The gypsies are nomads who travel from place to place because others cannot understand their way of life. Some attack the gypsies, killing them and burning down their wagons. The males carry a blade on each arm, and the females carry a single blade on either arm. There are two blades—one with an elk handle that the Oracle guards. The Evil One, Samuel, gives the three-gem blade to Kauloben, who uses the blade to kill others. Esmeralda carries the elk handle blade and goes from camp to camp, assisting the gypsies and their children. When a killer attacks a gypsy camp, the only survivor hides in the woods. An assassin named Kauloben, who carries the three-gem blade, finds the boy, takes him to his cabin, names him Chava, and raises him. Chava and Esmerelda's stories are only beginning, as their two blades lead them on journeys that will forge kingdoms through blood and tears.