IT'S A STORY OF A FAMILY OF THE PUEBLOAN PEOPLE WHO BUILT AND LIVED IN THE DWELLINGS (KIVA) IN MESA VERDE AND OTHER AREAS IN THE REGION BEFORE COLUMBUS, THE SPANIARDS ETC CAME. THE FATHER AND DAUGHTER TRAVEL TO THE PALISADE (SEE HOVENWEEP) TO DELIVER SUPPLIES TO THE WARRIORS STATIONED THERE. THEY ARE ATTACKED BY BANDS OF BANDITS WHO SUNSET WANT TO ENSLAVE THEM. AMID THEIR BATTLES AND STRUGGLES TAYA (THE PRINCIPAL CHARACTER) MEETS A YOUNG WARRIOR (SHOMEI) AND A RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPS. THE CLIMAX IS A MAJOR BATTLE BETWEEN THE TWO FACTIONS AND THE AFTERMATH.
