Bramble of Fruit expected only ashes amidst the ruins of a burning home?not a furious, golden-eyed boy named Willow, the sole survivor of Asherah the Red's brutal raid. With the Mad Queen's army on the rise, Bramble seizes a chance to prove herself by bringing the promising and volatile child to the war camp that once trained her.

Magpie of Evergreen, a healer long retired from the war, wants nothing more than a quiet life. Yet when Bramble and Willow appear on her doorstep, Magpie cannot turn them away?or the chance to right an old injustice.

Four centuries later, their story echoes on. The war is long over. Willow is a hero. Bram and Magpie are at peace. Until Bramble hears the call to Skye.

Past and present intertwine as Bramble and Magpie set out on one final journey. To save their son and secure the future of the Mountain Fell, they must seek a Queen that does not wish to be found.

Some wars end.

Others wait in the ashes.