Immediately prior to the U.S. Civil War, a young black slave escapes and heads west. His goal is to go as far west as possible, and to earn enough money to return and to buy the freedom of his family, which remains enslaved. During his travels, he grows as a man, overcoming many obstacles. He also falls in love, but, most importantly, he is successful in acquiring the money to buy his family's freedom. Unfortunately, his attempt to return is interrupted by the outbreak of war. The sequel will see him keeping his promise to save his family.