Lord Asheye of Salamandastron has a prophecy: a new Badger Lord will soon reign over the legendary badger fortress, one who ‘shuns armour and sword’. But who is this youngbeast and how is he to be found?

A haremaid from the Long Patrol regiment is dispatched on a dangerous mission to find him, but the unsuspecting future Badger Lord has been captured by a murderous gang of Sea Raiders who are intent on conquering Redwall Abbey.

While the fate of many creatures, both good and evil, are caught up in the saga, somehow the young ruler must escape and find a way to defend Redwall, for only then will he be able to fulfill his destiny as leader of Salamandastron.