When Meriani decides to run for it after witnessing Thime claim an acceptable sacrifice in front of her father, her friends do not hesitate to go with her. Now, at ten-years-old, Meriani and her friends leave their persecutors behind as they make their way towards the eastern coast of Dumii Neh. There, they hope to find a vessel that will take them to the infamous island of Yendar, where Igal hopes to become accepted in the arts of training to be a Ryder. Along the way, Meriani discovers a new friend who has been helping them all this time. Although she wishes for Igal and Nebat to know him, she is warned that she is not to speak to the boys about him at all. Little does she imagine why, until by chance, Nebat discovers this new friend. As new adventures and dangers cross their path, Meriani is warned to not venture towards Yendar until Nebat has a change of heart; but Meriani is at a loss as to what to do When she dares ignore the warning, she and her friends face their greatest challenge yet