Sixteen years have passed since Pearl from Company and Hari from Blood Burrow defeated the tyrant Ottmar. Now their children, Xantee and Lo, face an even more dangerous foe.<br/>Hari lies gravely ill with a fragment of a strange creature wrapped around his throat, draining his life. The beast is called gool, meaning unbelonger. It is one of many, destroying the mountains and jungles of the world.<br/>Somewhere a hidden mother nourishes her brood - she must be found and destroyed to save Hari and the world they know.<br/>Xantee, Lo and the brave and practical youth Duro set out on a perilous mission that will take them to the ruined city of Belong and on to Ceebeedee, where terrifying clashes with the cruel rival leaders and lurking gool await them.<br/>