When Kanga, a young, slightly immature but very capable warrior of the Katongo tribe, kidnaps Toma, a maiden of the Kandu, he sets the surrounding countryside in turmoil. Kanga ends up in Balooban territory where he is pursued by the girlas father and several other men of her tribe. Their presence becomes known to the Balooban chief, Lasomba, who takes up the pursuit. Into the mix comes the Gabol tribe, plus some members of Kangaas own tribe, who are searching for him. They all come together for a surprising but logical ending. Part Two brings the Arab slave raiders from the northern desert. They raid the Kandu village and kidnap three young girls. Part Three brings about the war that everyone dreads. Revenge-seeking King Shooga turns his Balooban armies loose on the small northern tribes.