It is 1857. Under President James Buchanan, the battle lines for America's coming conflagration are being violently drawn. As the burning questions of slavery scorches the nation, another savage war takes shape in the West. In the far-off New Mexico territory, bluecoated soldiers hurl a challenge against the implacable Mimbreno Apaches: surrender or die. And in the Indians' ranks stands the brave called Sunny Bear-the powerful, blond-haired warrior and medicine man. Once his name was Nathanial Barrington, one of the finest officers in the United States Army. Now his visions guide him and his new tribe on daring raids against his former countrymen. Amid the smoke of battle and in desire's fiercest blaze, he must choose between the two proud peoples who fight for his loyalty and the two impassioned women who vie for his soul.