The reader follows the story of a slave boy named Xed, bought out of slavery by a man named Aemon. Under Aemon's guidance Xed learns about the world and sees what the world around him for what it is. As he grows with Aemon he sees and understands what's around him. As he comes face to face with the sinister realities of the world he lives in, of slavery, lies, deceit, murder, treachery, corruption- the fire in him lights up. He decides to single-handedly change the world. Changing the world is a tall order, does Xed really have what it takes to bring about the change? What does it mean to change the world? What systems in the world require changes? What gives Xed the right to change the world and impose his will upon the face of the Earth?