A thousand years after the nuclear holocaust in the USA, only a few people have survived the war and the subsequent plagues. Their descendants have reverted to being "savages," roaming the vast, partially still radioactively contaminated land as hunters, or they have entrenched themselves in small fortified settlements. Gradually, cultural centers are beginning to form again; one such center is Pelbar, the citadel on the Heart River, the former Mississippi. On perilous expeditions, they start to explore the post-apocalyptic wilderness of the American continent. The warlike Tantal have tried in vain to conquer the North Wall. Their defeat has only fueled their ambition further. They are plotting revenge. As the Pelbar turn northward to secure access to the Bitter Sea and establish a strategic settlement, they once again find themselves confronted by these cruel, well-armed enemies.