A pandemic of unknown origin is sweeping the land of Adeon-Fjior, ruthlessly killing its youngest generation. Healers with magic-enhanced abilities are unable to save the afflicted children. Triona Rigfer, a young woman of considerable artistic skill, has dreams of becoming a scribe/illustrator. After losing her four younger sisters to the pandemic, Triona sets out on a journey to the Tower of Scribes, accompanied by a newly-adopted scarlet bird she befriends while sketching him. Their journey to the Tower of Scribes is interrupted when Triona and the scarlet bird find themselves unwittingly playing a key role in the much-needed eradication of the "unpeopling."