Its soil is rocky and barren, with thin salt grasses, scrub trees, and a few boggy areas where peat is collected. Fauna consists of nothing larger than small serpents and mice. The Lady of the Rock maintains a few small areas of cultivated land where roots, grains, and vegetables are raised to supply the castle, and an orange grove grows near the lagoon. In addition, two small springs (one hidden in a rock cistern) provide fresh water for the island’s inhabitants. The bay is large enough to accommodate three sailing ships.

In recent days, supported by the extra income and good brought in by Thresher, Crab Island and Golden Brown, the population of the island has grown slightly. Kaleb has brought home a few of the waifs and strays that he found on the ships he plundered. Some had been recently enslaved, while others were press-ganged land-lubbers, although he was careful to ensued that he only took in the weak and the helpless. No-one who might proved to be a leader, or a threat to the stability of the holding, were selected, and were freed elsewhere. So now there are fifteen, or so, workers to help out around the island. A few more vegetable fields have been planted, a few more goats and chickens added, and people to tend the orange grove. These villagers don’t have a good life - but they have shelter, get a reasonable amount of food and are free from slavery and tyranny. And both Kaleb and Lady Smythee have a slightly more comfortable life.

Tidewater Rock, the island's small keep, commands a good view of almost the entire island, and much of the sea beyond. It is just large enough for Agasta, Kaleb, their guards and retainers - however, it is quite strong and well defended.