For now, the stones remained where they had been placed.
Iron Elk assigned two trusted men to guard the area while the documents were copied and the original location recorded.
Willow Song insisted that they also preserve the testimony of people who remembered Thomas's work.
The map alone would not settle every question.
The written records would need to be compared with territorial and federal survey archives.
The authorities would have to examine the false filings.
And no marriage between Elias and Ren could simply transfer a community's land into private ownership.
Iron Elk understood that now.
The hope that a white veteran's name might shield the river had been born of desperation.
But desperation could not create a lawful title.
Elias looked toward the chief.
"I won't claim the river."
Iron Elk studied him.
"You came west looking for land."
"I did."
"And now?"
Elias glanced toward Ren.
Then the spring.
"Now I reckon I've found something more important than a deed."
Ren smiled faintly.
Iron Elk looked down at the documents.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then nodded.
"We will seek recognition of our rights through the records your father preserved."
Elias answered, "And I'll testify to everything I know."
The chief studied him.
"Even if it brings you nothing?"
Elias gave a small smile.
"Seems to me my father already answered that question."
They returned to camp with the documents carefully wrapped.
But there was no time to celebrate.
Two Feathers's sister's children were still prisoners.
And Silas Crane remained dangerous.
The following afternoon, scouts confirmed that the children were being held in a guarded supply storehouse on a small rise near the freight road.
Crane had left three armed men there.
A fourth rode regularly between the storehouse and the contractor's camp.
The building had once been used to store grain.
Now it held crates, wagon parts, barrels, and two frightened children who had no idea whether anyone was coming for them.
Elias examined a rough sketch of the building.
Two Feathers sat opposite him.
Ren's cousin, who had helped track the kidnappers, described the approach.
"There is a narrow drainage channel behind the western wall."
Elias looked up.
"Deep enough to use?"
"Only on foot."
"Can someone reach the rear entrance?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
Iron Elk studied the sketch.
"Crane expects us to come with riders."
Elias nodded.
"Then we shouldn't."
Two Feathers leaned forward.
"I can approach the front. His men know me."
Elias looked at him.
"And why would they trust you now?"
"They don't know I've confessed."
For a moment, silence settled over the group.
Two Feathers continued.
"Crane still believes I'm trying to protect my family."
Ren looked toward the drawing.
"He'll expect you to bring news about the documents."
The older warrior nodded.
"Exactly."
Elias considered.
Then shook his head.
"We're not putting the children in danger to stage a confrontation."
Iron Elk agreed.