It is 1899. A new generation has inherited the Rhodesian birthright that Dan Retallick won from the legendary king of Matabeleland. Once again, the dark clouds of conflict loom on the horizon as the blood-streaked bayonets of the Boer War encircle the sons of Dan Retallick. Nat, with one eye on the wilful wife of an English colonel, joins the colours as a 'guide' for the British army. But his younger brother Adam follows a rebel star and a farmer's daughter to enlist with a Boer commando. The tides of history have set Retallick brother against brother in the savage struggle of the South African war.