According to this article Gerald Lund's intentions in writing Fire of the Covenant was to make it the unofficial volume 10 for The Work and the Glory series. Although none of the Steed family characters are involved, this novel about the Willie and Martin handcart companies is still an excellent read with many miraculous and heart-touching stories about these blessed, honored pioneers.
Readers of future volumes by Lund will enjoy their introduction to one, real life character, Danish immigrant, Jens Nielson, future "stickity-tootie" leader of the hole-in-the-rock pioneer company and revered bishop of the San Juan area, famous for his pluck, humor and goodness; not to mention a rock solid testimony of the gospel. He will reappear in later books such as The Undaunted (2009) and Only the Brave (2014).
One of the most famous handcart pioneer stories which Lund used as inspiration for chapter 25 comes from a real life survivor named Francis Webster, who, years after his harrowing journey across the plains, would stand up and declare in a meeting in Cedar City, Utah, that despite the fact these two companies left late in the season, thus bringing upon themselves their own troubles, they were aided by heaven with unseen angles pushing their handcarts up steep, frozen trails, along with countless miracles to remind them that God is indeed mindful of all His children.
As usual, Lund did his homework. He personally traveled to all these sites, including the Martin's Cove Visitors Center located at the base of Devil's Gate in Central Wyoming (which I also recommend visiting and doing the trek: pulling a real handcart and camping under the stars with your friends or family, then go explore and climb Independence Rock). Lund took meticulous notes along the way, pouring over the real-life journal accounts and stories. Chapter notes are included at the end of each chapter with all the fascinating details of the true-to-life events Lund so famously weaves into his books, letting his fictional characters experience these same events for the reader's benefit. A list of characters featured in the novel is also included.
While reading, I often found myself referring to the map endsheets on the inside cover boards, illustrating the pioneers' journey across three states and, more specifically, Wyoming, with famous sites marked all along the trail.
For some readers, this incredibly thick novel, clocking in at 762 pages and 32 chapters, might be hard to get into. Following the storylines between the two companies can also get confusing but the story and characterization is strong and, once you're hooked, you'll find yourself rooting for the fictional and historical families who sacrificed so much to come to Zion.
January 1856
Chapter 1- Meet the McKensie family of Edinburgh, Scotland. Mary McKensie is a widow whose husband joined the church, along with the rest of the family, three years ago. The circumstances of the father's death are never revealed but most likely related to the loss of his factory job as a result of joining the unpopular religion. Oldest daughter, Margaret "Maggie" is 19 and small of stature with long, black hair, dark eyes, and serious demeanor but she is uncommonly lovely. Maggie is practically engaged to a good but non-member man named James. Younger sister, Hannah, is 16 with light brown hair and green eyes. Robbie is 12. Both Maggie and her mother work in factories to support the family in their hovel of a tenement apartment while the two young adults are mercilessly bullied at school by their anti-Mormon peers. Mary comes home with the news that the church has created a Perpetual Emigration Fund so poor saints like themselves might have the opportunity to come to America and travel by handcart company to Utah. Maggie doesn't want to go and storms out of the apartment in anger but when she meets and argues with James about her religion she almost changes her mind.
Chapter 2- Mary encourages her daughter to fast and pray about her determination to stay. Maggie obeys and just before she ends her fast, she meets James that Sunday afternoon. James officially proposes marriage which Maggie happily accepts. She goes to worship services, fully believing this is her answer until the branch congregation sings a rest hymn; an old hymn about leaving one's native land to dwell in other places and lands. (This hymn can only be found in Emma Smith's original compilation, we don't sing it anymore.) Maggie weeps as the spirit bears witness that going to Zion is the right thing to do but Maggie knows her boyfriend/fiancé is not going to like it when she breaks the news. Indeed, James is not pleased and he and Maggie break off their engagement. On the day of her departure, Maggie learns he's already found a new girlfriend to replace her and he didn't even bother to come see her one last time to say goodbye. Good riddance.
