Lark and her new friend Hotspur are on the run from a swarm of deadly little creatures called ginks. Every twenty years or so they swarm in the millions, destroying whatever's in their path, reducing towns to rubble, and eating everything in sight. At the same time Brenar has been trying not to die of his terrible wounds. This is what happens to him while Lark and Hotspur are otherwise occupied. Also, the thrilling backup story "My Monstrous Life" continues.