Fifteen-year old Mario is the Jackass of Puerto de Santa Maria. His silly songs, tricks and mimicry are an embarrassment to his widowed father with many mouths to feed. Considered old enough to learn a trade, Papa hires Mario out to a trading ship, bound across the ocean to New Spain. While collecting water and coconuts, the landing crew is attacked and Mario becomes the lone captive of the Jaguar People. He is soon transported to the capital city and traded to the King. As the Royal Fool, can Mario use his talents as a jackass to survive the intrigues among the Court of the indigenous Jaguars and find his way home?