Chapter 3- February, 1856. Meet Eric Pederson of Norway where he lives with his family next to a beautiful fjord. Eric is 22, tall and handsome with brown hair and blue eyes. Brother Olaf is 16 (who looks nothing like a snowman, thank goodness!) Everyone: parents, younger sister, brother and an aunt and uncle who recently emigrated to Utah, all are members of the church. Hearing about this new fund to help converts come to Zion, the family decides to send Eric and Olaf on ahead so they can earn money in Utah to send back home. Eric and Olaf meet Jens Nielson, his wife, their only son and a girl, Bodil Mortensen, age 9, who is also traveling with them. Eric and Olaf are taken in by this kind family. They will all travel together and look out for each other.
Chapter 4- May 1856 The McKensie family arrives in Liverpool, England. They make friends with the James family from England. They include a daughter just Maggie's age, Sara James. Maggie and Sara will be bunk mates on the ship. Maggie notices the two Pederson brothers as they board the ship, speaking in their native tongue. An orientation meeting is held on the main deck but the Scandinavian saints do not understand any English. Maggie intervenes later in the day when one sailor gives the two brothers a hard time for not understanding his orders.
Chapter 5- Four days at sea and already there have been two deaths, one birth and a marriage. One evening, two church leaders find Maggie and ask if she'd be willing to help teach English to a small group of Scandinavian saints. Knowing the sacrifice she made breaking off her engagement to come to Zion, they flatter Maggie into accepting. Maggie admits she knows nothing about teaching a language but accepts the "calling." The first day of school is held outdoors on the bow of the ship and it goes well. Her students include Eric, Olaf and Bodil. Weeks pass and life settles into a comfortable routine until Sara loses her baby sister to illness and Maggie mourns with her friend. Land is sighted shortly thereafter. They have arrived in New York harbor.
Chapter 6- More "sail and rail" accounts which include uncomfortable deck passage on a steamship across Lake Erie and being squeezed into open-air emigrant cars on trains for the next leg of the journey. Unable to sleep, Maggie finds her way outside the last freight car where Eric and some of the railway boys are standing on the platform smoking and chatting (Eric doesn't smoke, of course). The two nonmembers inquire kindly about Maggie's accent and their purpose in traveling across the country. They excuse themselves and Maggie finds herself alone with Eric and they share a nice moment exchanging details about their families. The brothers were presented with hand-knit sweaters by their mother before they left. Maggie brought the music box her father gave her before he died. At last the company arrives in Iowa City. It is the end of the line as far as traveling by rail is concerned. They still have many miles yet to go.
Chapter 7- The companies prepare for trail life. Men help build handcarts. The women learn how to make camp and cook over an open fire. Jens Neilson and his wife decide to donate their large cash savings to the emigrant fund and travel by handcart instead of purchasing the more expensive wagon and team as originally planned so others might benefit from their blessing of wealth.
Chapter 8- July 1856 Maggie has resumed English classes, whenever they have time and wherever they can find a place to meet. Maggie can't help but notice the competition among the young adults as single young women outnumber the two most eligible bachelors from Norway. Eric doesn't reciprocate any of the flirtatious invitations by the other girls; he shows no interest in anyone. (He must be gay.) Maggie refuses to play "the game" stepping aside so her friend Sara can compete for Eric's attention, while the three younger "Laurels" Ingrid Christensen, Emma James and Hannah, all age 16, swoon over Olaf. Maggie observes this with amusement, glad for the excuse of her class preventing her own pursuits. She teaches them songs in English such as "The Handcart Song" which all of us remember learning in primary, "For some must push and some must pull." Later, Maggie overhears a conversation among the three girls as they plan their future polygamous marriage to Olaf and gently reminds them they might want to let the poor boy in on their scheme.
