In the year 1743, a boy was born in Hamburg in what would later become Germany. The child, named Elias, was the only son of an only son. Due to the industry of these farmers and hunters, they enjoyed a standard of living that was better than most. Elias was especially close to his grandfather whom he called Opa.
Elias' life is forever changed when a fire robs him of his home and entire family. He is unfairly treated by those who promised to take care of him and runs away to live in a shack on his great grandfather's property. On his own, Elias finds help and comfort with childhood friends and a stray dog which he eventually befriends. He is able to survive by working for food, doing odd jobs, hunting, growing a garden, and careful planning. He gets done whatever job his many employers task him with. He is hired by a baker and becomes his apprentice, but when a lie is spread about Elias, the baker unjustly fires him. When Elias is betrayed and his best friend is killed, he leaves for life as a sailor. While docked in England, he meets and falls in love with Lady Evangeline Duncan. This was a time when class, titles and wealth drew lines that were rarely crossed. Will this love endure?
Elias becomes close friends with Willie, a young man has age. But two sailors hold a grudge against Elias and delight in making his life unpleasant. However, Elias proves himself a fair and worthy sailor, and the captain eventually promotes him to first mate. Elias helps Willie escape a hurtful nickname. He also aids a sailor who is being harassed by one of his own German countrymen. Elias wrongly believes Willie was jealous of his promotion and is responsible for a problem he faced in England, so he treats Willie unkindly. The captain helps clear up the misunderstanding before permanent damage to their friendship is done. Although the captain is like a father to him, Elias longs for his own family and a life as a farmer and hunter. The captain reluctantly bids him farewell and Elias sets out to scout the shores of America.
Elias becomes friends with Wild Fox, a Cherokee Indian whose clan lives in Virginia. They agree to travel together. Elias gains knowledge and skills from Wild Fox. Elias and Wild Fox live for a short time with the clan. Here, Elias learns about clan traditions and becomes as one of them. Wild Fox marries White Fawn and Elias falls in love with Ahyoka. This romance must overcome some hurdles before they can wed, but they eventually do.
Elias, Wild Fox and their brides leave to explore the lands of wild western Virginia. When they reach the River of the Elk, Elias decides to make their home nearby. Wild Fox wants to locate others of his clan, and he and his bride travel on alone. The Canawa Valley of western Virginia is a hostile, untamed land where one must live by skill and wit. Many different tribes of Indians travel through the territory, not all of them friendly. Elias' childhood after the death of his family helped prepare him to survive so far from civilization. His knowledge of the environment and a willingness to work hard are a must from him and Ahyoka.
Elias and Ahyoka forge a life in the valley. Elias applies his skills in building and taming the land, while Ahyoka brings her traditional growing and crafting skills to bear. Eventually, they build a trading post along a route that becomes established. Their many children become entrepreneurial as well and gain an appreciation for what their parents have been able to achieve, despite starting out with nothing but their bare hands and the desire to survive.
Elias eventually visits Hamburg with Ahyoka where he is reunited with old friends and learns about the fate of others. At long last, unanswered questions are answered.
