Iron Elk, Willow Song, Two Feathers, Ren, and Elias gathered inside the chief's shelter.
A small fire burned between them.
The older men sat opposite one another.
For several moments, no one spoke.
Then Iron Elk began.
Thomas Whitlock had returned from Tucson carrying proof that the official river survey was inaccurate.
He had obtained signatures.
Witness statements.
Copies of older boundary descriptions.
And correspondence showing that Silas Crane had encouraged surveyors to ignore established settlements.
Thomas believed the papers would be enough to delay the proposed development.
He planned to return east.
To his son.
To the farm he had left behind.
But Crane learned what he possessed.
He sent men to intercept him.
Iron Elk had promised Thomas safe passage through the eastern ridge.
Two Feathers, then a younger warrior trusted for his knowledge of the country, agreed to guide him.
Elias turned toward Two Feathers.
The older man's face was gray.
Iron Elk continued.
"They left at dawn."
His voice became heavy.
"Only Two Feathers returned."
Elias felt his pulse quicken.
He looked toward the older warrior.
"What happened?"
Two Feathers stared into the fire.
For a long moment, he did not answer.
Then he said, "Crane's men found us near the split rock."
Elias clenched his jaw.
"How?"
Two Feathers closed his eyes.
"Because I told them where we would be."
Ren drew a sharp breath.
Willow Song lowered her head.
Elias stared.
For a moment, he could not speak.
Then he asked, very quietly, "Why?"
Two Feathers opened his eyes.
"Crane threatened my younger brother."
Elias felt something cold move through him.
The older warrior continued.
"He had been arrested after a fight near the trading road. Crane said he could make the charges disappear if I helped him recover the papers."
Elias stared.
"And you believed him."
Two Feathers nodded.
"I did."
He looked toward Iron Elk.
"I told myself the men would only take the documents. I told myself Thomas would be released."
His voice broke.
"But Crane wanted more than papers."
Elias leaned forward.
"What did they do?"
Two Feathers looked directly at him.
"They shot your father."
The words seemed to stop time.
Elias heard the fire crackle.
He heard Ren inhale sharply.
He heard the distant sound of horses shifting outside.
But for a moment, he could not feel his hands.
Could not seem to breathe.
He looked at Two Feathers.
"Was he dead?"
The older warrior swallowed.
"Not immediately."
Elias closed his eyes.
Twenty years.
Twenty years of wondering.
Twenty years of imagining every possible ending.
The truth had finally arrived.
And it was worse than he had allowed himself to believe.
Two Feathers continued.
"Thomas fell near the spring. I tried to help him."
Elias opened his eyes.
"After you betrayed him?"
The older man's face twisted.
"Yes."
Elias stood abruptly.
Ren reached for his arm.
He barely felt it.
Two Feathers remained seated.
"I deserve your anger."
Elias stared down at him.