Hearts of the West

The year: 1882. The west explodes with immigrants yearning to begin anew after the Civil War. Conflicts between the natural inhabitants of the Great Basin and the teeming newcomers result in countless loss on both sides. Sam Taylor, an Illinois transplant, becomes a livery owner in Rio Blanco, New Mexico. He makes contact with a peaceful Indian village to trade horses and sees the chief's beautiful daughter. Merrista, kidnapped as a child, is raised as the beloved child of the chief and his wife. Renegade Indians strike at white settlers and peaceful Indians alike, sending Sam and Merrista on a head-long flight toward Colorado and safety. When Sam is injured during their escape, Merrista must find a way to save him.