Grateful - although surprised by the speed of their wedding celebration - Zia and Kadmeron begin a new life full of promise in the ginte of Split Rock. United to each other but far from home, they gradually find their marks in this harsh existence in the middle of the mountains. With the snow season fast approaching, they courageously participate in the community's efforts to gather food reserves. However, the Matriarch has a completely different ambition for this promising couple; she wants to make them unwavering allies at all costs. Meanwhile, the Patriarch senses the young Marteron's weakness for the secrets of gold and tries to exploit it for his benefit. Alarmed, the priestess Haganita desperately tries to warn her man of the trap being set for them, especially when the discovery of a terrible secret during a hunt calls everything into question.
When the horrific crime committed by a friendly tribe is discovered, the ginte is forced to react vigorously to the imminent threat of its destruction. All villagers must come together and overcome their fears to face danger despite terror and discouragement. In the midst of climatic turmoil, facing torrential rains and the scarcity of food sources, the two newlyweds must embark on a quest aimed at nothing less than the very existence of their village. Nevertheless, Zia now enjoys a brand new, unexpected prestige, which may help her forge her own destiny. On the other hand, Kadmeron is seized by doubt, torn between his desires, his loyalty, and his love. As they journey across the country, the couple and their friends must forge alliances to resist the inevitable onset of a terrible threat caused by humans themselves: war.
Their steps lead them to the edge of the imposing Great Mother River, where they have poignant encounters. New beliefs, star-animals, and incredible revelations about the drawn signs urge them to press forward despite the anxiety of the unknown. Nestled in the vertiginous gorges of the feeder river, the People of the Fish and their remarkable culture inevitably prompt each of the two partners to confront fundamental questions and to face their greatest fears. Will they find the strength to realize what truly matters to each of them? Will they be able to determine which quest to pursue, both individually and for their endangered relationship, that they must save?
Heirs of the Stone Age - a series that explores the challenges of the Mesolithic period
More than six millennia before our era, Mesolithic Europe was shaken by climatic cataclysms. Torrential rains poured down on the world, and the Mediterranean Sea encroached upon the coasts. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean rose several meters due to the massive melting of polar glaciers, destroying villages and forcing terrified populations to flee. Although the eastern part of the continent seemed less affected, the Black Sea continued to swell, encroaching further upon the coast.
This marked the beginning of a period of forced migration that placed humanity in a dire situation. Paradoxically, poorly documented and controversial, this lesser-known era of our prehistory foreshadows the incredible agricultural revolution and profound societal changes that would follow in the Neolithic era. Indeed, the extraordinary climatic, sociological, and cultural challenges forced our ancestors to take drastic and courageous measures. These actions were deeply human. A message from the past, relevant to the profound changes occurring in our time, which compel us to react.
