For as long as she can remember, 12-year-old Hildegarde has lived a quiet life with her guardians, Greta and Joyson, in the tiny island village outside the deserted castle of St. Anne. She listens eagerly to the stories that Joyson tells of faraway times and places, and she longs to visit the kingdoms on the mainland. One day a stately ship arrives, bringing the duke's servants who begin to make ready the castle for his imminent arrival. Shortly after the duke is settled in the castle, the island is invaded by pirates, and the castle is besieged by an opposing duke. Hildegarde, realizing she is alone and in great danger, sets out on a daring mission to find her guardians and discover the truth about her past. Through her kind manner and selfless service, Hildegarde endears herself to others and gains the help she needs. Along the way she encounters unexpected friends, a secret passageway, dangerous escapes by moonlight, hidden caves filled with treasures, and her true identity.

From The Good and the Beautiful edition