The power of words and of that mystical concept best called story maintains harmony in the mostly-Native world of Port Adams, the larger of the two cannery towns on Cooks´ Island, Alaska. But years ago, Jacob Chickenof, a successful fisherman, a highliner, a powerful toion, carelessly spoke harmful words that have festered until the spirit woman who holds them has her chance for revenge. Her revenge even takes the life of her son. In the end, the world can only be righted through story. Jacob sings his death song, and John manufactures evidence until his father undertakes to teach him the old ways.