Tragedystrikes the Kingdom of Sway when Crown Prince Vidal and his bride Aria are attacked by mutant haflings -half beast and half human. With the aid of her bodyguard, Likea, Aria is drawn away from the one-sided battle. Likea forces Aria to leave her husband and seek the protection of the enchanted Proto Forest. The Proto Forest is the one place the mutants fear and Likea knows that if they can reach the Forest the mutants will not follow. Although the Forest is a haven, it is forbidden to remain within the sanctuary for more than a few days. Likea fears he will not be able to protect the Princess within the Forest and that it would be madness to leave the safety of the trees when he knows Tonka, the leader of the hafling pack, will have his followers guarding the exits.