Chapter 9- Two weeks have passed since reaching Iowa City, the last company from Europe has arrived and those who are ready will depart with the Willie company. Everyone has been organized into groups with the Scandinavians all in the same group. Eric and Olaf have been assigned to travel with the Nielsons. Now everyone must sort and weigh their worldly belongings as space in each handcart is extremely limited; only seventeen pounds per adult. Ingrid Christensen will carry her brand new shoes tied around her neck which she's saving to wear when she enters Salt Lake and meets the prophet. Eric and Olaf have so little, they can keep their handmade sweaters but Maggie is crushed when she must leave her music box behind. A request for a young girl has been made to stay behind and help the Jackson family who is traveling in the Martin handcart company which will come later. Ingrid Christensen has been chosen. She and Hannah have become such good friends that Hannah begs Mary to let her stay behind too. Permission is granted.
Chapter 10- Handcarts ho! Roll out! The first week for the Willie company is brutal. Leaders start them off easy, just a few miles a day to build up their stamina but some are already deserting, turning back to wait until next season but it's a very small percentage. The first Sabbath day of rest is a welcome relief to Maggie and her friends who talk to Eric and Olaf after worship service. Both boys helped translate today's sermon but had some trouble on a particular passage. Maggie opens her Bible to explain to Eric while Sarah watches. As the two women walk away, Sara can't believe Maggie didn't see the obvious way Eric was looking at her.
Chapter 11- Iowa is brutal with hot sun, dust, cactus and briars to watch out for. Worst of all are the locals who harass the saints while crossing creeks or passing by their communities. One day a group of lawmen from a nearby town stops the company to search and "rescue" any young single girls being taken against their will to become a plural wife. Maggie and Sarah are greatly amused by this until the foul deputy tries to get the pretty Sarah to kiss him. Her father intervenes and gets clubbed over the head. Maggie steps up, her temper flaring, and the dirty man forces a kiss on her. Eric Pederson appears on the scene and deflates the situation with one swing of the shovel he's carrying, breaking the man's arm. No charges are pressed and the leader is disgusted by the conduct of his men. He acknowledges their mistake in believing the rumor and they leave peacefully. Several days later, Maggie has the opportunity to talk to Eric when she follows him and observes him "home teaching" two elderly (real life) English women, Mary Bathgate and Isabella Park who refuse to ride in a wagon determined to walk all the way to Zion. Eric has made it his duty to walk over to their camp every night to check on them. Maggie is impressed and strikes up a conversation with him as they join Sara and Emma James in the cool shade by the creek. Eric soon has them all laughing with silly stories and making light of their situation with the deputy who tried to take advantage of them. Eric excuses himself and the girls wonder where this charismatic, charming young man has been all these weeks? Maggie realizes she's attracted to Eric now as well. (No, he doesn't sparkle in the sunlight!)
Chapter 12- Ten days behind, in Iowa City, the Martin company is ready to leave. Ingrid and Hannah endure life on the trail including terrible thirst as they help the Jackson family with their handcart. One day, a little boy goes missing for five days. His mother and father are frantic. Everyone helps search but they must keep moving. The mother sends her husband off with a red shawl. If he finds their son dead, bury him in it. If not, wave it as a signal. She looks for him every evening at camp, growing more and more depressed. The boy is found safe. This is a true story about Robert and Ann Parker's son, Arthur.
Chapter 13- August 1856 Maggie's company has reached Florence, Nebraska. Eric finds her one evening in camp to thank her for being such a good friend, teaching them English and he hasn't forgotten that first day on the ship when she stood up for him and Olaf. Lying under the stars, (too nice to sleep in a tent tonight) Sarah and Maggie analyze every detail of the conversation. Sarah teases Maggie about her new boyfriend while Maggie is shocked Sarah would even suggest such a thing. There nothing going on between her and Eric. Is there? Next day, a big meeting is held to warn the company of the dangers awaiting them if they continue on into the American wilderness so late in the season but the majority vote to press on while others will stay behind and come next year. That night, Eric shyly approaches Mary McKensie with a gift for Maggie who is summoned from the tent to talk to him. The music box! He secretly took it back in Iowa City and has been keeping it all this time. Maggie is touched, thanks him, and walks away clutching the precious item to her chest.
