Chapter 37

Even the dogs labored on behalf of the People, hauling a load, sometimes in a pack, sometimes on a miniature travois. Only the pups—human and canine—ran free, yipping and yelling and laughing and crying, nipping at fetlocks or tugging at skirts. Toddlers made some portion of the journey on short, stubby legs supported by leading strings firmly held by sisters or aunts. The smallest rode strapped into cradleboards on their mothers’ backs, viewing the retreating world through huge dark eyes.

Cut Hand and his Porcupines rode wide circles around the lengthening column to scout danger, lend assistance, and hurry along stragglers. I rode drag in the Conestoga.