It is 1803 at the Hudson's Bay post of York Factory and fifteen year old Elias Gunn faces a dilemma.His grandfather wants his sons and grandsons to accompany him inland to Fort Edmonton to deliver the supplies the men at the fort will need to survive fora year. Elias hasheard the stories about the months'long, arduous trip by York Boat and has no desire to go. But he is forced to agree by his Uncle Jonas. Elias' nemesis, his cousin, Nathaniel,who continuously picks on Elias, is also going. But he finds there is more than just rowing the boat in store for him. Martha lives with her family in the Cree village near Fort Edmonton.She is waiting for Nathaniel to return and marry her so she can realize her dream