With the Royalist defeat at Worcester in 1651, Adler Hayward, fearing prison more than death, flees England. Heartbroken at leaving his home and family, he finds solace in the eyes of Glynneth, the wife of Etienne Fortier. The Fortiers and their family, including Etienne's father, brother and his brother's wife, and Etienne's and Glynneth's two children, are bound for New Netherland not only to build a new family fortune but in the hope, the climate will help Etienne who suffers from consumption. Adler and his friend, Latimer Draye, decide to join them and seek their own destinies in the new world. Though Adler loves Glynneth more than life itself, he is devoted to her husband, and he and Draye are protective of the Fortier family. To earn their living, Adler and Draye become woodsmen, trading with the Mohawks and sharing several near-death adventures. Despite her deep love for Etienne, Glynneth recognizes the attraction she feels for Adler. With her husband's death, she must decide where her future lies, but before she can make any decision, she must fight for her life as an assailant abducts her and carries her into the hinterland. Calling on the wilderness skills Adler taught her, she escapes and is reunited with Adler. Now she must decide what will be her destiny.