Chapter 15, Fate of the Brandts Summary

Jeff stands guard at Fort Gibson, which the Union virtually abandoned because of its location away from the centers of fighting. The fort now houses more than 6,000 Indian refugees. He meets an almost unrecognizable David Gardner, who has grown. After serving his punishment for desertion, he has now been reinstated as part of a cavalry unit. David informs Jeff that his unit will soon receive cavalry training , about which Jeff is elated. Jeff notifies Noah of the Army's plans to convert the unit into cavalry. Noah is disappointed but understanding about the reasons.

Jeff fumbles with many of the saber or sword commands and passes. He experiences a difficult time adjusting to the use of a saber while riding a horse, but not so difficult a time as Noah suffers. Since Noah's training fares worse...