Ukraine, Russia 1881. Tzar Alexander III is fed up with the spiritual Christian movement that is overtaking his country and undermining his authority. He gives the residents of Milky Waters an ultimatum-recant your unorthodox beliefs or face exile in the wasteland south of the Caucasus mountains.
Fifteen-year-old Anja is torn from the only home she's ever known when her family starts on a journey that is plagued by physical hardships and unknown dangers.
Lukian is a military Don Cossack and an enemy of the religious sect. But, when the Tzar orders him to guard Anja and her family on the long, dangerous journey, he must swallow his pride and obey orders.
When a sudden family tragedy strikes, Anja and Lukian strike up an unlikely friendship. Can they put aside their differences to let love grow?
This historical fiction memoir is based in part on a true story.