The conquistadors invaded the valley, convinced that someone must be hiding gold somewhere. At the very least, this ragtag resistance is hindering them from conquering the territory to the north. Since gold comes from the mountains, the conquistadors believe the mountains must be conquered, and the inhabitants must be tortured and destroyed until they give up their gold.The Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas could not stand against the might of the conquistadors. What chance would a little tribe of ill-trained, ill-equipped natives have?Chee and his small band of young people begin to receive help as those fleeing see new possibilities, new tactics, and strange, powerful weapons that inspire hope and renewed effort.Badly outnumbered, they must strike and flee, disappear and strike again-all the while trying to protect the remnants of women, children, and the elderly who are defenseless and dependent upon them.