Lost at sea and suffering from amnesia, a 12-year-old boy can't remember his name or his family. He's taken in by a witch/healing woman named Bronwen who claims to be his mother. She calls the boy Emrys. All the while the boy doesn't feel right about his new situation. And when he discovers that he has unusual powers, things become even more difficult. Emrys uses his power in anger, to defend Bronwen and he is blinded in the process. As he heals, he discovers he has the power of a "second sight" and he's encouraged to find his true name and true heritage. So begins this first book about the strange childhood of Merlin, the most powerful wizard of all, known for serving King Arthur.