In the Old Dock, bad things are happening in Rat City. Slither, the leader of the rats, and old Dross, the Nightwatchman, are running the Market for their own ends, not caring what harm comes to Rat City. Only the Ditchpole family will oppose them. But first, they must escape...and survive. They soon learn that life outside the Dock is just as dangerous. Even other rats can't be trusted. They need help. They need friends. And Slither wants them back.