"...a doctor." Lep's father's last words, uttered on the battlefield, inspired in Lep a feverish desire to master medicine and rescue the sick. Asclepius, his namesake, the demigod doctor of Greek mythology, was said to have brought the dead back to life-and fourteen-year-old Lep's faith in the powers of medicine is almost as strong. When the news trickles in of yellow fever in the city, Lep's conviction in medicine and his ability as a healer are put to the test. Together with his mentor, Dr. Peale, Lep sets out for Philadelphia to aid the sick and rid the town of disease. But can tonics and potions ward off Death astride his pale horse? Or is Lep in for more than he bargained?