While leading his regiment through hostile Louisiana territory, Union lieutenant Aaron Whitney receives news that his family farm is on the brink of being claimed by the bank. Whitney makes a drastic decision: to sell excess guns from his regiment to Mexican businessmen looking to take the weapons back to Mexico. The decision shatters Whitney's devotion to his faith, and the whole weapons dealing endeavor spins out of control, almost costing corporal William Sorrelle his life.

After an amazing escape from the Mexican gun runners, Sorrelle is nearly dead. He washes ashore on the east Texas coast - and is immediately confronted by distrusting Karankawa Indian warriors. Chinese monks, who are visiting the Karankawa village, defend the helpless Sorrelle, and convince the natives to allow them to guide Sorrelle on the long and painful road back to health. During his recovery, the monks and Karankwa natives come to respect Sorrelle, as he shows he's a man of dedication and honor.

After the war, Whitney loses his family and his farm - perhaps penance for putting himself before his faith. As Sorrelle heals, he recalls the weapons incident. His thirst for revenge is piqued, and now it's time to follow through. But someone who's a big bucket of trouble from his past, and a beautiful but relentless bounty tracker, stand in his way.