On the larger of two islands in the southern Atlantic seas, a baby girl is born one dark winter's day, while the spindrift wind sings strange songs around the gullies and cliffs. But Gulai's mother dies soon after giving birth to her, and her father, Dr Orion Prosper, the only medical doctor on the island, blames himself.For days afterwards he stays locked in his room, refusing to talk to anyone. But Gulai never stops crying and her aunt is forced to seek advice from Sophia – the island's other healer – even though she's the doctor's archenemy. Thus begins Gulai's life on the island Ergo – betraying her father a mere ten days after her birth . . . And her life has barely begun.