He was a thorn without a rose.
Scorned for his unusual appearance and nature, young Josiahs expulsion from school leads him to the grim world of rat-catching at the local orphanage. Amid new-found bonds and a simmering animosity, a longing for independence draws him towards the quiet life of a nearby village.
Welcomed by kind souls, Josiah earns his keep as a skilled vermin remover and helpful stable hand. But when a rat-borne illness strikes the town, Josiahs unique abilities bring him to the attention of the imposing Duke.
Within the castle walls, caught in the strange dynamic between the Dukes son Bergen and the formidable Helga children and ogres in one Josiahs life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of the spirited Nadia. Their shared love of poetry ignites a passionate connection, but joy is fragile, and loss leaves an indelible mark.
Unbeknownst to Josiah, Helgas deep-seated hatred of children is taking root within the Dukes domain, setting in motion a chain of events that will irrevocably alter his destiny
