At the western edge of the Dunderfosse rears a lone peak called Snawbyr Crygg. It is hollow. Within live a secret race called the Cryggmoren. Among them dwells a youth, a foundling.They named him Wycan, meaning outsider. At the start of this tale, he has grown restless, wanting to know his origins, wanting to connect with his own people. But noone is allowed to leave the mountain. At this time, he finds that he has two strange gifts: that of restoring plants to life, and of making himself invisible. Invisible, he tries to find a way out, but its one gate is too closely guarded.

Wycan comes upon the Kyr

 Climbing high close under the peak, Wycan discovers a woman lying on a bier. He overhears healers discussing her condition. They have failed to wake her over many years, and are predicting her imminent death. Feeling strangely pulled towards her, he determines afresh to get out and find help. At this point, disaster strikes. The mountain is overrun by swarms of deadly Chorl - creatures up from the mountain's roots - and he has been set up to take the blame. Dodging both Chorl and Cryggmoren, he tries again to pass through the mountain's gate....