The border town of Forest Mist resides in the Great Piney Woods and is famous throughout the Alliance for its lumber and rare hardwoods. In need of building materials for their new ranch home, Bishop and Terri travel east. It is the couple's anniversary, and both feel the need for a change of scenery.

As they cross Texas, they discover a dark, brewing confrontation simmering just under the surface of Alliance society. Instead of a relaxing journey through the heart of the Lone Star Nation, Bishop and Terri are thrust into a local conflict that threatens to divide Forest Mist and the Alliance as a whole. It is a test not only of their survival skills, but their values, morals, and love of freedom.