When the Heron brother band become the Skandian duty ship to the Kingdom of Araluen, they're excited at the challenges ahead. Hal, Stig, Thorn and the Herons eagerly set sail for the trip - with an unexpected new crew member aboard. But an enemy from their past returns, throwing the Herons into a dangerous quest to free captured Araluens for the slave market in Socorro. Even with the help of an Araluen Ranger, the task may be too much.