In a narrative of possibilites after the Civil War, four people head west, struggle to suppress the chaos of the Wild West and bring civilization to the New Mexico Territories. Two are a former master and a former slave, who carve a new life on a mountain. Two are a lawman and a teacher, who have a vision for the country. A series of killings point Marshal Kendrick toward the mountain where Moses and Jo have staked their claim. Will he find the killer or killers before it is too late? He will never stop searching.