The Princess has been returned to her normal, human form. Also returned to her natural form is the Hound. Prince George has used what little magic he possessed and the help of the Bear to return the two, but once they've been released to go their own ways, the Hound and Bear discover something isn't right in the forest.
Spots of un-life or un-magic seem to be spreading through the woods. These pockets aren't like water where the effect lessens, rather they continue to steal the life-force from any living thing caught in the path. They use their understanding of magic to fight the spreading spots, but there comes a point where a bear and hound can only do so much to stem the tide of death through the forest.
Returning to Princess Marit and Prince George, they describe the strange cat-man who has been leaching life from the forest. George sends the pair into the mountains where they hope to find the Wild Man who can help. The Wild Man sends the Bear and the Hound into the past before being magic became danger to stop this creature from destroying their future.
The Bear is transformed back into his form of King Richon and the Hound becomes the woman Chala. Through their quest to find the source of un-magic Richon discovers that his bigotry against animal-magic is the root of the un-magic's strength. The pair continue to fight, yet must deal with the consequences of Richon's actions. Eventually the pair discover their place and are hopeful of saving their world.
Magic and an appreciation of nature abound in this story of righting wrongs and finding home. Richon and Chala begin with only a vague idea of what they hope to accomplish, but as they journey and see the injustice in the kingdom a plan forms and change is evoked. Younger readers will enjoy the quest story as the Bear and Hound learn to be human and fight for the success of their plans.
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