Sky, an enigmatic and mysterious traveller, notices Dan, (an Ant tribe member), being captured in the forest by two Warps (a rival tribe). Dan eventually introduces his newfound friend to other members of the Ant tribe and Sky is welcomed by most of the tribe, but not everyone accepts a stranger into their home basecamp.

Conflict arises in the Ant tribe after the raid on their village. They find a Barb arrow in their fields. Some members wish to counter attack whilst others think not. Sky suggests sending a messenger to arrange a meeting, preferring peaceful negotiations to any physical clash - and Dan sneaks out to go to travel to the Barb camp. But can he be trusted?

Sky pursues Dan but both get caught in a Barb trap and are taken prisoner. In the Barb camp they meet the warrior queen, Zora, and attempt to arrange a meeting of reconciliation between the Barbs and Ants. Meanwhile, the Privileged tribe is revealed to be the real threat.

After Sky is accused of being a spy, the spiritual healer, Faygar, suggests that he be given a chance anyway. But other members disagree. In the Privileged tribe, Flame and his scheming deputy, Harmony, discuss strategy regarding the Ants. At the Barb camp, Erin decides to go hunting alone for the first time. But he goes too close to the forbidden zone and encounters the ominous machines.

After running away from the Ants, Dan finds himself alone and vulnerable without being in a tribe. Sky could do with protection himself as Zora tries to contain her Jag, who doesn't trust Sky. Back at the Ants, Omar is happy Sky and Dan have both left. In the Privileged, Shadow prepares his Warps warriors for an attack on the Ants in a week - but Flame wants the attack to happen the next day.

During his strict training process, Flame searches for a suitable sparring partner as preparations continue for the attack on the Ant tribe. Gwyn tries to settle into her life as a Privileged but can't help missing her brother. The Ants learn that the Warps have tricked them. Cass and Omar try to convince a reluctant Faygar to meet with Zora. Dan attempts to join the Barbs.