Book one of Kaidron, the Warrior's story. Set after the Mouse war lord and shrew wars. Helena's parents send their headstrong daughter and son to learn the warrior way from an aging Kaidron. At first the mouse-warrior is reluctant to train the young wildcat, but a new and deadly enemy has come to the newly built Blackwell Abbey and he must raise an army to defend it. As the terrifying leader Shanka and his rat horde are on the rampage, and no one and nowhere is safe.