Rejected three times at the Choosing and ridiculed by her mother, Corrion journeyed through the wilderness by herself to confront the princess a fourth time to prove her worthiness and become a healer of old. After being attacked by wolves, she meets a female troll at the river crossing. The unlikely women become friends, traveling together and learning about each other's cultures. Once Corrion reaches the castle, she faces a number of trials in hopes of gaining the trust of the princess.