Tsali of the Tsumat people is accustomed to standing alone. Scarred by tragedy, she is isolated in her own village. Her only companion is her beloved hyaenodon, a wolf-like creature, common to her home world of Ixtlán. All that changes when she finds the half-drowned Tomás, literally washed up at her feet. Tomás is the spoiled son of Éspan parents, who has never had to do much of anything for himself. Once she’s nursed him back to health, Tsali is happy to dump him back with his own people. But when he shows up bragging about his quest to claim the famous white tchor of Nawonsimu for his fiancée back in San Miguel, Tsali knows that if she doesn’t help, the idiot is likely to get himself killed. When Luka, an orphan, crosses their path, his charms endear him to Tsali, just as Tsali’s self-reliance and talents are charming Tomás. Working together, the trio find the tchor. Then disaster strikes as they struggle to return home. Can Tomás earn the love and trust of the woman who needs no one? And can Tsali’s skills, courage, and wit save them all when the white moon cries?