Luke Colton believes the South and slavery are right. How else will cotton get to market, tobacco harvested without slaves to do the work? Southern economy is based on such a workforce and besides, what would slaves do if they were free?
Luke's three brothers, parents, and his wife think slavery and states' rights are wrong. They side with the Union. Here in Kansas, Luke chooses to ride with the leader of Quantrill's Raiders, a ruthless group of border ruffians. He hides his decision from his family.
James Colton, Luke's older brother, a victim of Apache capture and torture, visits from New Mexico and displays what slavery looks like, explains what it costs. Unconvinced, Luke continues to ride with Quantrill by burning houses, raiding, looting, and assaulting men, until he realizes his family is right. But how to get out of the Confederate guerrilla's clutches?
Upon learning of Quantrill's plans to burn Lawrence, Kansas, Luke's hometown, the Colton brothers rush to save everyone. But, no one listens . . .
