Princess Emeldra often dreamed, as a child and even now dreamt similar dreams, of coming face to face with a dragon. Though seen from a distance no one, however, had ever got close to one. Believing them to be majestic and intelligent beings, she felt compelled to get a closer look, so she asked her father, the king, for an escort to try and see one at least a little closer. Stung at her father's refusal, calling her foolish and impetuous the strong-willed princess finds a way out of the castle alone and undetected. When her horse throws her, she must seek cover before a storm arrives. So begins an ancient prophecy with her and a man who is a dragon at the centre.