Biblical scholar Jonathan Lyons believes he has found a letter written by Jesus Christ and stolen from the Vatican Library 600 years ago; when he confides to Father Aiden O'Brien that one of those whom he trusted most wants to cash in on the parchment, Jonathan is then found shot to death.

Dann is grown up now, hunting for knowledge and despondent over the inadequacies of his civilization. With his trusted companions-Mara's daughter, his hope for the future; the abandoned child-soldier Griot, who discovers the meaning of love and the ability to sing stories; and the snow dog, a faithful friend who brings him back from the depths of despair-Dann embarks on a strange and captivating adventure in a suddenly colder, more watery climate...