It's the harshest winter anyone can remember, and the vast waterways of the Fens are frozen solid, transformed into an Ice Road. Ideal conditions for a surprise invasion by young King Arnald's banished uncle! Even Wickit Monastery is under threat - a bitter illness has struck down almost all the Brothers and a ghost walks across the snow.
How can the orphan Pip, and Perfect, the stone gargoyle, save the Brothers, their friend the King and their country?