This spring the great, migrating herds of bison, the primary source of meat for the Standing-Rock Clan, have not returned, causing great worry among the clan. To make things worse, an aggressive tribe from the west raid the clan's hunting grounds, competing for the animals that are left. When it comes to shove and push, Chaiko has to use all his wisdom and cunning to help chart a course for the clan.
Yet not all danger is from the outside, there is danger within, compelling Chaiko to face both ways. It is a good thing that as he was growing up, he had spent so much time alone, learning to observe and think, and come up with ingenious solutions.
I had great fun elaborating the characters through clan interactions, as they respond to events that sweep them along.