But Ireland is caught in a civil war of its own. The endless struggle between the wealthy landlords and the impoverished tenant farmers has sparked the Fenian Rebellion. Having just fought and lost a terrible war, Clay wants to avoid the coming conflict. But after witnessing the atrocities that the nobles visit upon their own people, Clay finds he cannot stand idly by. With the help of neighbors, his new love, Joanna Hamilton, and a dutiful servant, Clay comes to embrace the plight of the Irish rebels.

Assuming the identity of a legendary romantic outlaw hero, "Captain Swing", he joins the fight against the landlords -- and wages a rebellion of his own....