Camelann, the Charteris' homestead, situated on the Maryland-Pennsylvania border southwest of Gettysburg, once a few acres with a small cabin, is now a 12,000-acre horse farm. In 1875, the enormous property boasts an Indian School, several horse barns, and a chapel. The tiny cabin has grown to eight bedrooms. Summer and Daniel Charteris have four children, and Louisa, Daniel's young half-sister also lives with them. Abbey Dupree, Daniel's sister, and Will Thunder Cloud, her handsome half-breed husband, live half a continent away on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Star Riders picks up the epic tale of the Charteris family. Will Thunder Cloud, is desperately ill with heart disease. Fearful for his life, Abbey with their two small children, rushes him cross country by rail to Philadelphia for medical attention. Onboard, Major Tom Custer, a younger brother of Colonel George Custer, the hero of Gettysburg and commander of the fabled 7th Cavalry, befriends Abbey. Their brief friendship explodes into a passionate encounter. They both know their illicit affair cannot continue, but well-meaning family and friends throw them together. History with all its political intrigue and greed marches Tom and Abbey toward the terrible tragedy of Little Big Horn.