Calla is the rare young woman woking as a scribe for the government of the Golden Empire. One of the Empire's Governors enlists her to conduct a survey of the nearby province of Cularum and its Governor, who may or may not be dealing with pirates.

This mission will upend Calla's life in myriad ways. She will learn about Cularum, encounter a wild slave, and deal with the nobility of the Empire. Which of these will make her "Calla of Cularum?"