After sixteen years trapping in the the Rocky Mountains, Almer Johnson is back in St. Louis. The fur trade is going bust everywhere, but he finds that trade into Mexico is booming. Almer has never considered himself a merchant, but when hard times come around, men must do what they can to prosper. Accompanied by an old friend, Almer sets out with a caravan of trade goods bound for Santa Fe. After losing her husband and two infant children, Ruth Baker cannot face another arranged marriage. She leaves home and family behind, hoping to find a fresh start beyond the western horizon. Ruth hopes to find a new life in a country far removed from her grandfather's heavy handed rule, but she must first make it out of Missouri without revealing her Mormon heritage. Word reaches Fort Houston that the Parker homestead has been raided by Comanches. Most of the Parker men have been killed, and several women are missing. They will need the help of an accomplished Indian hunter if they are to have any chance of rescuing the captives. Unfortunately, the most seasoned man available is a vicious drunkard by the name of Will Norton. The Santa Fe Trail is a long, dusty road full of hardship and woe. Some folks make the journey for adventure, some because they are running away, and others do so for revenge. Most however, brave the long journey across the plains hoping to line their pockets with Mexican Silver.