The novel, part of an extended six book cycle, centers on Bracken and Rebecca, two moles living in the ancient system of Duncton Wood, which has come under the domination of Mandrake, Rebeccas father, and Rune, an evil mole whose scheming and plots is poisoning their community. Once a great community, Duncton Wood is in decline, and the great standing Stone, the worship of which once formed the center of their communal life, is no longer honored, or visited on Midsummer or Longest night. Into their lives comes Boswell, a scribemole from the Holy Burrows of Uffington, and these three (Bracken, Rebecca, and Boswell) become connected through many journeys, much suffering, and great love.
