Set in the Iron Age, 350 BC, this book describes the trials and tribulations of a small tribe. One dark day, the tribe is attacked by a force of brigand-warriors. Some of the tribe are killed, roundhouses burned, some of their recently harvested crops, food and goods stolen. Their Druid, Derwen, instructs the tribe to move to a new site, far to the south, because the brigand-warriors could return; the villagers are farmers, not warriors, so they cannot easily defend themselves. The Druid has an apprentice, Aofred, who has to undergo years of training and survive harsh ordeals associated with earth, air, fire and water to become a full Druid. Soon after the attack, following the Druid's advice, the tribe embarks on an epic journey with their livestock and a convoy of many waggons and carts carrying everything they own, including their harvested crops. They arrive at their new site situated close to a great river and the sea. They eventually build a new village-fort. They have to plough new fields to grow their crops. Their livestock thrives. They experience hunger months after a failed harvest, followed by a freezing winter that costs lives. They replant crops of wheat, barley and oats the following year, but if this harvest is not a success they will be wiped out. The villagers have to overcome great difficulties to build a harbour and a sea-going boat to enable them to trade widely which they believe is essential for their wealth and to obtain things that they do not make themselves. A powerful group of brigand-warriors attack them again; they must find a way to fight, survive and secure their future.