Jono is a twelve-year-old shepherd who lives during the Bronze Age. From Mentor, an old wizard and a teacher, Jono learns that he is also a wizard. Mentor invites Jono to attend a school of wizardry, and Jono accepts the invitation.
On his way to the school, Jono becomes separated from Mentor while Mentor is looking for a twelve-year-old witch named Chloë. The novel describes the magical adventures of Jono and Chloë up to their arrival at Mentor’s school. Jono’s adventures include a meeting with the king and the queen of the spuds, underground beings who do not like people. Chloë’s adventures include a meeting with Wishyouwell, a gnome who grants wishes.
Jono’s and Chloë’s magical adventures teach them much about good and evil. They learn also about harpies, night-hags, pixies, gnomes and trolls.