In a hilly backwoods world where the sword and ax rule, over-sized youth Ford Barlow is on the verge of making a life-changing mistake. Though good at heart, the horrors of battle have warped his immature mind and a lack of love has isolated him. His morality balances upon the edge of a knife. Tragedy forces Ford from his home and clan, thrusting him into the arms of a band of boy thieves. Adventures abound in a woodland hideaway, where Ford seems to have found a new home and new people to call his own. However, companionship, magical forest beings and fairies' loot are not enough to distract him from the burden of guilt weighing him down. When the violent life presses in on him once more, Ford must decide between good and evil, life and death.