1855 Vladivostok - All Major, the Count Mikhail Diebitsch-Zabalkansky wanted for his outstanding service in combat was to receive his elevation to the Order of St. George in the 3rd degree, an irrevocable designation as a count in the governance of all Russia. At the reception ball in Vladivostok, when he invites the Grand Duchess, Catherine Mikhailovna, to join him for the opening waltz, he is surprised when the Grand Duke, Nikolai Nikolaievich, assaults him, first with the sword and then with a gun. In self-defense, Mikhail chops off the grand duke's right hand. Badly wounded, he flees for his life. His uncle sneaks him aboard a clipper ship bound for San Franciosco, loaded with Chinese slaves. Chiang Po, a free Chinese doctor, and his young daughter, SuLin, save Mikhail's life and nurse him back to health. Still weak when he lands in San Francisco, Mikhail is mugged and fleeced of all his money. Shortly after, events find him fighting for his life again, this time under the care of the widow, Molly O'Brian. Still an arrogant nobleman, Mikhail sees those around him as peasants. When he hears Molly and her friends talking behind his back, his attitude begins to change. Over a series of exciting historic events, surrounded by historic characters, Mikhail learns that truth and justice are far more important than position and wealth. Through his exploits, her earns the new title - Paladin.