The narrator, Mishka, is the first girl born in her village in 50 years. As a result, she is worshiped and adored by the villagers, who believe she is a blessing from the gods. However, as she grows up, Mishka becomes increasingly frustrated with the lack of freedom and autonomy she has, and the expectations placed upon her.
When her sister Kira is born, Mishka hopes that she will be able to live a more normal life, but instead, Kira becomes jealous and resentful of the attention Mishka receives. As Kira grows older, she becomes more and more hostile towards Mishka, eventually turning the villagers against her.
The village is divided, with some people loyal to Mishka and others to Kira. Kira's side of the village becomes increasingly impoverished and hungry, while Mishka's side prospers. Mishka tries to help Kira's side by sending them food and supplies, but Kira refuses her aid.
Eventually, Kira's villagers turn against her and join Mishka's side. Kira is shunned and left alone, and Mishka's village is reunited. Mishka marries the man she loves, Ren, and becomes the leader of the village. Kira eventually apologizes and is welcomed back into the village, and Mishka forgives her and welcomes her back into the family.
The story is a tale of sibling rivalry, jealousy, and ultimately, forgiveness and redemption.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The narrator, Mishka, was the first girl born in her village in 50 years.
2. Mishka's birth was declared a holiday and she became known as the "town's princess".
3. People believed that Mishka had special powers and would bring good fortune to the village.
4. Mishka was kept isolated and was not allowed to attend school, instead having tutors brought to her.
5. Mishka became frustrated with her life and began to rebel against her circumstances.
6. Mishka disguised herself as a boy and attended school, where she met a boy named Wren.
7. Mishka and Wren became close, and Mishka revealed her true identity to him.
8. Wren kept Mishka's secret and protected her from harm.
9. The villagers discovered Mishka's deception and were outraged, leading to a confrontation.
10. Mishka's parents had another daughter, Kyra, who grew up to be jealous of Mishka's attention and status.
11. Kyra began to spread lies about Mishka, causing tension among the villagers.
12. Kyra and Mishka's rivalry escalated, leading to a division in the village and a confrontation between the two sisters.
13. The villagers were forced to take sides, and a line was drawn to separate the two groups.
14. Mishka and her followers built a new community, focusing on education and improvement.
15. Kyra's side struggled, and she made poor decisions that led to suffering and hardship.
16. Mishka secretly sent aid to Kyra's side, despite their differences.
17. Kyra discovered Mishka's actions and tried to stop her, but was thwarted by her own villagers.
18. The villagers realized their mistake in following Kyra and apologized to Mishka.
19. The village was reunited, and Mishka and Wren became leaders.
20. Kyra apologized and was forgiven by Mishka, and the two sisters reconciled.