In 1829, a new life in the vast unchartered region beyond the Mississippi River, was a cause for celebration, and fear. With wild beasts, lawless renegades, and hostile Indians enough to threaten even the bravest of men, a newborn had little hope for survival. Upon the birth of their first child, trapper Nathaniel King and his Indian wife, Winona, were overjoyed. But their delight turned to terror when Nathan accompanied the men of Winona's tribe on a deadly buffalo hunt. If King didn't return, his family was sure to perish.