National Network for Equitable Library Service

In Bronze-Age Crete, before horses were common on the island, potter's-daughter Clio continues to raise and train them even though an accident has left her unable to ride. After a series of difficult years in the community, the threat of raiders prompts the town's ruling Lady to demand the sacrifice of a maiden between ages twelve and fourteen, who will be selected at the spring equinox. Certain that she will be named the sacrifice, Clio struggles to go on with the ordinary activities of making pots and preparing the town's defenses. She finds refuge in her horses and a new friendship with younger girl Mika, who takes to riding as naturally as Clio did. Drawing on a spiritual connection with her grandmother Leira, Clio learns to believe that she has the power of choosing her path, and that she, Mika, and the horses may hold the key to saving the town without loss of life.