Kalutika Maybus finds an ally in Rett Butler, a Robin Hood-esque bandit awaiting execution. Kal offers Rett a full pardon, and in return Rett joins Kal, who seeks revenge against the man who accosted his sister, Danube. While investigating reports of disappearances in The Forest of No-Return, Kal, Rett, and Father Daniel come across a grisly scene. And it isn't long before they are overrun by vampires, led by the vampire Deshwitat.