When Prince Jen volunteers to search for the legendary court of T'ienkuo, a mysterious old man chooses six gifts for him to bear in homage: a saddle, a sword, a paint box, a bowl, a kite, and a flute.

Puzzled by the humbleness of the gifts but full of high spirits and pride, Jen sets off. Almost immediately, however, he loses both the saddle and his court of retainers and finds himself powerless against a string of terrible misfortunes. Persevering in his quest, he learns much from his faithful servant, Mafoo, and from a valiant flute-girl, Voyaging Moon. But before Jen can discover the real meaning of the gifts, he must face his true destiny—and engages in a grim struggle from which he triumphantly emerges into manhood.

In a setting filled with intricate, authentic details from Chinese culture, Lloyd Alexander has created a masterful tale about the interplay of self-doubt and courage, pride and love that will echo with truths to young travelers in any land.

From the dust jacket