In 1877, the United States Army issued an ultimatum to the non-treaty bands of the Nez Perce, They must abandon their traditional hunting grounds in thirty days and peacefully retire to the Lapwai Reservation or the army will move them by force. Unfortunately, a betrayal by white settlers and a series of rash acts by the Nez Perce's own young men, sets the bands on another path in defiance of the military.

The ultimatum effects the lives of other people as well. A young lawyer, Rob Stuart, - raised in Chief Joseph's band- became an advocate for Nez Perce's rights. However, he now warches helplessly as the military forces his adopted people into war. Also, in jeopardy are his new marriage to Becca and his fragile friendships with her neighbors in the Wallowa Valley. Rob faces divided loyalties. Does he stay safe in the valley with his new wife or does he join the Nez Perce in their flight to freedom?

Relieved thar her beloved ranch is no longer in jeopardy by a governmental confiscation, Becca also feels conflicted by the government's unfair actions. She and her neighbors shared the Wallowa Valley peacefully with the Nez Perce for many past summers. Especially, she will miss her friends - Soaring Eagle, senior warrior in Chief Joseph's band and his beautiful wife,Snow Bird. She is angry with the military's failure to find an amicable solution And then there is her husband's dangerous involvement with his adopted people, the Nez Perce.

As all the participants gather to face the oncoming storm, each must face his or her own divided loyalities and choose a path.

490 pages

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