The novel follows Tishtry's adventures during a crucial year or so of her life. As the book opens she is just turning thirteen. Although she and her family are slaves, their situation is unusual. The family has trained show horses for several generations. They are owned by a kindly if indecisive Cappadocian horse breeder named Chimbue Barantosz, who has encouraged Tishtry to become the best trick rider she can possibly be. Most of her time is spent practicing and training her horses and working out new tricks.

Although Tishtry might seem relatively fortunate, she has the burden of responsibility for other people's hopes.

Her owner depends on the army's unpredictable purchases of his horses for most of his income; he has invested in Tishtry's training in the expectation that she will earn his money back, and more. Her father is hoping she will be...