The importance of courage and personal integrity is presented against the backdrop of the American Civil War as young Lemuel, a runaway slave from Georgia, and Jacob, a young Confederate soldier, become unexpected friends. Though members of different races and on different sides of the Civil War, these two men have much to teach each other about bravery and loyalty. Exposing the conflicts between patriotism and pacifism, their story shows how freedom can begin with a simple act of kindness.