Martha knew something was stalking her. As she strolled between the giant Moreton Bay hybrids of the Vanaheim forest, she knew it was there. She could sense it. Three years after they became guardians of the stormerki, Zeke, Martha, and Elijah are becoming accustomed to their new world, under the watchful guidance of the Alfheim. But the uneasy peace in Vanaheim and Asgard was never made to last. As the wasting illness spreads from the underground citadel to nearby Longyearbyen, they realize that the Illska are still watching, their servants draining the life from the population. And they must make a decision. A decision that will force them back to the old world, to confront their enemies.In this spectacular sequel to Guardian, old enemies re-emerge, lost civilisations are discovered, and a new king will rise. The epic tale of good and evil unfolds, as the Guardians confront their greatest challenge.