The Youngest Mountain Man: A Nate Grisham Young Adult Adventure

A coming of age story.Life on the frontier could be harsh and even deadly, as fourteen year old Jared Patton learns when he is suddenly an orphan after his entire family is murdered by Oto Indians. Discovered by Nate Grisham and fellow mountain man Cotton, they informally adopt him and teach him how to live in a harsh, rugged land, where death may linger behind every tree, over any ridge, or come creeping silently in the middle of the night. In a meeting with a Shoshone chief, the chief tells about dreaming of a boy named Eagle who will one day be a man much feared by his enemies, and deeply respected by his friends. He then gives Jared a new name, Eagle Talon.Another young man, a fifteen year old Sioux boy called Toad, is struggling in his efforts to become a man. He feels no urge to seek a vision, which is required before he can become a true warrior. He worries of his lack of desire, speaks to his grandfather, who says, "Have patience my son. You will have your vision when it is time and not before." Eventually having his vision, Toad is transformed into Fire Eyes, and "a chosen one". He is to give away all wealth, including horses, care for the poor, and to honor and pray for those he kills in battle. His way is not the usual path of a Sioux warrior and he is warned by the village shaman to never move from the trail he has been given to walk, or he will die.When a deadly measles outbreak strikes the Sioux, Nate, Cotton, and Eagle go to the village to help care for the sick. Here the two boys meet and begin to forge a powerful friendship. Together they battle common enemies to preserve the safety of the tribe and each other.