Just days after the end of the Battle of Timberwatch and the death of Duke Lenguin of Alshar, the new-made Magelord, Sir Minalan the Spellmonger and his apprentices are headed toward their reward in Wilderhall in the company of Captain Rogo Redshaft, when a disturbing report from the road sends them on an action-packed detour in the Wilderlands. But despite riches, fame, and his own wedding to look forward to, Sir Minalan cannot merely ignore the rapt attention a band of aggressive goblins seems to be giving one particular tree . . .