Gold seekers arrive into Zendt's trading post. At the close of 1861, rich deposits of gold are found in the Rockies. At every opportunity the Indians are 'punished' until they are conquered. The attrocities committed are disregarded by a nation enflamed in the Civil War. 

The increasing tension between farmers and cattlemen explodes into the range wars of the 1870s: rancher Oliver Seccombe falls for Charlotte Buckland and farmer Hans Brumbaugh decides to take the law into his own hands.