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Syp's parents have always refused medical and educational testing for her. They believe that Syp, a pre-adolescent quintuplet is deformed and mentally deficient, yet have insisted on her placement in a regular schoolroom setting. Raised as the only girl in a household of seven boys, Syp has accepted the family's living situation as "normal," but knows there are secrets within the household.

In the middle of winter, Syp's mother announces an upcoming "Loosing" celebration that will be held in five days. Typically such an event is held for someone who is through adolescence and will be independent. No arrangements have been made for Syp to learn a trade or have a job. She has no Idea what she'd like to do with her life.

When Dr. Eiske Bonnema, Syp's uncle, the local doctor, threatens to bring the situation to the attention of the local authorities, Syp's father relents. He allows Syp to take the supplies she thinks she needs from the collection of camping equipment – even though she's never been camping! Eiske grants Syp sanctuary and tension between the two households erupts, bringing the situation to the attention of a local caseworker. Even though Syp is no longer their responsibility, Syp's parents' anger intensifies.

Why are Syp and Eiske the target of her parents' anger? The answer becomes clearer when a stranger comes to town.

The caseworker reviews the situation, removes Syp from Eiske's care, and places her in the care of Sage Elvan, a planetary mediator that works for the Protectors. The sage provides Syp a safe haven as an apprentice. In addition to the training, the youth is expected to attend an on-line school, weaponry, self-defense, and learn a craft. Training includes an introduction into the world of magic.

In this new setting, the adolescent pays closer attention to the voices it has heard since its birth. Where are the people who are talking when it is going to sleep and waking up? No one else seems aware that there are settlements on the far side of the planet. Why doesn't anyone care that the beings known as the Protectors aren't around to take care of the various situations that come up?