As starving, travel weary people overrun High Meadow, Tillie and Angus must do a delicate dance to keep the doors open. Angus has set the boundaries for their new territory and Martin is tasked with keeping it safe. Tillie struggles to get everyone fed while keeping an eye on the stores for winter.

Wisp helps where he can, vetting the newcomers and finding stragglers, but not every person comes under his scrutiny. He has to learn new skills to deal with the increasing mental pressure of the desperate arrivals.

The refugees seem to be only concerned with food and shelter, but a handful of them might be working toward malicious aims. After a dangerous confrontation, Nick warns Angus that the biobots at High Meadow need more security.

Within the flood of people, not all are who they seem to be. The gentle people of High Meadow need to prepare for war or lose what they cherish most.