Loaded with a precious cargo, Skar, Titch and young Kiina attempt to reach Caran Keep. Renegade Quorrls live there who no longer obey the priests and their gods in Ninga and provide support to those fleeing. The precious cargo that the three of them carry with them are Quorrl clutches that are to be brought to safety from the priests' captors. But it quickly turns out that Skar has unknowingly laid bad eggs in the Quorrl rebels' nest. Only a few can escape the living instruments of murder that hatch from the clutches. And outside the fortress, the armies of priests are already lying in wait for the survivors.