The majestic Columbia River sweeps through the American intermountain west, forms the boundary between the states of Washington and Oregon, and finally joins the Pacific Ocean. For centuries, men have fought over this great natural resource: First Indian tribal wars; then the fir trade and boundary disputes that pitted Great Britain against the infant United States; closely followed by Indians versus Caucasian settlers. The river's role in mankind's contentions continues. Much of America's nuclear weapons arsenal was manufactured in the river town of Hanford, Washington. This book deals with a modern terrorist plot to destroy vital components of the Columbia River system. A modern delegate from the river's past conflicts must confront the plotters, even as he fights personal battles, past and present, engendered by the river.