Our protagonist hero, John Buchanan, is a young Scottish soldier, tall, athletic, handsome features, rugged countenance who, as in a Greek myth, experiences violent action, suspense, thrilling high drama, on his long voyage marked by many changes of fortune. John suffers the loss of father, mother, and wife, is captured by the British, deported to the colonies, sold on the auction block. He seeks freedom and a new life on his treacherous journey beyond England and the Scottish feudal system. Through this John learns that tragedy numbs your senses after repeated failures, and success fulfills your dreams.