Avi can’t talk to girls, which really complicates his plan to marry the prettiest one in town. His only hope is an arranged marriage, but before his father will arrange it, he challenges him to make a pilgrimage to the capital, the center of the world, and the home of the worldwide emperor. The pressure builds when Avi discovers that his province is toying with rebellion against the emperor, and will soon be struck with a forced drought. Avi’s trip may be the only thing that stands between their way of life and a devastating famine. The challenges he faces, the people he meets, and the wonder he shares change him forever.