In Urchin and the Heartstone, Whitewings had been taken over by a mad King called Silverbirch and his sorcerer, Smokewreath. The true ruler, Larch, had been forced into hiding, along with the true priest, Brother Flame, as there was a strong threat of them being assassinated. The creatures of Whitewings Island were forced to work in the silver mines to satisfy Silverbirch's demands for it. The mining caused the water to taste metallic. Many animals also had lung problems from inhaling dust.