Chapter 7: Captives Summary

Alvin Miller knows that his son has a knack, and as he grows his knack becomes more visible. After much discussion, a decision is made to send Alvin away to apprentice as a smithy. Alvin and his older brother Measure leave together to make the journey to Hatrack River. On the way, they are discussing the likelihood of being attacked by Reds when they suddenly find themselves surrounded. The Reds make them strip, and tie their arms behind their back. Then they slap the boys until blood is drawn, and slash their shirts, smearing them with blood. There isn't enough, so they slash Alvin's forehead and use the blood from that as well. Alvin doesn't cry out. One of them carves the names Ta-Kumsaw and Prophet into the saddles, and tying the bloodied clothing to them, sends them homeward after jabbing...