Mar�a a 17yr old is in love with Jos� the dashing captain of her two brother's cavalry unit. Her father Abraham has made a deal with Francisco to marry Mar�a in exchange for the post of governor of Durango. The Mexican army is retreating north after a French invasion leads to a devastating French victory at Puebla. Mar�a decides to find a way to follow Jos� who is retreating with President Juarez and avoid her wedding to Francisco. An adventure follows as they ride with President Juarez to secure Union weapons for Mexico in California. Mar�a disguises herself as a man taking the name of Captain Mario since women do not fight in wars. The French-Mexican forces are now on their tail as they flee from President Porfirio Diaz's large army. Mar�a is having second thoughts about following Jos�. War is a terrible horrific bloodbath and full of death.
