From her home in the distant north, Pelia, daughter of Talakhonsu, tells the story of the world her father knew, a world dominated by the Persian Empire, where the past glories of ancient Egypt are already fading into history. Talakhonsu, then a young boy destined for the priesthood of Amun of Kush, is taken captive in an Egyptian raid that fills the night with terror. Together with other prisoners he endures a torturous journey along the Great River...