Hidden behind a cluster of mesquite.
Ren swallowed.
The route was dangerous.
But it existed.
And knowing that made the darkness beneath the cloth feel less complete.
Back at the camp, Willow Song refused to allow Iron Elk to gather every available warrior for the pursuit.
The chief was furious.
His daughter had been taken.
His people had been threatened.
The man responsible was already using the kidnapping to force a political decision.
Iron Elk wanted to ride with every armed man who could sit a horse.
Willow Song stood directly before him.
"And who protects the families while you are gone?"
He stared.
"Ren is my daughter."
"And the children sleeping behind us are your responsibility too."
Iron Elk's jaw tightened.
The old woman continued.
"Crane wants you angry. He wants you to leave the river unguarded."
The chief looked toward the eastern ridge.
Elias listened.
He recognized the wisdom of what she was saying.
A second attack against the camp could occur while the riders chased Ren into the mountains.
Crane controlled supply contracts with the nearby fort.
He had access to armed employees.
He knew the region.
And he seemed to understand exactly how to provoke Iron Elk.
Willow Song turned toward Elias.
"You ride with a small group."
He nodded.
"Who knows the upper trail?"
A young Apache woman stepped forward.
She was Ren's cousin, a skilled rider who had spent years helping move livestock between seasonal grazing areas.
"I do."
Iron Elk looked surprised.
She met his gaze.
"Ren and I rode that trail when we were girls."
The chief hesitated.
Then nodded.
"You will guide them."
Two other riders volunteered.
Two Feathers stood apart.
For a moment, Elias considered leaving him behind.
Then the older warrior approached.
"I know where Crane has placed his men."
Elias studied him.
"Why should I trust you?"
Two Feathers did not look away.
"You shouldn't."
The answer surprised him.
The warrior continued.
"But you can watch me. And if I lie, you'll know."
Elias looked toward Iron Elk.
The chief's expression was troubled.
Finally, Elias nodded.
"You ride behind me."
Two Feathers agreed.
Willow Song approached the group carrying a small packet wrapped in cloth.
She handed it to Ren's cousin.
"These are the landmarks Ren knows."
Elias frowned.
The older woman unfolded the packet.
Inside lay several hand-drawn sketches.
One showed the river.
Another the eastern ridge.
A third depicted the old silver works.
Elias recognized the same winding line engraved on his father's watch.
Willow Song touched it.
"Thomas Whitlock helped draw these."
Elias went still.
She continued.
"Ren learned them from her grandmother."
The young woman beside him nodded.
"She knows the dry canyon better than Crane's men."
Elias looked toward the sketches.
Then toward the ridge.
For the first time since the kidnapping, hope returned.
Not because Ren was beautiful.
Not because she was his bride.
But because she was intelligent, observant, and familiar with the country where her captors believed she would be helpless.