"Four thousand years ago, in what will be become know as the American South, a boy is thrust into manhood long before he is ready. Young Salamander is only fifteen winters old and would much rather catch crickets and watch blue herons fish then dabble in the politics of his clan. But after his heroic brother is killed, Salamander becomes the leader of America's first city. He inherits his brother's two wives, who despise him and is forced to marry his mortal enemy's daughter to forge an alliance for the trade goods his people desperately need. Cast adrift in the stark wilderness of political intrigue where assassins are everywhere, young Salamander has no choice but to become a man---and quickly."

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