In this novel set in the early 1540s, seven people travel across what is now known as the American Southwest in search of the legendary golden cities of Cibola. Captain Mendoza and three of his soldiers seek treasure, Father Francisco dreams of all the souls he can save on his journey, Estaban de Sandoval, a mapmaker, goes to draw out the land for his Spanish king and Zia, an Indian girl, accompanies the men as their guide. This historical novel explores the history of the Spanish conquistadors and how many of them were corrupted by their lust for gold.