Distraught after the loss of his sister, Ambrose is captured by the detestable duke while trying to gather food for his starving family. After being taken to the duke's court and narrowly escaping execution with the help of his new friend, Domnivan, Ambrose flees, but it seems he can't run from his past forever. While Ambrose runs, he meets new friends along the way and loses some too. He battles his breaking will and the ruthless anarchy of nature. Will Ambrose keep his head, or will the duke prevail and take even more than just his life?