Lieutenant Jonathan Parker has dedicated his life to serving his country. He takes each order seriously—including a command to round up and deport Cherokees to the West. But the oppression of such peaceful and humble people begins to trouble Jon, to the point where he questions God's existence.

Shortly before the Cherokee removal, Emily Anderson, part Cherokee, and her family fled to an obscure valley in the Appalachian Mountains, hoping to remain in their native land. But when her son falls prey to a mysterious illness that her skills and prayers cannot cure, Emily leaves the safety of the valley in hopes of finding medicinal herbs. Instead, she finds herself the captive of a U.S. soldier.

Against all odds, a mutual friendship forms between soldier and prisoner while they travel the agonizing Trail of Tears. But in a nation divided by greed and prejudice, which will Emily and Jon choose—loyalty to their separate causes...or each other?