Tad awakens and goes downstairs to his father's study. As he sits down in a chair, his father begins to tell him he is dying, and doesn't know why. He tells him how his brother, Luther, helped the Dark One invade their kingdom.

At the age of 16, his dad had to lead his people into battle. They fought very hard, but there were too many goblins and trolls. Then, the men in black and his army came from the swamps and helped save their kingdom. Tad sets out with Kentrel, the captain of the Royal army. As he searches for a cure for his father, he realizes he knows nothing about the land or its subjects. He knows he must learn quick on how to survive.

During his journey, Tad develops feelings for a girl that is half elf and meets a knight who is wanted for treason. He finds himself being saved from the slave runners by three brothers who are on their own quest to find their family.

Tad soon finds that they are about to be invaded again. This time, by men and dragons who want the precious metals that are deep in the Dwarven Mountains. They are summoned by Tad's father, the king, to a counsel to prepare for the invasion. There, he meets Bash of the ogres, Grundy of the dwarfs, Natharal of the elves, and Thunder of the centaurs. He learns about a giant named Bill. As he battles the invaders, he learns how to fight and trust in his instincts. He learns that the black dragon, the biggest and strongest, is trying to kill the gold dragon and her eggs.

As Tad looks out at the battlefield, he realizes he has become a man. He's fallen in love and gained some brothers. Now, he needs to survive this last battle so the brothers can go find their family.