As the Civil War ravages the country and his family, Nathaniel Mitchell joins the Confederate cause in Georgia after witnessing a fierce battle in his own backyard. Under the command of General Johnston and without his mother's approval, Nathan traverses the trails of the Atlanta Campaign. Plagued by guilt for joining the war without his mother's approval and ever mindful of the responsibilities he forsook to take on the responsibilities of war, Nathaniel finds a mentor and forges friendships with several men. Thankfully, his new mentor contributes more than just wisdom to the Mitchell family and, in the end, gives Nathaniel a gift he could never repay.