The Hungry Year is long past, and to Alex and Ryan, the winter they and their elder sister Kate nearly died is no more than a dim memory and a family story. They're nearly men now - twelve years old and ready for more than the backbreaking chores Father has them slaving at, morning 'til night. They want a little adventure! Then their familiar world is shaken by 2 shocks delievered one after the other. Still reeling, first Alex, then Ryan stumbles into the adventure they longed for. Their success makes them confident when a third trial knocks at their door - perhaps too confident, for they soon find themselves in deadly peril!