When Bethany returned home from the Four Lands she had no intention of going back any time soon. Little did she know, however, that when she, Dennis, and Scottie had been hopped by the gang of Inglings that Scottie had been hurt more deeply than the superficial scratch he received suggested. Just before school was again to start, he came down with an unexplained illness. Af first, there seemed no reason to worry, as it passed soon enough. However, it was to return again and again, and each time that much more severe. Finally, the three friends saw no other choice but to go back to the Four Lands to find the cure. With Christmas Vacation at hand, and the help of Bethany's best friend, Elena, and her boyfriend Alonzo, who also happened to be Dennis' best friend, they passed around the King Tree, where Rebecca awaited and darkness had fallen.