Not only does Jack demolish a monastery, but Lucy is carried off by the Lady of the Lake.

Jack has to follow her through the Hollow Road which lies underground.

It leads to all sorts of unexpected places—caves full of dragon poop, knocker holes (you do not want to know what knockers are) and Elfland.

He is aided by Pega, a slave girl, and the berserker Thorgil, whom Jack rescues from being devoured by moss.

On the way they meet hobgoblins, kelpies, yarthkins and elves—not the enchanted sprites one would expect but fallen angels who steal human children for pets.

It is the year 790 AD and the world is caught between belief in the Old Gods and Christianity.

What Jack and his companions do will decide the fate of both religions.