The gruesome discovery of a skeleton in Mossflower woods heralds the start of both a mystery and a quest. Far away, on the tropical island of Sampetra, Emperor Ublaz, also known as Mad Eyes, sends his fearsome lizards and corsairs on a murderous mission to Redwall. Back at home, the Abbey dwellers race against time to unravel a fiendishly difficult series of riddles. At a northern shore, a young otter fashions a bow and arrows from a yew branch and vows to avenge the slaughter of her family.
Why does Martin, son of Mattimeo, undertake a perilous voyage with his brave companions? Who is Grath Longfletch and why do vermin fear her green-plumed arrows? And what are the fabulous Tears of all Oceans that inspire such passion and greed?