The Gardner's are one of the old Anglo-Indian families of India. A tale which describes about their growing up at the village with siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. Ivan an orphan who lives at Chhaoni, the cantonment of Colonel William Lineaus Gardner. Gem and Chris, poor Anglo-Indians who are neither accepted nor rejected residing on the periphery of the village. The doctor who corrupts Gem and the accidental murder of Chris's father and his involvement with the dacoits who infest Manota. Alaida the beautiful woman who entices Ivan. Mira, The village masseuse, her daughter and grand daughter. The wolves, which stalked her and the husband who avenged her. Kasgunj to Darjeeling, British India to modern-day, grandeur to poverty and the Manota which drew them. A fortress with a claim to ancient history and several legends.