An ogre with a talent for protest must stop the destruction of an untouched paradise in the New York Times-bestselling author's fantasy adventure. Esk is part ogre, part nymph, and all attitude. He has a magical talent for protest-when he says "No!" people don't just listen, they literally stop in their tracks. But even his abilities haven't been enough to thwart a seductive demoness. When Esk sets out on a pilgrimage to get help from the Good Magician Humphrey, he discovers that he will be going much further... on an unexpected mission of mercy. A greedy demon horde has descended on a running river paradise and its harmless inhabitants. Now it is up to Esk and his companions-a beautiful winged centaur named Chex and a brave burrower Called Volney-to search Xanth's treacherous reaches, gather together a mind-boggling company of creatures, and defend the precious Vale of the Vole.