Three children grow up together on an isolated plantation in antebellum Texas. James, son of the owner, and Puck, a slave, are both destined to love the beautiful servant girl Desdy all their lives. Jack, James’ widowed father, tries to be a benevolent master. He drinks excessively, in constant struggle between his greed and growing guilt at owning slaves. He teaches Desdy to read and write, promising to free her when he feels she’s ready. War comes, and Puck must decide if he’ll run north to join the Union Army. Though James has little sympathy for the Southern cause, he must determine whether or not he should join the Confederacy and fight to keep his father from being ruined. Or should he put it all behind him and run away with Desdy to Mexico where they can marry? His decision will lead to the most desperate gamble of his life.