After his father’s death in London in 1796, Ryder Benedict travels to the New World to find answers to his past. He planned to be gone no longer than a year but two years later, in the company of six men from three different tribes who have all come together to help him, he finds himself in the wilderness of the Pacific northwest, far beyond the borders of the American, French and Spanish settlements. When he is attacked and injured by a wolf, a young white girl with extraordinary instincts saves his life. Named Esa-mogo'ne’ by the local Bannock, she takes Ryder to their village to heal and over a bitter winter Ryder learns of her tragic past and discovers a love that will endure his whole life.