After studying in Europe to become a doctor at the forefront of the medical knowledge of his day, John Power, eldest son of Jacques and Marie, faces heartbreaking tragedy when he cannot save the woman he passionately loves, only to have the same scenario happen yet a second time. Frustration, anguish, and anger drive him to shelve his medical bag and his Hippocratic Oath. He closes his heart down and runs away to join the colonial military as a lowly private who feels more like killing than healing. As John works his way up the ranks, he finds his life forever changed by a Native American girl, who has, had just as much tragedy plus, unspeakable cruelty in her own life. He is able to help her survive only to have her, years later, save his life in return. Their paths continue to cross on the frontier and he finds his soul beginning to heal and his heart coming back to life as she sets an example of persistence and endurance.
