Set in the medieval kingdom of Byon, The Doves begins with a mysterious plot to seize control of the crown, setting a group of kids off on an impossible quest.
Four years earlier, the Kalik of the Marsh, led by the fearsome Black Knight, raided the seaside town of Laringsdale. Then they retreated and fell suspiciously silent.
Now, they send a spy upriver to the castle, but before he even gets on a boat, the Kalik's plan is discovered by a group of seven orphans known as the Doves. They quickly decide to rush after the spy with the goal of warning the king of Byon about the new Kalik threat.
Also learning of the Kalik are a culture of pirates, exiled by the king of Byon to an island near Laringsdale. The pirates quickly get caught up in democracy and selfishness, but two decide to take matters into their own hands. They, too, rush north to the castle. When the pirates and the Doves collide, will they have enough to win this war?
Only time will tell . . .