Orphaned in the first battles of The Border Wars, Adrian Rizzo "Rizz" and his companions must make their way south amidst a web of Bermanian spies and slavers. When little brother Gian's asthma medicine runs dangerously low, they are unwittingly forced into the path of Bermania's next conquest, Fenric Castle. In a series of mishaps that end with Maria and Gian being kidnapped by Bermanians masquerading as brigands, Adrian and Luca find themselves at odds with the local authorities. They must rely on their own skill and wit if they are to survive. Will they rescue Maria and Gian? If so, at what cost to their personal freedom?