Signaling with his hand, the women followed the chief back into the forest, stepping carefully over gnarled tree roots and broken branches. They followed the creek for more than a mile before crossing over the rippling water. George was waiting on the other side. Reaching out, he assisted the women up the embankment, pausing to kiss his wife’s cheek.

Chief Red Hawk grinned, holding out his hand to Adelaide.

“Dark Star, Strong Oak is waiting to take you back to ...