Speaking Rain has returned to Kaya's family, but Kaya still has one last fear--that she'll never see her beloved horse, Steps High, again. When Kaya hears of a heard of Nimíipuu horses running wild in the mountains, she hopes Steps High is one of them. Kaya soon has a chance to find out for herself when she joins the elk-hunting party traveling into the mountains. Kaya is filled with excitement and hope, but Speaking Rain is troubled by the smoke she smells on the wind--smoke from mountain fire. As Kaya searches for her beautiful horse, she has to face a fear greater than any she's ever known.