After the Battle of Illon (at the end of The Goblin's Gift), the last place any creature from Port Fayt would want to visit is Azurmouth, capital city of the League of Light, sworn enemies of the goblins, elves and trolls of Fayt. But that's where Joseph Grub - half-boy, half-goblin - immediately heads, in search of his father. All he has with him is his native wit - and a wooden spoon. Soon the Demon's Watch are in hot pursuit, anxious to retrieve their friend - and with the intention of sorting out one or two other bits of unfinished business.