On his return to Earth, the Black Rider is sent to Fort Ellis, in the Montana Territory of January 1870 mid-winter, to observe the recent political situation with the local native tribes. Meeting Levison gives him a way in the inner circle there at the fort. Posing as an Irish journalist he assesses what his happening locally. After the murder of Clarke, Tom finds himself pulled into the conflict between the Army and the local natives. His orders observe and do not interfere are being reinforced by his own Controller as the Mother Ship is now local to his situation. He decide to visit a local tribe that is not involved in the murder for background and finds Joan who he knew in Picasso City. He travels with her as guide and stays in her home camp near the river. Joan kisses him and Tom gives some hint too he really is, but asks her to keep his secret. On his return to the Fort things have gone much further with scouts seeking the tribe responsible for Clarke's murder. Realising too late that the Army is heading for the wrong camp he rides like the wind to head them off. However arrives too late seeing the Indian Camp aflame. Knowing Joan is outside the main camp of the river tribe rides to check on her, only to find her dying and her home in flames. The Black Rider rides back to the Fort angry and revengeful – who will pay though? The book ends with the Black Rider following the tribal survivors on the long march which led to many deaths. Survivors—mostly women and children—had been captured, then released without horses, food, or winter clothing in –30°F conditions. Many froze to death on the 90 mile walk to Fort Benton. The Black Rider wants to help them, but is ordered back to the mother ship by his controller.
Lisainfo e-raamatute kohta