"The truth."
The chief's expression tightened.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then he looked toward a warrior standing beside the horse enclosure.
A lean Apache man named Two Feathers.
He was older than Elias, with a scar near his jaw and eyes that seemed constantly alert.
Two Feathers saw the chief looking at him.
His expression changed.
Only slightly.
But Elias noticed.
Iron Elk returned his attention to the broken watch.
"After the wedding," he said quietly.
Elias frowned.
"What?"
"I will tell you what I know after the wedding."
Elias stared.
"You expect me to marry your daughter before telling me how my father disappeared?"
The chief's jaw tightened.
"I expect you to honor the agreement."
Elias shook his head.
"Then you still don't understand."
He stepped back.
"My father matters to me. Your daughter matters to me. And neither deserves to be used as payment for the other."
Iron Elk stood motionless.
For the first time, he seemed uncertain what to say.
Then Ren appeared beside the gathering place.
She had heard enough.
Her veil moved gently in the evening wind.
"Father."
Iron Elk turned.
Ren approached.
"I will speak for myself."
The chief frowned.
"Renβ"
She raised one hand.
"No."
The surrounding people became quiet.
She took a breath.
"I have lived behind this veil for five years because you told me I was something the world should not see."
Iron Elk lowered his gaze.
Ren continued.
"I have accepted your protection. I have obeyed your instructions. I have remained silent when people laughed."
Her voice trembled.
"But I will not remain silent about my own marriage."
The chief looked up.
Ren turned toward Elias.
"I have chosen to marry him."
Elias stared.
She continued.
"Not because he wants the river."
Her voice strengthened.
"And not because you commanded it."
She looked back toward her father.
"I choose him because he has spoken to me as though I am a person who can choose."
Iron Elk's face changed.
Pain flickered across his features.
Ren stood straight.
"And if that is not enough, Father, then there will be no wedding."
The silence was profound.
Finally, Iron Elk slowly nodded.
"It is enough."
Ren lowered her head.
For a moment, she looked almost relieved.
Then the chief turned toward Elias.
"Tomorrow."
Elias nodded.
"Tomorrow."
But as the gathering began to disperse, Two Feathers stepped away from the horse enclosure.
He glanced toward the eastern ridge.
Then disappeared between the shelters.
Elias watched him go.
Something about the man's expression troubled him.
He could not have said why.
Not yet.
The ceremony took place at sundown beneath a sky streaked with red and gold.
Families gathered near a wide circle of stones beside the river.
The women had prepared food.
Children carried flowers and bundles of fragrant branches.
Older relatives stood together while the younger people watched with solemn excitement.
It was not a ceremony arranged for the entertainment of outsiders.