The king is having a birthday and the baker has prepared a special treat, but it is young Tom's responsibility to see that the treat arrives in good condition.
Motivated by jealousy and the desire to receive acclaim as a great poet, Walid ibn Huyr, a prince of ancient Arabia, commits acts which completely change the course of his life.
Brenden Vetch's gift for connecting with the agricultural world helps him land a job as the gardener for the wizard Od at her school in the city of Kelior, where Od uncovers Brenden's true powers and helps him save the school from evil rulers.