Enslaved by the evil ferret King Agarnu of Riftgard, and his cruel daughter, Kurda, the brave squirrelmaid Triss plans a daring escape by sea. At the same time, far away in Salamandastron, three young companions sail away from their mountain home in search of adventure.

Meanwhile, in Mossflower Woods, a pair of wandering Dibbuns accidentally discover the long-lost entrance to Brockhall, legendary home of the Badger Lords. The three groups of travellers are drawn together by fate, when Triss comes to Redwall, and the inhabitants of the abbey find they have a new champion -- someone brave enough to carry the sword of Martin the Warrior and face the evil that threatens them all.