Zeb Crocker is still a mountain man living in the rugged Dragoon Mountains, making a living trapping beaver for their pelts along a lengthy stretch of the wild Gila River which flowed by the Dragoons in southeastern Arizona Territory. The closest town was Tucson, still a good full day's ride from where he had once chosen to build a small cabin.
The U.S. Cavalry at Fort Brasher is situated about ten miles to the east. The calvary's purpose was to protect a small number of ranchers and farmers scattered over the desolate landscape, hoping to receive some protection by the cavalry from warring Chiricahua Apache Indians in the area under the fearless leadership of Cochise. The Indians were a constant threat to the settlers, robbing and killing the white settlers invading their sacred land.
An Overland Stage Stop and Trading Post, was about four miles to the north. Zeb traded his pelts and animal hides to the owners in exchange for goods he couldn't hunt or fish for. Also, other necessities that he needed to survive on.
Zeb takes a common-law wife in book one. She was a woman who he had saved from the savage Apache after her wagon train was attacked in route to Tucson, where she had planned on teaching school. She falls victim to the Apache. After sometime, she decides she's had enough of living in the wilderness, hiding and fighting against the Apache Indians. She moves on, leaving Zeb behind and alone and heartbroken. But his determination and willpower take over, giving him the strength he needs to move on. It tells about his future life and finding love after starting over.