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STREAKS OF ROSE AND GOLDENROD adorned the

morning sky when Raven woke. Everything was peaceful and still, hushed into silence by the breathtaking dawn. Yet, despite the gentle quiet, she sensed that she and Eben were no longer alone. He lay on the ground nearby, asleep and shivering.

Behind him in a semi-circle were six Indians, silently observing the campsite. Remembering what he had said, Raven grabbed for the rifle behind her and came away with empty air.

She’d ignored Eben’s advice, and she suspected the warrior who’d claimed it would be unwilling to give it back. He was greatly pleased with his prize, and brandished it proudly before his companions, saying something in a dialect Raven didn’t understand. She wished that Eben were awake and lucid so that he could tell her what to do. But then, had Eben been in control of this situation, this never would have happened. She didn’t like to think about his reaction to the news she&rs