Deep in the subterranean weasel stronghold of Darkheather, Saxon wakes to find himself in the horrific mass grave of his fallen Guard mice from the Winter War of 1149. In the mouse tomb he must face the cages, shackles, pelts, and bones of the past. Above on the icy surface of the mouse territories Lieam and Celanawe face the one-eyed owl as they wield sword and Black Axe against the feathered predator.