Shriya and Gwenneth are sisters from an ancient civilization that has practiced the sacred work of healing and other mystical abilities for many generations. They live deep in the woods, where they are free to practice their abilities without the priest being aware.

As a member of the sacred work, Shriya is given a focus wand on her thirteenth birthday. The wand is a tool to help her maintain a stream of concentration to develop her inner sight. The priest believes the wands are magic. He doesn't understand it's the power of the divine that lives in each person that empowers the wand. Because of the priest's fears, the wands are outlawed and punishable by death.

On her sixteen birthday, Shriya is given a crystal ball so she can see into the future. Gwenneth also surprises her with an arranged marriage. Gwenneth is insistent that the bloodlines remain pure, so the sacred work can continue for the good of mankind. Shriya is in love with Parkin, who is a tribesman and not a man of the sacred work. As Shriya looks into her crystal ball for guidance about the future, she is torn between following what her sister believes to be her soul's destiny and marrying the man of her dreams.