The villagers talk about the crazy old hermit, Lontar, who lives in the caves. They say he stands guard against dragons that will never come, creatures that exist only in his mind. Young Claire is the only one who believes him and has befriended the old outcast. She doesn''t realize that he has been training her to fight and telling her the ancient stories for a very special reason. Lontar wants Claire to take his place and save the ungrateful people who mock them both. Soon their laughter will be replaced with cries for help , and one brave girl, armed with only her fighting staff, will be the villagers'' last hope.