Wolfkit has never known a home other than SylvanClan, situated deep in untouched woodlands. But when a mysterious group named the Magpies become guests in his camp, he begins to learn the values of loner life, and befriend a particular traveller named Rook. But when the dead bodies of various SylvanClan warriors begin turning up, Wolfkit must defend his newfound friends against the prejudiced accusations of his clanmates; and discover the true killer.