Along the way, they encounter a mysterious stranger, who disappears along with their guardian, Varis.Tracking them by use of the magic known as the Change, the friends are confronted by a powerful charm impeding further discovery. But a brush with the spirit world has given one of them the power to see the island fort where Varis has been taken, and helped by Pukje, an imp-like stranger, they plan a rescue.Inside the fort, though, lurks the Scarecrow, a sinister amalgamation of man and material. He wants the incredibly powerful Golem of Omus, imprisoned in crystal by Ros - and he?ll do anything to get his hands on it.The Scarecrow offers Ros a deal; Pukje offers him hope of escape. Once again, Ros has to decide who to trust.