Along the way, he becomes stranded in a desolate mountainous community in Wyoming Territory when the wagon train is held up by treacherous winter weather. Soon, he is embroiled in the town's affairs when he discovers gold nearby and the yellow metal causes an avalanche of problems as greedy prospectors ride into town.
He doesn't expect to grow so attached to this community, especially the local, widowed shopkeeper, Sharon O'Brien. But with the influx of gold-seeking toughs challenging both he and the good townsfolk, he just might have to resort to his skills as a lawman. But can he defend the town and still stop his reputation from following him like the sword of Damocles?