Weapons create power, and better weapons create even better power. In this sweeping story of the lives of Chief Copper Stone and his son, White Pine, the chief's discovery of copper gives his tribe superior arrows, knives, and tools. The source of his copper becomes a secret that must be defended, even against those he should be able to trust most. Others are envious of their good fortune, and crave the opportunity to seize it-and the power it commands-for themselves.

After tragedy strikes, Chief Copper Stone attempts to regain peace for his tribe, but he soon discovers that peace is difficult when so many of those around him want war. The corrupting forces of revenge and hunger for power make his task doubly difficult.

To what lengths will Chief Copper Stone and his family have to go to overcome the adversity that dogs their steps?