Blood is spilled on the snowy floor of the Mouse Territories as the battle between Celanawe, Lieam, and the one-eyed owl rages on. Tired, frozen, and with little hope of getting medicine to Lockhaven, their only goal now is survival. Deep beneath the surface in the abandoned Darkheather, Saxon rejoins his companions Sadie and Kenzie as they may have discovered a way home. The winter mission that lead the Guard's finest away from Lockhaven is nearing an end, and one that they will not all live to see.