Just before Davey Boehm turns thirteen, animals begin to show a strange affinity for him. Is it some kind of inherited trait? Is it why no one will tell me about my ancestors? he wonders. When questioned, his mom is evasive and provides no answers. Then she sends him to live with his aunt...and the mystery deepens! His aunt lives in an old mountain town ruled by a malicious family. They have dark plans...maybe even dark powers...and give Davey an ominous warning: Leave before you get hurt! Davey is distraught, but hope arrives when a strangely-marked squirrel leads him to an ancient tree. The aura of the tree captivates him, and he feels at home in its presence. Moreover, he finds a magic necklace there, a clue to his birthright. *** And so, a journey of discovery begins. Joined by an older boy of Cherokee descent and a brash girl, Davey strives to learn about his heritage.