Chapter 14- The Martin company is slowly catching up. Hannah and Ingrid hope to see their family and friends in the other company very soon. Over in the Willie company, the two spunky, elderly English women suffer accidents (true story). One is bitten by a rattlesnake while walking and now must ride in the wagon. Her friend checks on her during an afternoon stop and is accidently run over by the wagon. Miraculously, she has no broken bones but now must join her plucky friend. They will be back, walking, just you wait! Meantime, they decide to do a little matchmaking. Eric and Maggie have no idea. Hannah and Ingrid experience a real gully-buster of a prairie thunderstorm with hail and lightning that strikes and kills a man in their company (also a true story).
Chapter 15- Buffalo stampede! No one is injured but all livestock ran away with the herd and are gone. Now the Willie company will have to use unbroken milk cows and any other animals they can find to pull the wagons. Every handcart will be taking on extra flour rations. It's a depressing setback but Maggie and Eric and the other saints make the best of it. They visit their two favorite "grandmas" in the sick wagon who tease the two young adults about being a couple while Maggie and Eric have no idea what they're talking about.
Chapter 16- The Willie group is thrilled to have two visiting general authorities and missionaries returning from England traveling fast, who will inform President Young of the two late companies still coming. The saints are promised the Lord will bless them if they continue to follow the counsel of their leaders. The visitors also bring mail from the other company. Letters from Hannah and Ingrid are among them. Back at the other camp, Hannah and Ingrid anticipate sharing a sweet cake made by Sister Jackson. To their dismay, someone in the camp found the cake left unattended to cool, ate the entire inside then put the "shell" back in the baking pan. Such pilfering was not uncommon among Mormon pioneer companies; hunger being a constant companion. Travel continues to be hard and a good man in another family is taken up to the Lord. Hannah is sad for them.
Chapter 17- The Willie company has reached Fort Laramie. Eric finally takes the initiative as they're walking back after their nightly visit to their adopted grandmothers to announce to Maggie he's talked to her mother and received permission to begin courting her, officially, if that's agreeable to Maggie who is stunned speechless. She is very much agreeable and they shake hands to seal the deal then blush and look away. Later, Eric enters the fort and browses among the shops until he sees a lovely collection of women's engagement rings in a window. The storekeeper is willing to trade for the valuable, hand knitted blue sweater he wears. Eric picks out a pretty ring, removes his sweater and makes the trade. Now he just has to work up his courage to ask Maggie McKensie to marry him. Eight days later, Hannah and Ingrid have reached the fort, recognize Eric's sweater in the shop window and wonder what's going on.
Chapter 18- October 1856 After making camp one night, Eric and Maggie walk and talk discussing their relationship. He gently reassures her it was the Lord's will that she sacrifice everything, including her ex-boyfriend, to come to America and be his English teacher turned girlfriend. He makes her laugh until she notices he's not wearing his sweater and asks why. Eric only replies that it's gone and Maggie doesn't press the issue. Next day, the company arrives at the last crossing of the Platte river where famous trader and frontiersman, John Richard, built a toll bridge and a small trading post to make a fortune off westward migrants who must travel miles upstream for safer crossing. Since the Mormons can't afford the exorbitant fee, they will take that route. They are also in desperate need of fresh food and supplies but the outrageous prices at the trading post are discouraging. Maggie, Eric and Olaf trade everything they have of value so their group can enjoy red meat, the first they've had in many weeks. John Richard himself witnesses this as they first barter Olaf's hand-knit sweater, then Eric's knife. Still not enough. Maggie pulls out her music box but it's STILL not enough until Eric reveals the ring and sets it on the table beside the other items. The eight pound buffalo roast is theirs but Maggie is shaken by the ring, realizing who it was meant for. Olaf confirms her suspicion that evening when he finds her sitting alone, ruminating. She promises Olaf she won't tell Eric she knows he wants to marry her but it makes her want to leap in the air and shout for joy.
