Anh and her mother are aboard a ship, traveling through a rough storm. Anh doesn't seem bothered by the fierce storm at all. Anh is a child of 8 years old, but determined to lend a helping hand where she can. Her mother, rightfully so wants her daughter safe and out of harms way. Trying to get Anh and her younger brother Thanh back to sleep, Me tells them a story about a pirates and a mesmerizing treasure. Anh seems fascinated by the story despite hearing many times before. It jumps to 8 years later, Xiang is 16 and our narrator. She longs to go beyond her village. Spending the afternoon high in a tree reading scrolls of stories, she races from the cliffs at the sight of her mother's merchant boat. It leaves off there but it's very lovely to see these characters who already have so much whimsy and things to find great about them. This was wonderful.