Kaya's beloved horse, Steps High, has been captured by enemy raiders. Kaya fears she'll never see Steps High again, until she hears of a herd of spotted horses running wild in the mountains. As she travels with a hunting party into the mountains, Kaya is troubled by the smoke she smells on the wind - smoke from mountain fires. While searching desperately for Steps High, Kaya has to face a fear greater than any she's ever known.