Chapter 19- Maggie has become very sick with pneumonia and a bad cough but she's recovering as they travel between Independence Rock and Devil's Gate. There are no supply wagons waiting. No one in Salt Lake knew they were coming. Saints are dying every day, both young and old. Eric enters the tent and kneels beside Maggie's sickbed in concern. It's a very romantic gesture. They talk about this new development in their relationship. He wants their engagement to be official and get married next week, if Maggie doesn't die first. They share their first kiss and Maggie declares she's feeling better already. A few days later, morale and energy is very low as the company stops early while snow, the first of the season, falls thickly. Maggie hugs herself and doubles over in a coughing spasm that wracks her body. Eric holds her, rubbing her back, because he's awesome. Are they going to make it?
Chapter 20- Hannah and Ingrid pull their weight with the rest of the company. Spirits are good but if they don't continue to press forward they will not reach the valley in time. They vote to lighten their loads even more by burning blankets, quilts and extra clothes. The two girls joke about it but everyone knows they'll be missing these items when the snow flies. Two days later, the company must cross the Platte river and can't afford the toll bridge. They don't stop at the trading post like Maggie's company did but press on. Recent storms have swollen the river and the water is icy cold. A freezing wind is not much help, either. A storm is coming, promising snow. Brother Jackson is still recovering from a recent illness so Hannah and Ingrid volunteer to pull the handcart across the river. They are forced to swim in the middle, barely making it to the other side with the rest of the family. Brother Jackson collapsed on a sandbar in the middle of the river. The two girls wade out to help. Captain Martin himself rides out on his horse and Brother Jackson is rescued safely. Despite being soaked in frozen clothes and on the verge of hypothermia, everyone must keep walking through the storm. Suddenly, Ingrid realizes she left her shoes on the other bank before they crossed. They can't go back for them. Hannah weeps with her friend and hugs her. It's hard to be brave amidst so much hardship.
Chapter 21- Meet David Granger, (fictional) single, twenty-one and living with his family in the Salt Lake Valley working in the fields, delivering mail up and down the Wasatch front and doing other odd jobs to supplement their family income. He has a younger sister and brother. The sister is seventeen and already engaged to be married. The brother is fourteen. They tease David about being a menace to society because he still hasn't settled down yet. Plenty of girls would love to go out with him but David is always busy, earning money and traveling. Out of all the young, single girls, no one's ever caught his attention. He's a member of Brigham Young's "Minute Men" the group always ready, at any time, to respond to an emergency, military or Indian raid and protect the settlements. His best friend Heber P. son of Elder Heber C. Kimball comes riding up in excitement. News from the East. Elder Franklin D. Richards is back from England and passed two last handcart companies that nobody knew about. They're in trouble because the supply wagons were called in for the season and they need help. Next day is Sunday and Brigham Young admonishes all within the sound of his voice to act immediately, organize and collect as much food and clothing, wagons and teams to rescue those saints. David and his friends are among those who stand up and volunteer. David's mother and father give their blessing.
Chapter 22- By Tuesday, October 7, 1856 the first rescue wagons from the valley are on the trail east. David and his friends are with them. The first snow is falling up in the Wasatch mountains. One week out, the leaders call a meeting. They will break up, send an express wagon ahead to locate the handcart companies. If they're not at Devil's Gate, one man will camp there with the herd of beef cattle and prepare meat for the influx of starving travelers while a smaller party will press on and continue the search. This is not good. No one anticipated the companies being this far out. Everyone is getting worried.
