In the old town of Van, the Armenian boy Wahram grows up in a world of wonders. In the mysterious cellar of the large house, he discovers hidden tomes filled with stories about miraculous saints and buried treasures. When he tries to discuss this with his grandmother, she silences him and calls a family council. Wahram learns that an Armenian must remain silent in the Ottoman Empire. He witnesses firsthand the impending catastrophes facing the Armenians. His father, a political leader, is at the center of negotiations with the powers in Istanbul. His grandmother is the central figure of the clan. She knows the right proverb for every situation, is full of ancient stories, and strives unyieldingly to keep the far-flung family together amidst the storms of time. During the war, Wahram's enchanted garden becomes a troop encampment as the Sultan is overthrown.