On prehistoric Orkney, the village of Skara Brae has been built among the dunes, nestled in the sand. Ruled by the tyrannical Long Axe, the villagers watch the weather and the sands, in fear of their home being buried.

Blue Feather is twelve when Long Axe declares that he wants her as his third wife. Her father is unsure, but cannot argue with the chief - when Blue Feather turns 14, she will marry Long Axe. At first she is delighted, but in the years following she becomes closer with a young warrior, Singing Dog, and doubt begins to creep in.

As Long Axe's rule becomes more volatile, and the weather more threatening, will the village stay safe? Or do they need a new chief to help them through the storms?