Against a backdrop of myth, religion, and falconry, a young boy makes a journey of survival and self-discovery across the awe-inspiring landscape of untamed fourteenth-century Africa. Maji and his father are shipwrecked off a deserted coastline, and only Maji survives. Captured by two fierce emissaries, Bere and Ingwe, he is taken to the legendary Kingdom of Gold, ruled by the Great Mambo. On the journey Maji discovers that he has the gift of water-divining. A crippling drought has struck the Kingdom, and Maji is commanded to find water, but there is none, and he fears for his life. He meets Mukonikoni, Ingwe's sister, also a captive and destined to become one of the Mambo's many wives. On a night of flame and fire, when Mukonikoni dances, the Mambo unexpectedly dies, and Mukonikoni is accused of witchcraft. There is only one punishment for witches - death by fire. Escape is the only chance for Maji, Mukonikoni and Ingwe. And in the process Maji learns his inner strength,