Keeper of the Sacred Pipe

The story is about Pontiac, the Indian leader who tried to unite the tribes of America into a single nation to inhibit the advance of the white settlers. The year is 1754 as the French and Indian War is beginning. A council meeting of Sioux chieftains from throughout Dakotah land hears about this new leader who has risen among the Ottawa Nation. It is said that Pontiac is the keeper of his nation#xE2;#xAC;"s sacred pipe, so the council decides to send its own pipe-keeper and his grandsons to meet with him. Tragedy occurs and only one grandson finally goes. Sun Eagle makes a vision quest beforehand and almost dies, but he#xE2;#xAC;"s rescued by Morning Star, his brother#xE2;#xAC;"s widow. Together they make the journey across the Great Plains to meet with Pontiac. Meanwhile, a fur trader named Croghan is hired by the army to keep it supplied while it invades tribal lands to capture Fort Duquesne from the French. The attempt ends in disaster and Croghan loses all his wagons and packhorses. Left almost destitute, he hopes to be reimbursed by the army, and is given the position of Indian agent as recompense. Pontiac assembles the chieftains of the Great Lake nations and advises unity among the tribes that for generations have fought with one another. Following the teachings of the sacred pipe, he counsels peace even with the white man. But when the army attempts to invade tribal homelands, the pipe-keeper leads his outnumbered tribesmen to surprising victories.