Due to financial struggles, Hugo Leed cannot afford the travel costs for his exam in Darvon. His father, John Leed, and wife, Mona Soot, manage to raise the money by selling their food and borrowing from others. Three years later, Hugo becomes the top scorer, is appointed as the third-grade governor of Durkh, and receives the Sky Sword and Sky Pass. However, rumors circulate about his success and his supposed role as a eunuch in the palace.
