Two summers have passed since Graybeard's death, and young Tao the Cave Painter carries the legacy of his friend and teacher well--when he brings bison and horses to life on the hard, stone wall of the Sacred Caverns, elders look at him with respect. They know his paintings will bring good luck to their hunt.

On his journey to the Mountain People, Tao discovers a clan held prisoner by their fear of a mad shaman, Zugor; who threatens them with curses and spells. Even worse, Zugor keeps a blind girl captive in a cave, claiming they are possessed by evil spirits. Tai knows he must help.

Together with the brave blind girl, Deha, and Ram, his loyal wolf-dog, Tao follows an old map drawn by Graybeard and travels down the Great Waters, where he seeks medicines to heal the children. The dangerous voyage grows more unpredictable at every step, but there is no turning back.