Eleven-year-olds Conor, Abeke, Meilin and Rollan each live in different corners of Erdas. Conor is the servant of a noble. Abeke lives in a remote village. Meilin is the wealthy daughter of a high-ranking general, and Rollan is an orphan, recently jailed for theft. At their nectar ceremonies, each summons an animal. They're not just any animals: They are the reincarnated spirits of some of the world's 12 Great Beasts, known as the Four Fallen. The great wolf Briggan appears to Conor. Abeke receives Uraza, the leopard. Meilin gets Jhi, the giant panda, and Rollan receives the falcon Essix.