Synopsis: For centuries the proud Dog People had roamed with their horses across the grassy plains and fir-clad hills of the Northwest. Then, when their strength was at its greatest, their domed tents filled the valleys, and their herds were large beyond counting, the Dogs turned their bows on one another in a struggle over who would become War Chief after Col Moondark. Hunted by vengeful warriors, a handful of refugees fled the land of the Dogs, led by Gan Moondark, Col's gifted son. But not so far away events were taking place that would soon overshadow the concerns of the Dogs: where Seattle and Tacoma had once stood, a new empire was being carved from the wilderness. Old alliances daily died untimely deaths, and the ancient Church did losing battle with a mad ruler bent on bloody conquest. Only Gan Moondark, formerly of the Dog People, in theory had the vision and the ability to hold the madman in check, but he lacked the power. (adapted from the back cover of the first pb edition)