The Hafling, half human—half hillcat, is a young slave, beaten, abused, and hated by all. A King's Ranger rescues him, treats him proper, and makes him his apprentice. The student Ranger chooses a name, Harrel, and he learns social skills as he struggles to overcome his anger toward humans. His journey through the Kingdom and into adulthood is fraught with dangers from Dwarfs, Barbarians, Ogres, and worse, Commoner boys. However, it's also a magical land of fairies, sprites, trolls, and a white-winged horse he saves along the way. Acting as the eyes and ears of the King, the Hafling Ranger discovers a dark plot against the humans, and soon, all their lives will depend on Harrel successfully reaching the castle to deliver a message to his King...a dire warning of impending doom, but he fears no one will believe a Hafling.