Shortly after the Civil War, Joseph McKinty moves west to Texas to join his uncle, "Armadillo Jack" Delancey, as they seek their fortunes. Jack hopes for a grub stake to build a new life with Maria, a former madam who has claimed his heart. Instead they find themselves ensnared in a web of corruption and power, being used as hired guns to further the greedy ambitions of the ruthless Gregory Eley as he seeks to make his Laurie Swain the largest ranch in all of Texas. Their involvement in the increasing violence endangers them all. Will the boys be able to shoot their way free of the range war and flee the territory with their women as free men? Or will the Ballad of Laurie Swain signal the end of their dreams?"