Hero lives in a remote, Matriarchal mountain community. Mothers are important -- very important indeed -- and Hero hasn't got one. For the most part, men live separately from the women, although there are some few who live as couples. There are stories, but no longer anyone to tell them. Much of the history and wisdom of the community has become distorted or lost. Rufor, the self-styled 'leader' of the men inadvertently sets in motion a chain of events which will, ultimately, lead to great change ... and peril.