War-torn Mithendrove was no place for a child. It only made sense, then, that Baevin, heir to the throne of Mithendrove, would suggest that his daughters should be escorted to neighboring countries. However, when the nearest neighboring country is Callendae, it's a problem. After all, Callendae is known for its ruthless, cunning inhabitants and violent, spontaneous massacres. Having been abandoned in a Callendae slave camp all those years ago by her guardian, the millennia-old Francisco deVincent, Katherina Ellecor, now fifteen, hasn't known freedom for four long years. She's dying, desperate for a real life-the life she deserves. Therefore, she's completely thrilled when Francisco returns again, filled with brilliant schemes to steal her back to her home. She's more than willing to go, to return to her mother, her father, her four sisters. However, there are others that find this quest much more objectionable, and are determined to stop it. Katherina and Francisco were prepared for a difficult journey when they left Camp Therondell-By-The-Sea, but were they prepared enough? Will a long-lost princess, heiress to the throne of the strongest, most dynamic country in the realm, return to her home, or be forever lost in her attempt to escape Callendae?