Will Pennington has a way with animals, and he loves taking the flocks to the high meadows. Especially to get away from his father, whose temper has only grown worse since his older brothers left home. After a huge argument, Will finally decides to run away. Before he can put his plan into action, Will stumbles across a secret plot from an enemy kingdom. Now the people he loves are in danger. As he races against time and the king's would-be assassin, he finds unlikely help from his loyal horse, a mysterious holy man, and a bossy girl from the royal court. But will it be enough for Will to save his home?