Will is at the annual Ranger Gathering but Halt is investigating mysterious happenings in the west.
When he does finally return, it's with bad news. Hibernia is in turmoil. A false religious cult calling themselves the Outsiders are sowing confusion and sedition, and five of the six Hibernian kingdoms have been undermined.
Now the sixth, Clonmel, is in danger. Halt, Will and Horace set out to restore order.
Can the secrets of Halt's past help them in their mission?