Noble Prince Jen is the one person that his father, King Ta'i, trusts enough to send on a mission to the legendary kingdom of Tien-Kuo. The prince eagerly begins his quest bearing only enormous pride and humble gifts. From the onset, however, the young ruler marches headlong into misfortune, miscreants, and unexpected adventure.

Separated from his faithful servant, the prince finds himself fending off murderers, falling prey to trickery, and searching for a village girl who plays a magic flute. But it isn?t until he faces his most challenging personal trial that the heroic traveler fully realizes the astonishing power hidden in each humble gift.

Steven Crossley?s narration of Newbery Medal-winner Lloyd Alexander?s remarkably inventive tale delivers all the mystery and magic that accompany the prince on his high adventure.