Now that colonists Elias Trost and Tristan MacLeod have learned of the existence of another intelligent species on this planet, their life on New Skye has become even more perilous. Dresde, the ruthless wurl queen, has kidnapped Elias's brother, Oscar, along with the egg of a rival queen. Oscar Trost finds danger and privation under Dresde's reign, but he isn't alone. A small group of humans from the original colony ship, long lost from memory, live on the eastern continent as slaves to Dresde's horrific whims. In order to survive, Oscar must find his courage and prove himself to these others while he awaits the rescue he is sure will come. Elias and Tristan have to find Oscar and the egg, and fast. Every day their search becomes more desperate. But sprawling between them and Dresde's lair is the untamed alien wilderness, teeming with threats from ground and sky. And in the vast ocean they must cross lies something else-something ancient that should not be disturbed….