While out hunting, Crooked Foot-a boy less than two-hands old-and his grandfather encounter Tawasiki, the-bear-who-roams-along-the-Great-Ice. Crooked Foot remembers nights gathered around the campfires. Old men-hunters from long ago-who loudly told many other hunting stories spoke only in hushed voices of this creature lest the animal hears their words and comes for them. The creature that everyone fears was here now and it gives chase. Crooked Foot is trapped in the debris of a long jam in the bend of the river while the bear paces overhead searching for him. How will he manage to escape? During the night, raiders attack Little Fawn's village. They intend to make everyone a slave of the despot Kam Udo. Can she come up with a plan that will free herself and her people? Can Waving Grass, daughter of Running Buffalo, Chief of the Attikamekey get help from Small Turtle in her search to find lost tribe members? By the time you reach the end of the book you will have answers to these and other questions.