New York Times bestselling authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear masterfully bring to life an ancient America, long forgotten in the mists of time, yet strikingly relevant in today's world.

Four Thousand years ago, in the lower Mississippi Valley, a civilization thrived that would lay the foundations of the great Indian Nations. In a long-lost land of forests, swamps, and hidden waterways, A boy is thrust into leadership of America's first city, forced to become a man before his time.

Salamander, only fifteen winters old, would rather chase crickets and marvel at blue herons than navigate the treacherous politics of his clan. But when his revered brother is slain, Salamander is thrust into the role of leader in what will one day be known as the American South's first city.

Burdened with the legacy of his brother's two wives-who despise him-and a marriage to the daughter of his mortal enemy, Salamander must forge alliances to secure the trade goods his people need to survive. Yet, in a world where enemies lurk in every shadow, and assassins strike without warning, Salamander must grow from boy to man, and from a reluctant leader to a formidable one.

Can Salamander navigate the brutal landscape of ancient politics and emerge as the leader his people need? Or will the passions of the human heart devour him before he can claim his destiny?