Raif Gunnerson's rancher father taught him the skills necessary to survive in a hard and hostile land. It helped that Raif had his father's natural talent for ranch life and leadership. At a young age, Raif is suddenly and violently thrust into manhood with the murder of his father and at a time when civil war is on the horizon. In the process of bringing the news of his father's death to his eastern family, Raif is drawn into the preparations for war. Raif proves his worth during the war and Gunnerson's Gunners are born.The end of the war does not bring peace for Raif who returns a changed man. Raif's uncles have ambitions to expand the family's legacy in the west and Raif is the key to success. Raif must recruit a group of hard and dangerous men, find a suitable wife up to the hardships of the frontier, risk his family's wealth, and make his way west. This is a rousing tale of action, adventure, political intrigue, treachery, and romance. Join Raif as he fights to secure his family's future.