Fourteen-year-old Birle has agreed to marry Muir, a huntsman, as a way out of her oppressive life as an innkeeper's daughter. One night, attempting to prevent the theft of one of her father's boats, she falls in love with the supposed thief, who is actually Orien, a Lord of the Kingdom. Birle opts to escape her upcoming marriage by running away with Orien, and her courage and resourcefulness prove invaluable as they face numerous dangers, including being shipwrecked, rescued by pirates, and sold into slavery en route to the obligatory romantic, happy ending.