The Chakal is called the Skinwalker. Slaughtering and raping the Free Folk, his evil smothers the Isle like a flood. When the darkness and depravity seem deepest, a lost friend of the Herewardi returns in the form of the Woondigo. Will his knowledge and skill be enough to overcome the mighty force of evil that is the Chakal? To complicate matters, an elite Legion of Vardropi Warriors joins the forces of the Skull Worm. Lord Arundel alone knows the terrain well enough to lead an army against this powerful enemy. However, circumstances conspire against him fulfilling his duties as Commander. He is torn between an obligation to his people and the lives of those he holds most dear. For the first time he questions King Sur Sceaf's wisdom. If he rebels, the enemy will overrun the key strategic stronghold of the Island and jeopardize all previous gains.Every person's wits and strength are needed to defeat the enemy. The women of the Isle, though steeped deeply in grief, take up arms to defend what is sacred, forming the warrior band of the Lady Knights. With every ally joined against the Pitter and Vardropi forces, the Syr Folk sense a chance for freedom to burst forth to victory. Unbeknownst to them, there is a third evil lurking in the jungles to the north.