Kieta Toures, a servant girl, from Timbuktu in West Africa went to live with and serve a well-to-do family at the Soyinka compound outside the city. There, under the watchful eye of an aging housekeeper, she received proper training for the vocation her family had always had. She also befriended Marissa, her employer's daughter, and was homeschooled with her by Madame Soyinka-their "proper education" enhanced by teachings in social graces. The girl enjoyed a wonderful life until insurgents came, terrorizing all in their wake, and committing acts which caused the family to flee their home while leaving the servants behind.