Just as Will and Evanlyn can finally escape Skandia, Evanlyn is carried off by mysterious horsemen. Will sets out after them, but one boy against six fierce Temujai warriors is impossible odds - even for a Ranger's apprentice. Halt and Horace arrive just in time. Halt realizes these Temujai are only scouts for a massive invasion force. The four Araluans must work together with the Skandians to defeat the invaders - if the Oberjarl will accept their help.