In the dusty streets of a city governed by a distant and ruthless ruler known only as the Wellmaster-where water is as precious as gold-13 year old Farro and his best friend Tarka run through the dangerous alleys for fun and adventure. Life is hard for Farro and Tarka but they and their families manage to survive, until one day Tarka is captured and imprisoned. It is while imprisoned that she makes a discovery that will challenge their friendship and the society that props up the Wellmaster's power.