Chapter 23- Eric and Olaf sight the first rescue wagons from the valley October 19, 1856. Everyone rejoices hearing that help is coming. Maggie leans against Eric in relief. The bad news is that Devil's Gate is five days away and no word yet from the Martin company which could be as much as eight days behind them. The situation grows more dire. They resume their march in high spirits. Miles to the west, David and the others wait out a bad blizzard, discouraged and frustrated that no miles will be covered today and still no word as to the whereabouts of the lost handcart companies. Hopefully the weather will clear tomorrow.
Chapter 24- But the weather doesn't clear, the storm grows worse and the men are forced to huddle in their tents all day, making no progress. They make camp in a small ravine about three miles off the main trail. One man is worried. They should make a sign indicating where they are. David accompanies the man, they place the sign and return to camp. Not five minutes later a shout is heard. The express team is back with news of the lost companies, found, and if that sign hadn't been placed where it was they would've missed each other. Back in the Willie company camp, Maggie has been napping in Eric's arms when a commotion outside the tent draws them out. Supply wagons from the valley are here. David Granger is appalled at the starvation and condition of the pioneers who stare in disbelief at the sight of food, warm clothing to replace their tattered garments. Maggie and Eric introduce themselves to David and thankfully accept the food and supplies. At the camp meeting everyone sings "Come, Come Ye Saints" in high spirits. They are going to make it.
Chapter 25- Next morning, Eric and Maggie find David and request, if he's heading East, he might take a message to Maggie's sister and their friends in the other company. Let them all know Maggie and Eric are engaged to be married. David will be happy to deliver the news when he arrives. Next day, the daily march resumes for, despite the aid they just received, they must keep moving with the promise of meeting more help that is coming which is motivation enough. Maggie's cough still lingers. She will not pull today but walk. The next stretch is called Rocky Ridge and it's not a nice one. A series of rough hills, uneven ground and for a sick, weak person this is a death march. Snow falls, the wind threatens to blow them completely off the trail. Men stumble and fall. Maggie is discouraged but her mother gives her a pep talk and Eric puts his arm around her. The fire of the covenant may be a mere flicker today but it's still there, burning brightly and Maggie's testimony hasn't died yet. She realizes how blessed she is and finds the strength to resume the march. Their friends, the James family, must leave their handcart behind. The father is just too sick and weak to pull. Maybe they can come back for it. Mary and Eric struggle to pull the McKensie family handcart up the rough trail. They are exhausted, utterly spent. The next hill is looking very formidable. They say a quick prayer, asking for strength and start up the path. To their amazement, the cart seems to move on its own. Who is pushing from behind? No one there. Later, Robbie McKensie joins them to help push up the next rise. Mary and Eric are grateful for this extra help. Again, the cart moves easily over large stones that stick up almost half a foot out of the ground. They reach the top. Eric turns to thank Robbie but he is not there. Robbie stumbled and fell behind at the bottom of the ridge. It was divine intervention that got that handcart up the rough trail.
Chapter 26- It is still the same day. Eric's attention is directed to Maggie, sitting in the snow, too weak and sick to walk another step today. Eric, knowing she will die if she doesn't get up now and get her blood circulating, provokes her. Maggie gets so mad, she leaps up and begins chasing Eric, screaming until, snapping out of it, she realizes Eric just saved her life. She falls into his arms, sobbing while Eric comforts her. Over by the Neilson family handcart, little Jens is very cold; Olaf offers to carry him on his back. They reach Strawberry Creek. Ever the chivalrous boyfriend, Eric swings Maggie up into his arms, ignoring her protests, and carries her across the creek so she won't get wet. He does the same for all the women and children in their group. A quarter mile back, Jens Neilson collapses and his wife begs him to get up and keep moving. She talks him into getting into their handcart and she will pull him, somehow, for he is a tall man while she is only 4'11" yet somehow she is given the strength to get her husband to camp that night. This is a true story.
