Agnieszka

Agnieszka grows up in the village called Dvernik in the kingdom of Polnya under the rule of a wizard known as The Dragon. The Dragon's given name is Sarkan. He chooses a girl from the villages in his realm to live in his tower for 10 years. Agnieszka is the correct age to be among the girls Sarkan will consider on the day of choosing. However, Agnieszka has grown up knowing that Kasia, her best friend, is prettier, braver, and more skilled in every area. Therefore, Kasia will be the girl Sarkan chooses. Agnieszka is clumsy and often indifferent, and she believes her only skill is the ability to glean successfully, even where others can find nothing. She is surprised, then outraged, when Sarkan chooses her instead of Kasia.

In the tower, Agnieszka is still angry, but she has been taught reverence toward Sarkan and cannot bring herself to...