Norman Zollinger

"Ignacio Ortiz - a Mexican orphan and a runaway searching for his past - lives through eras of intense change, including revolutionary upheavals, two world wars, and the begining of the modern west during New Mexico's last territorial days. As these turbulent events serve as a backdrop to his life, Ignacio's own loyalties will be tested by the passions of his tempestuous employers - the MacAndrews clan." - Taken from cover p.4.

The story of the U.S. explorer and national hero, John Fremont, a leading figure in the 1840s war with Mexico over California. It is told through the eyes of Bradford Stone, a young cartographer who along with Kit Carson participates in Fremont's politico-military adventures, including the Bear Flag Rebellion.