Chapter 27- It has been a long, weary day. A group of men from the rescue party is waiting at the campsite. The fire is large and warm and Maggie falls asleep in Eric's arms awaiting the rest of the stragglers to come in. News arrives that Olaf and the Nielsons are in bad shape. Eric leaves immediately with the other men to help bring them in. Eric finds Olaf, still trudging along carrying little Jens on his back. Jens is dead. Olaf is delirious with the cold and exposure, completely unaware of the state of the child he carries. The James family lost their father and husband. Jane weeps at the news. Her brave son, Reuben who was walking with his father, is suffering from frostbite and exhaustion. He did all he could to keep his father moving but it was too much. Maggie and her mother are saddened by all the news, especially when Eric returns to announce Olaf has also passed. Maggie holds him as he sobs in his grief. Bodil Mortensen also slipped away, another victim to the bitter cold. A funeral service is held the next morning for all the dead, who can't even be buried properly, the ground is frozen solid. The bodies are covered with branches and rocks. The mass grave looks very forlorn, but they must press on, knowing their loved ones have gone to a better place, awaiting a reunion with those left behind who must remain true and faithful so they might enjoy the blessing of being together again.
Chapter 28- If the Willie company is barely making it, the Martin company is like the walking dead. They have ground to a halt several miles east of Independence Rock. Hannah and Ingrid get in line for their meager rations: four ounces of flour that they will mix with water either to drink or fry up on a griddle into a thin, tasteless cake. No wonder so many are dropping like flies. That night, in the tent, Sister Jackson wakes Hannah. To their shock and horror, her husband passed away in the night and nothing can be done for him until morning. Both women weep. But help is coming as David Granger and his party continue to look for the Martin company who bury their dead the next morning and move on. With the loss of Aaron Jackson, their group now consists of only women and children, too weak to erect the tent, so they must sleep under the canvas. Sister Jackson refuses to enter, choosing instead to spend the night sitting on a rock, her three remaining children tucked under both arms and on her lap, a single quilt tucked around them, "with nothing but the vault of Heaven for a roof and the stars for companions," (this is a true story). Hannah finds her next morning, building up the campfire, looking thoughtful with a special story to share. As she dozed during the night in below freezing temperatures, Aaron Jackson appeared in a dream to his wife telling her to be of good cheer, help is coming. Both women believe the dream was real and weep together, their hope renewed.
Chapter 29- Later that day, Sister Jackson's dream is realized as the "Valley Boys" arrive with wagons full of food and provisions. They are saved! Everyone shouts and weeps for joy. Men are sent back with the news that the last companies have been found. Miles to the west, David Granger is among those who leave immediately with more life saving wagons while the Martin company continues forward to meet them. Hannah and Sister Jackson are among the hundreds in their company who welcome these "Valley Boys" into their camp. For the second time, David Granger has the privilege of saving lives, handing out food to starving people who regard them as angels from heaven sent to relieve them of their suffering conditions. Their prayers have been answered. As the people line up to receive their rations, David notices two girls, one looks very familiar. The light comes on and David recognizes the family resemblance to Maggie. This is the sister he was asked to deliver a message to. Hannah and Ingrid are shocked to be recognized by a stranger and weep for joy at the news that their family and friends are all safe and well and especially that Maggie and Eric are engaged to be married.
Chapter 30- November 1856 The Willie company, under the aid of their rescuers, continues to press on. Many handcarts are simply being abandoned with baggage and supplies stowed in the wagons. The McKensie family handcart is one of these throwaways. Maggie is so happy to be rid of this annoyance, she crashes their handcart off a ridge ("I don't care, I love it!") while everyone applauds. Thanks to the extra food and not having to pull or push, Maggie has completely recovered from her cough but she and Eric help the James family with their handcart. The company meets Ephraim Hanks, famous frontiersman and devout Mormon, like Porter Rockwell, who independently answered the call to help. He knows the land and all the trails. He will continue on and make sure the Martin company are all brought safely in. David Granger is worried as he travels with the Martin company. They reach Devil's Gate and, even with the extra rations, everyone continues to struggle just to put one foot in front of the other. He is especially concerned for the two young girls Maggie introduced him to. That little sister of hers is just as pretty as her older sister. Best of all, she's single and available. Since Maggie is already promised, he realizes he's become attracted to Hannah McKensie and singles her out. Ingrid is happy for her friend while Hannah blushes furiously. Even Sister Jackson has noticed and approves of the match.
