In the spring of 1861, Eli Schaefer awakens to the familiar sounds of his hard-nosed German father beating his mother yet again. His mind was made up. This time was the last time he'd hear his mother's sobs. Events quickly develop and Elijah is forced to leave his quiet, secluded life in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania for the bustling city of Philadelphia. His mew city life erupts in new sights and sounds, new people and dangers he never expected as he finds himself at the heart of a A Battle of Souls in the early days of the Civil War.