Released from long-term army service in 1890 Oklahoma, Pawnee scout Eli Whipp is intent on returning north to his ancestral homelands in Nebraska to stake a legal land claim.

In the Powder River region of Wyoming, cattle baron and English gentleman Thomas Trafford, despite being the first European to enter the region, is struggling to maintain his empire against the homesteader invasion.

In Powder River, Wyoming, Sheriff Marshall is investigating the mysterious murder/suicide of an ex-cavalry soldier and his homesteader wife.

Trafford witnesses a violent massacre in America which triggers a tragedy across the ocean in England setting the course of Eli and Cornelia's destiny.

As Eli aims to make penance for his actions 15 years ago, Trafford desperately tries to feed his herd, and Marshall continues to deal with the fallout of Flynn's death.

As Eli and Cornelia reach Powder River, a violent attack on his hayrick forces Trafford to make a difficult decision; Marshall discovers the truth behind the branding.