim the stronghold.
