St. Helena Island slaves speak English, but African drums still throb in their veins; they hear the whispers of their ancestors. From this arises Kedzie, a girl of unusual strength. Kedzie soon learns that the punishing fields aren’t nearly as grim as her master’s abuse. Enter Rio, a young man without a family and at a loss for a heritage. He loves Kedzie, but he can’t rescue her. Kedzie alone can save herself.