Larry McMurtry's saga opens with two former Texas Rangers beginning a cattle drive to Montana.

A deadly pursuit on the plains pits Gus against a sadistic renegade named Blue Duck.

Off the trail, Jake falls in with bad company, while Gus shares a bittersweet reunion with an old flame.

A tragedy in the Montana Territory exacts a painful promise from Call that takes him on a haunting mission back to Texas. Conclusion.