内容简介：
Orphaned as an infant, Austin Robinson was adopted by his uncle and given a new start in life in pre-Civil War Texas. After a youth filled with long days of toil in the Texas sun, he is a successful cotton planter. His hard work is sweetened by the joy of a happy marriage and a cherished new son, until a Brazos River flood levels his plantation and kills his family. In a drunken depression, he shoots down an unarmed man. Rescued by his uncle once again, he is bailed out and sent to war to watch over Billy Jones, his uncleas impetuous son. They join Terryas Texas Rangers, a Confederate cavalry regiment, where Billy is elected lieutenant. Serving alongside famed leaders Nathan B. Forrest and Joe Wheeler, can Austin keep Billy and himself alive in the losing battle against the threats of disease, starvation, the elements and the overwhelming Union forces?