Nelia is alone in the Erun Woods to solve a riddle. She has been attacked and knocked unconscious. She wakes up while being carried through the woods to the camp of the Forest People. She is sentenced to death, but Kin, who is to be her executioner, releases her. After being chased, hurt and kidnapped, she receives unexpected help and stumbles upon the answer to the riddle. When she finally makes it back to the castle, she finds out that Lora, her biological mother, is alive. Nelia becomes stronger and more independent. She makes choices that may have fatal consequences, for Linus as well as herself.