The Ship Rats are finally on their way home. After a year travelling the oceans, little Preen is looking forward to some peace and quiet. The arrival of a rich merchant and his pet dog ruin all that. The truce between the sailors and rats aboard the Dutch trading ship might be on the verge of breaking down. A strange new rat called Xing also makes Preen's life more complicated. Can nervous Preen overcome her fears and dig out dangerous secrets in time to save her friends?