With the outbreak of the Civil War, word arrives that two Indian tribes, the Comanches and the Kiowas, have joined forces under Little Buffalo, whose goal is to drive the white man out of Texas. In a surprise raid while the men are away, the Indians attack, taking hostage every woman and child they can find. While not all the settlers agree, it is decided that because he is black, Britt will have the best chance to negotiate with the Indians, and he takes off alone for a journey deep into hostile Indian territory.