An ALA Best Book for Young Adults 2001 Winner of the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature for 2001On the island of Normost in the kingdom of Windward, thirteen-year-old Cerinthe Gale is a folk healer who dreams of being a dancer. When her mother falls ill, Cerinthe fights to save her -- but fails. Blaming herself, she gives up healing. Following her dream to dance, Cerinthe sails across Windward to audition at the School of Royal Dancers, which accepts her even though she's a commoner. It should be the beginning of a brilliant future for Cerinthe, but problems mount.