The Zachary family and the other white settlers in their community are supposedly peace-loving, but behind their benevolent facade lies resentment and a deep hatred for the Amerindians caused by years of fear and violence between the two. Now the Zacharys are being hunted by a dark figure from their past, a deranged ex-soldier armed with the 'sword of God' and bent on revenge. His deadliest weapon is his claim that the Zachary's daughter, Rachel, is really an adopted Amerindian, which she is, a claim that would cause the ruination of the family.