In a hilly backwoods world where the sword and ax rule, over-sized youth Ford Barlow is on the verge of making a life-changing mistake. Though good at heart, the horrors of battle have warped his immature mind and a lack of love has isolated him. His morality balances upon the edge of a knife. Tragedy forces Ford from his home and clan, thrusting him into the arms of a band of boy thieves. Adventures abound in a woodland hideaway, where Ford seems to have found a new home and new people to call his own. However, companionship, magical forest beings and fairies' loot are not enough