Triss, Shogg, and Welfo escape from slavery at Riftgard and are pursued across the sea toward Redwall by Princess Kurdah, Prince Bladd, and a band of freebooters who seek the rumored treasure of Brockhall. Meanwhile, Scarum and Sagax head off to sea with their friend Kroova the otter, looking for adventure, and there is something very scary lurking in the woods around Redwall Abbey.