On the eve of her 10th birthday, Marlysa takes her friends away from Tolden for a day of swimming. The party quickly takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of the Lods who will eventually capture them. Our young heroes wait to be sold to the formidable Klekols who repaint themselves from their prisoners. The arrival of a beautiful and mysterious warrior will change the deal. A warrior who will become the model of the young Marlysa!