"Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice..." (Robert Frost, "Fire and Ice", 1920)

In this post-apocalyptic world, snow, ice, and death prevail. The remnants of humanity have survived by relearning ancient ways. Some villages cooperate with each other, but there are tribes which have turned to murder and theft to ensure their own success. They destroy entire villages and steal food, furs, and weapons. Most of all, they hunt down life-bearers with which to breed and repopulate their own tribes.

Three orphaned friends wander alone through this precarious world. Teek, Lance, and Kateesh have all suffered traumatic losses which shattered their faith in their fellow human beings. They rely only on each other and trust no one else. Roaming from village to village, they subsist by hunting and trading meat and furs for other essentials. They trade in plasteek, a rare and much-prized material. It is risky to gather, and they keep its source a closely-guarded secret.

By remaining coldly independent, the three youths hope to avoid more pain and loss. They are sure that they can count on each other, but that certitude is shaken when violence rages into their lives once again. How well do they really know each other? Will their friendship survive, and will they keep their greatest secret of all?