Olga loves the stories of the old cartographers and pores over their ancient books and maps, trying to unlock their secrets. Sometimes, she thinks she can even see into them - as if by magic. But magic is banned in Tsaretsvo, ever since the war with the birds that divided the kingdom, and the powerful magic-wielding Iagas have long been banished. Now, any young girl who shows signs of being an Iaga is whisked away to a life, so the story goes, of unspeakable punishment. When the bird army kidnaps Olga's sister in a surprise attack on the human kingdom, Olga has to venture into the Republic of Birds to bring her back. But first, she must learn to unlock her magical ability.