In the tumultuous last half of 1700s America, John is a young man compelled by adventure, fairness, and justice. Driven from his family, he seeks the life of a woodsman, hunting and trapping. Alone, or with friend or foe, he finds danger, death, and love. Tragedy hurls him into madness as he tries to find meaning in the tumult of struggle between dreams of freedom, and power of kings; between spiritual and mundane; between love and hate.