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Chapter One

There’s heaven above, and night by night,

I look right through its gorgeous roof;

No suns and ht,

Avail to stop me; splendor-proof

—Robert Browning

Kansas, l849

A slow fire burned in the fire pit of the large, cone-shaped council house, the sh the s chief of twenty-five winters, of the Eagle band of the Wichita tribe, sat in council with his warriors,uncle Short Robe escape from Fort Hope

As his warriors obediently watched and listened, it was evident that their chief would tower in height over most of his band, as well as his enemies

His bronzed, muscled body was clad today in only a breechclout His face was sculpted, with a s dark eyes, and his long, sleek, black hair hung down to his waist

Today he wore a beaded headband that held his hair in place; a lone eagle feather was hanging from a coil of his hair, at one side

He sat coar pelt

“My warriors, as you know, several days agoalone at his private place of prayer,” he said tightly His dark eyes glittered at his warriors, ere sitting cross-legged before him

Two Eagles was attuned to all emotions around his of others without their speaking, Two Eagles sensed his world, like the deer that lifts its head quickly fro the invisible approach of danger fros that come clear and sharp as a clap of thunder

“Only a short while ago did I discover who took les continued “Our scout, Gray Wing, caly took my uncle”

He paused as gasps of horror filled the council house, now that everyone finally knew the truth of Short Robe’s disappearance