Broderick Brus receives his first commission as a full-fledged gunhaind. It sounds like the perfect job for the young gunhaind, guarding the young daughter of the governor of York. The governor and his daughter are traveling through the territory by airship as he seeks reelection. The governor’s wife, worried about the other candidates using the governor’s daughter against him, wants the gunhaind to keep the child safe. The job seems a simple one. Surrounded by the governor’s staff and his own guards, Broderick’s only real work comes when stopped on the ground. After their first stop the governor decides to travel in the airyacht of a supporter. Broderick remains on the original ship with his charge and much of the governor’s staff. That very night mutineers take over the ship in an attempt to take the girl hostage. Broderick and a small group of the governor’s staff are forced to fight their way free after the ship is landed deep in the Oakshadow forest. Facing the unknown wilds of the ancient forest while being pursued by the mutineers will test every one of Broderick’s skills.