Sophia is disguised as a young male - a necessary lie if she's to survive the journey ahead of her. When her herbalist grandmother dies, Sophia takes to the Spice Road in search of her legendary storyteller grandfather - and the attractive trader she believes might help her find him. Between them lies a way fraught with danger, not the least of which is a band of slavers out for her blood. It takes all her skill to evade capture and still she remains one step behind her quarry. But the tales of heroes and villains draw her in, bringing her closer to a new home and hope.