Heading to Cressingham via private carriage for a lavish dinner and then on to Southwick for a luxurious holiday, Fleur and Ceri have everything two teenage girls can ask for. Prone to boredom though, the daughters of Lindlebrook's mayor seek a fantastical tale to tell their friends.

The girls convince their two accompanying housecarls to stop off at a designated spot near the town of Crocklemell where a mysterious cottage is said to be located in the outskirts of Oakmere forest.

What will the girls find in the forest?

Will the light-fingered Mirrabell Martell get in trouble for her penchant to loot?

Is it wise to ignore several warnings from a boy who casts no shadow?

And which girl carries a dark trickling secret?