Archie Stringweed lives in the windswept Scottish fishing village of Westervoe.

Archie is sure that the wind talks to him; that the wind watches him.

It seems to appear round corners and laugh at him; to creep up behind him and blow him along the pavement.

To drape itself round his shoulders and screech in his ear.

Why, Archie does not know. But then his tenth birthday arrives, and things are suddenly turned on their head.

Archie wakes to find a small ball of green light hovering by his bed; a mythical icegull appears at his bedroom window, carrying a pouch containing a mysterious coin; and Archie receives a present from his uncle Rufus, the intrepid explorer - containing another very similar coin.

What does it all mean? With Rufus's unexpected arrival on the Stringweeds' doorstep, Archie is about to find out - and to learn of the curse of Huigor, which he must break if he is to restore the courage and honour of his family