When Zachariah, a naïve mulatto slave, is sold to a Kentucky slave trader, and separated from his ma and sister, he realizes the true meaning of not having rights. Singled out for abuse by his new master's sadistic son, he dreams of only one thing: escape. He thinks he's found it when he falls in love with a Cherokee woman from a powerful family, under whose direction he learns to pass as white. But it's not long before he discovers that freedom that's based on a lie will only get him so far. While struggling to find his place in the world, he also wrestles within his heart to realize his faith. This faith is tested when his slave past catches up with him, and threatens everyone he cares for. He must decide whether slavery is the price he's willing to pay for his family's freedom.