Maroboodus is riding south. His father Hulderic leads a dogged pursuit to punish his wayward son. Hulderic must capture Maroboodus, the boy he thinks as trustworthy as a wolf, and then he must decide the fate of his own son. Maroboodus is not about to let that happen. Holding Drapunir's Spawn, the ancient family ring, and the Head Taker, the equally illustrious sword, supported by his sole companion, and having captured one of his foes, Maroboodus...