Stranded in the rugged Sonoran Desert, stagecoach drivers James Colton and older brother, Trace, are captured by warring Apaches. Tortured and driven to the breaking point, James is used as a bargaining chip by the great Apache Chief, Cochise. James will die if Trace can't win freedom for Cochise's brother, imprisoned by the Army. Trace rushes to negotiate a trade, but the Army has other plans--attack Cochise and his warriors at Apache Pass.