Andrew Mackenzie, an ambitious aide to King James, has little but contempt for his wayward and adventuring brother, Philip...who in turn resents Andrew's high-handedness and superior attitude. The rift is deep, and it seems it will be permanent after Andrew learns of Philip's unwitting involvement in a plot to kill the king--and insists that he and his son, Peter, flee England.

After sailing to the New World with his son -- whose heart was left behind with the lovely Rose Heatherton -- Philip struggles for survival amid the dangers of Jamestown, Virginia. Back in London, Andrew is the target of a spiritual conflict surrounding the King James Bible translation, and of palace intrigues involving yet another plot against the Crown.

Separated by oceans and bitter resentment, will the two brothers survive their own battles to meet on the common ground of forgiveness?