There is little peace to be found for young Payat Caldwell, except when he's on the back of a horse. Unlike many of the opportunists around him, he could live happily on meager means, but the universe hasn't granted him even that small favor. Celia Callahan, the daughter of a wealthy horse breeder, suddenly returns home after a long period of time spent away. She meets Payat, and against all odds they become friends. However, their destinies are written with startling turns. How will they decide which path to take when none of the choices could possibly end well?