Aradis and Girion, having finally reached the kingdom of Argonis, now must make their way through its wild, dangerous forests to the ancient city of Anganor. There they hope to gain an audience with King Thornoak and persuade him to restore the unity of the kingdom, as well as aid them in their quest to destroy the Witch, Ravinia. They soon encounter Shillelagh McDasher, the leader of the Leprechauns of Argonis and a member of the Verdinnion, the now-defunct ruling council of the kingdom. Shillelagh advises the lads to try to convince Thornoak to summon the Verdinnion and to gain the support of two more of its members: Masterfarmer Mackle of the Wood-Gnomes and Boss Gronk of the Ogres. However, this will be no simple task, as the lads soon discover. To reach Mackle and Gronk, they must brave the perils of bandits, beasts and the sinister agents of Ravinia. In so doing, they are forced to grapple with their own doubts and deficiencies, as they try to heal the wounds of a land almost incurably crippled by sorrow and strife.