In 1858, Kentucky’s slave trade was in its darkest days. But Cassius, a young virile black man, has enjoyed a protected existence at Tanglewood. His best friend is John Livingston, an enlightened individual who chose to set up his land as a haven for the enslaved until emancipation could free them.
Their connection is a driving force, a black and white brotherhood that challenges the prejudicial hatred and animosity of other plantation lords. Cassius is an expert horse trainer and plans a victory for John in the annual county horse race. His unexpected win reignites the vicious rivalry of neighboring landowners.
Then one terrible night, the hidden secrets of John’s greedy wife lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As his life shatters, Cassius plots vengeful murder. He flees rapidly with his pregnant wife, son and father to begin a perilous passage along the Underground Railroad. Having escaped the hangman’s rope, he now has to outrun and outwit bounty hunters as he races north to freedom.
A safe house on the trail hides another traveler. It is his ex-lover, the mother of his son. Cassius is forced to consider now for whom he’s willing to fight. His freedom is at stake, sharpened by the painful realization that they are very much alike. He remembers her kiss but forgets that Mattie can betray. Cassius is now torn between desire and fidelity—and the pull of freedom.
All along the risky trail he hears his soul screaming, “You will not die a slave. You are free!”