In 1768, colonist Will Hallowell (Keith Carradine) decides to move to a distant part of Massachusetts to build a new life. To defend their Maine territory until the family returns, Will has his 13-year-old son, Matt (Brendan Fletcher), stay behind. The journey is long and difficult, leaving Matt to fend for himself. After struggling to keep himself fed, Matt becomes friends with Attean (William Lightning), a young Indian boy who teaches him how to survive.