Selkies are Scottish seal people, and are considered magical shapeshifting creatures, able to interbreed with humans. Spoken of in many old stories, the females are said to make caring wives, and the men to be charming and good lovers. If their skin is captured, they will remain on land, though more is heard about women being captured than the men. If they find their stolen skin, they will return to the sea and any mate or family therein, though remaining nearby to watch over their land-children. In this first book of what is intended to be a trilogy Kirsty must ultimately go down the Lady's well for the first of her tests of fitness, while also having to balance lessons at her family's traditional school, family, and a certain young lad. In addition she must gain her sealskin in the series. Perhaps, ultimately, the future Selkie Priestess and one of the Hounds of Herne can be the ones to finally untie the knot trapping Marsali and heal the Water Deities.