Seen through the eyes of two orphans - who were (mistakenly) embarked to act as interpreters with the Indians - this novel tells the story of a little known historical event: France’s attempt to conquer Brazil in the mid-16th century.

However, this colonial dream does not go beyond the occupation of an island in the Rio de Janeiro Bay: a dream thwarted by the inability to understand the Indians, the forest, but most of all, the inability to manage the religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants that foreshadow Renaissance’s humanism disarray and the religion wars.

Just and Colombe Clamorgan, the two heroes of this novel believe they are brother and sister, but away from the civilized world will discover the depth of their mutual love, a bond that goes beyond normal family ties.

But are they truly family? Under the tropics, they must search for their identity, their values, their feelings. Just will try to assume the heritage of knights’ codes of honor, while Colombe will let go of her civilized past to become a true Indian.
At the same time a historical tale à la Robinson Crusoe, a philosophical fable, and a great love story that should have been impossible.