Isabella Marguerite lives a solitary, hidden existence on the Symm plantation, guarding the one secret that the owner's wealth and power can never master, his young son Willy. Izzy is a house slave, but she and the boy live together alone, distanced from the rest of the household. Willy's family is shamed and embarrassed by his illness. The other slaves fear him. Demons seem to inhabit the boy at times, but Izzy's kind, compassionate care helps to manage these spells. Willy trusts her; she's all he has. He is ignored by his family, and she's isolated from camaraderie with the other slaves. On a warm June day, an uprising disrupts their peaceful, secret life forever. Momentarily, Izzy is tempted by the lure of freedom, but loyalty and love for young Willy triumph. Can a feather from the owl Ifooloo be a good omen? Follow Izzy and Willy on a courageous journey of danger and discovery, as they travel south, struggling for survival and seeking asylum and safety.