Chapter 31- It is decided, with the Martin company too weak to go on, they will hike up along the trail, cross the Sweetwater River and set up a long term camp in what will be called "Martin's Cove" where they will find shelter from the bitter cold and wood for their campfires. David will help Hannah and Ingrid pull the Jackson family handcart to the campsite. When they reach the river, small by Eastern standards, it is formidable enough that everyone, including Hannah, despairs of having the energy to endure another crossing. Ice coats the banks while large chunks and razor sharp pieces float in the current. The wind-chill factor is below freezing. Nobody wants to cross this and many sit down in the snow and burst into tears. All of the men in the rescue company, including David Granger, carry men, women and children across, making several trips. David's leg is gashed by a piece of ice, but he'll be okay. (Chapter notes clarify the common myth that some young men died as a result of this incredible, selfless, lifesaving act of service but this is incorrect. No one died but many who did participate suffered the effects of the cold water and exposure for the rest of their lives.) Five days pass in the Cove. Everyone huddles in their tents under quilts; waiting, resting, conserving their energy. David calls on Hannah's tent, requesting her company, invites her to take a walk with him. David has been asked to remain at Devil's Gate till spring to help guard the cache of freight and livestock being left behind. With only eight wagons distributed among one thousand people, food rations are already running low. The Martin company will break camp tomorrow and walk until they meet the next group of rescuers from the valley. Before they part, David has a letter he'd like Hannah to give Mary McKensie, her mother, and when she gets to the valley; look up his family and inform them of his whereabouts. Say "Hi" to your sister Maggie and give her this hug. Bewildered and confused, Hannah agrees to all his requests and accepts his warm embrace. David Granger has left the "friend zone." Meanwhile, Ephraim Hanks finds the Martin company. He has fresh buffalo meat, provided by Providence, as it is not the season for the animals to be in this area. There are wagons to carry the sick and weak waiting just a few days away. Help is coming. Their long trek is almost over.
Chapter 32- November 1856 Great Salt Lake Valley
Hannah and Ingrid, riding in one of the rescue wagons, are told to open the canvas flap and look out. Behold, the great Salt Lake valley! The panoramic view is impressive and everyone is excited to be entering their new home. No one in Salt Lake knows they are coming in. Meanwhile, down on Temple Square, Maggie, Eric and all their family and friends made it safely to the valley three weeks ago. All are attending Sunday meetings in the Tabernacle, listening to Brigham Young, in person. Maggie squeezes the hand of her fiancé; so glad she decided not to stay in Scotland, forsake her religion and marry that non-Mormon who could never take her to the Endowment House or even a temple like Eric can. The McKensie family has been graciously taken in by the Granger family. Jens and Elsie Nielson will settle in Parowan and have more children. The two dear "Grandmas" from England succeeded in their determination to walk (most of the way) to Zion and will be set up in homes of their own, here, in the growing city. Outside, a great uproar announces incoming wagons! Maggie and Eric take off, inquiring at every passing wagon about Hannah or Ingrid who spot them almost at the same time. The reunion is joyous. Hannah looks just as thin and pale as Maggie did on arrival but good food, hot baths, rest and warm clothing will soon remedy that. Ingrid's aunt and uncle who traveled with the Willie company, are also waiting to welcome her. Everyone is saddened hearing the news of all their friends who didn't make it, almost every family lost a loved one but the entire McKensie family is all together, safe, alive, and well. A wedding will be taking place very soon with another (Hannah to David Granger whose letter asked Mary's permission to court her daughter when he returns next spring) tottering on the brink!
The End
