This is the first of three parts in the first of three planned novels, collectively called The Great Plains Trilogy, which takes place between 1841 and 1845. Set against such historical events as the Battle of Plum Creek and the Texas Council House Fight, Part One follows Lock (a.k.a. Aidan Plainfield) in 1841, whose wife and daughter were killed by Comanches during the Victoria raid of 1840. Since the raid, Lock has left his life behind, surviving alone in the Great Plains. One morning he discovers that Comanches have stolen his horse, and he sets off to recover it. Along the way, he meets Mr. Pendleton, an Englishman who has been injured by Comanches, and Raymond Wales, a thief who has been mysteriously left to hang in the middle of the woods. Mr. Pendleton and Raymond Wales, each of whom have their own mysterious motivations, join Lock on his journey. / Department of English