About this story
A land journey of one hundred and fifty miles sounds short until every load, animal, and rifle must cross it with us. You step into this one-chapter preview with David at the center, where choices turn on the people, promises, and pressure already in the room. The first night under snow began with wet buffalo robes, a low fire, and no certainty that every horse had reached the grove. The chapter closes on a continuation question rather than resolving the novel's larger arc.
How it opens
The summer route from Fort Ross to Black Fort had lost its canoe in the rapids, so ammunition and winter stores now travelled on eight pack-horses.
A land journey of one hundred and fifty miles sounds short until every load, animal, and rifle must cross it with us.
Sandy McTavishThe country may be friendly, but a Blackfeet party will take stores and horses if we offer them an easy chance.
Pat Casey and Pierre Lacrosse followed with the baggage animals while David rode beside Sandy at the head of the train.
We are few for the work, yet Sandy knows the trails and the habits of men who might test them.
Choose
Distribute the stores across every horse.
Leave the heaviest boxes at Fort Ross.
Ask for more men before starting.