Antia, the princess of two continents, is sent by her stern aunt/regent on an ambassadorial mission to a desert land. The haughty princess disdains the simple ways of the people, but her pride urges her onto a desert caravan, riding a camel-like creature. Her dignity is tested further by a sardonic prince who is obliged to show her his country. After enduring a nearly deadly sandstorm, she has a vision of under ground lakes. Spies from her own country try to use her as a pawn to steal the desert oil.
She begins to respect the desert and its people and thwarts the spies, led by her wicked aunt, in time to save the secret of the oil and water lakes. She meets the mystic Sandwriter, who has devoted an unnaturally long life to protecting the desert and its people.
Monica Hughes
A writer of international acclaim, Monica Hughes published over 35 books and many more short stories and articles during her 29-year career. She was often honored for her work; Hunter in the Dark and Keeper of the Isis Light both won the Canada Council Children's Literature Award. She was the recipient of the Vicky Metcalfe Award for a body of work, the Queen's Jubilee Medal and the Order of Canada.
"An exuberant, romantic fantasy … this is a smooth and sensitively written novel. With sincere portrayals of likable characters and an original setting, Hughes has constructed an engrossing tale."
— Publishers Weekly
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