Meariki is a slave to the people of Ngai Kuwai and must obey the chief and look after his only daughter, Hineamuru. When Hineamuru is abducted by a warlock, Meariki and Pehi, a young warrior and Hineamuru's lover, go on a hazardous journey to rescue Hineamuru. Pehi is brave but arrogant, while Meariki is clever and resourceful, and the success of the journey rests on her. At each incident in the adventure, Pehi and Meariki uncover hidden truths, and Meariki comes to realise that in saving Hineamuru, she will also reveal her own true destiny.