In 7th-century Gaochang, a small but vital nation at the crossroads of the Silk Road, First Prince Qu Zhisheng believes the kingdoms of the Western Regions must unite and support each other to survive, rather than submit to either the powerful Tang dynasty or the mighty Western Turks. But his father the king chooses an alliance with the Western Turks, and the fate of the small kingdom hangs by a thread. A passionate historical adventure following a proud prince and his brothers.

The fate of this small nation, like a tiny boat adrift in a sea of sand, rests upon the shoulders of its princes.