In November of 1819, young Sean O’Malley sets out on a fateful hunt with his grandfather and accidentally shoots a young Indian boy out on a vision quest. Grandpa says nothing can be done for the dying boy and takes the young Indian’s Spirit Bow. Resentful of the local natives, Grandpa tells his grandson, "Nice shot." These simple words will haunt Sean for years to come. The young Indian’s death sets in motion, a series of tragic consequences that will have a lasting effect on young O’Malley.
Sean blames himself for the tragedy that befalls his family and becomes convinced the bow’s spirits are seeking their vengeance. As Sean and his father, Patrick, make their way toward Oregon Country they enlist the help of Patrick’s sadistic half-brother, Jack, and his captive squaw, Chimalis. On their journey west, Sean and Patrick slowly learn of their family’s dark past. Jack murders Patrick, blaming the Indians. Chimalis and Sean eventually escape Jack’s evil clutches and through a strange twist of fate, Sean finds himself living among Chimalis’s Crow Indians.
While he is still haunted by past memories and his grandfather’s words, "Nice shot," he slowly begins to find comfort and appreciation of the Indian’s way of life. Over time Sean gains the respect of his new Crow family and friends. After saving his best friend’s life, Sean earns his warrior name, Night Wind. Have the bow’s spirits changed sides?
The inevitable conflict with white immigrants forces Night Wind to intervene as he tries to prevent a massacre and possible war the tribes cannot win. The after effects of his intervention change his life forever.
