In an era when the balance of nature still kept human civilizations in thrall, the young prince Chagum has been accused of being possessed by an evil spirit: the water demon, which was slain by the emperor 100 years ago. This could possibly signal great misfortune. Not only for the Imperial family, but for the entire world as well. The court advisors see only one solution. Chagum must be executed by his own father's hand. His salvation comes in the form of Balsa, a spear-wielding mercenary from Kanbal, the kingdom across the mountains. Her skills are legendary, and although reluctant, she is bound by a mysterious vow to save eight souls before she dies. Can she fend off an entire empire and make Chagum her eighth soul?