In the aftermath of the worst defeat in the history of the infant United States, Landis James tries to settle back into civilian life, while preparing an indictment against those contractors who failed to furnish the army with the basic equipment to win. Jedidiah Ervins sinks into alcoholism and seeks revenge against any Native Americans he encounters but also tries to find out if his wife could have survived. The Native Americans, though victorious, face starvation and more dependency on the English. Apekonit and Waapake have no idea if their families are hostages or have perished. While Apekonit tries to find his family among the "white eyes," Little Turtle and Blue Jacket send emissaries to the west and south to build a new confederation of tribes for the next invasion and war.