Nick is amazed by the piece of paper he discovers in Joseph Fisher's wallet. It's part of a mysterious fantasy adventure game that Joseph plays with his sister. Nick enjoys role-playing games too, and he is determined to find out more.

But he isn't a free agent. His older brother Terry - and Terry's gang - have given him an undercover quest which raises uncomfortable questions. The situation escalates into danger.

How can Nick make up his mind which side he's on? On the shifting, splitting ground where the Fishers live, he has to decide not only where his loyalties lie, but what sort of person he wants to be.