The threat of the Noori, the ancient enemy of the hippos of Filpini, looms like a dark cloud just beyond the horizon. In order to keep watch against a possible invasion, king Pelyas sends his son Rumpo to establish a colony of hippos on the outskirts of the Nooris lands. The Noori, however, seem prepared to use any means necessary to drive the intruders back. The conflict turns into a vicious duel between Rumpo and the Noori commander, where each is forced to use all his skill in scheming and strategic thinking and neither will yield an inch of ground without a fight. In "On Hostile Ground" B.A. Seloaf combines epic fantasy with modern, witty dialogue His characters belong to races never before featured in fantasy literature. He provides the reader with both tragedy, comedy, romance and spine-chilling thrills, all woven together into a most memorable story."