Chapter 7: Crow Horses and New Alliances

The Crow, led by Chief Charlie Red Elk, had a hundred thousand archers. Their lands were cold and harsh, with plenty of horses but little iron and grain, and enemies on all sides.

When Charlie Red Elk got my letter—saying I’d visit in person—he was shocked.

Idaho and the Crow didn’t usually talk, except for raids and skirmishes. This time, I was coming in peace. He had no idea what I was up to, but he was willing to hear me out.

General Wayne and I led twenty thousand cavalry to Bitterroot. After linking up with Mike Dalton, I told them we were waiting for someone…

Mike and Wayne thought I was getting more mysterious by the day.

A few days later, a young officer showed up: Jeremy Wells.

Jeremy was a native of western Carson, tough as nails and smart, with a good reputation among the Crow. But the Carson elites never gave him his due. He was loyal to Idaho’s ideals and well-read in American history.

When he heard about the Northern Initiative, he was itching to get involved. Then an Idaho officer brought him a letter—from me. He read it, tears in his eyes. "His Honor knows about me? A man’s gotta stand by the folks who believe in him. I’m in."

I met Jeremy at the city gate. Some thought I was playing favorites, but I said, "Having Jeremy is worth more than ten towns." After that, he was called "Ten Towns."

Mark Summers, tagging along after the Junction Point mess, was pardoned but still felt guilty. He swore to make it right.

Wayne’s beard was pure white now. Watching me ride with spear and bow, he could hardly believe I was once the little bundle at Snake River Valley. Guess I’m finally getting old, he thought.

Mike Dalton had been drifting since his brother died. Now I’d given him a big job, and he was almost overwhelmed.

Leaving everyone to their thoughts, I rode in silence, thinking: Idaho needed horses more than salt or iron or grain. The Crow had horses. If we could team up, both sides would win. If I could work with the Sioux, why not the Crow? Worst case, we just keep talking.

And if I ever united the region… well, there’s a reason they called me "High Plains Chief."

Tomorrow, I’d ride out to meet Chief Charlie Red Elk. Either I’d come back with an army—or not at all.