Bravery walks in packs, herds and clans. This summer Earth Shadow is finally old enough to leave his clan's winter shelter and join the Walk Around. He follows the healthy adults, leaving the old, the babies, and the infirm nestled in the security of the Circle of Mountains. As they travel, he gathers stones for the tools and weapons he needs for survival and learns the ancient lore of his people. On the plains, he must face the massive and dangerous bison herd in his first hunt. Earth Shadow will meet new people and help strengthen ties among the clans at the Great Gathering. Handicapped since birth, Earth Shadow has lived his whole life in the shadow of Sunrise, his stronger, more physical twin brother. Now he will either finally step out of his brother's shadow and become a leader in his clan, or fail and spend his life hidden away in the Circle of Mountains.