Washo told Lauren he had known her grandfather for a time. Then just recently he had made a special trip to the Lakes' cabin to tell them that his and their families were connected. No other information, just an invitation to come stay with him on the Cherokee reservation to learn more. So after two months of suspenseful waiting, Lauren and her family are making their way back into the mountains with the Corners coming along. Perhaps they would at last understand why her grandfather would hardly speak of his heritage But when they all arrive at Washo's, answers don't come as quickly as Lauren had supposed they would. In fact, more questions arise. Most of her wonderings about family history have to be placed on the back burner until a more urgent matter is resolved. Troubles mount as rumors spread, causing worries for not only Lauren but the whole Cherokee people.