Beyond the sunset

Beyond the Sunset traces the journey of Henry Ormerod, a widower mourning his wife, who is persuaded by Governor Burnet and the Seneca chief Tawannears to explore lands beyond the Mississippi River. Joined by the forest-runner Peter Corlaer, the trio embarks on a perilous expedition through colonial New York’s wilderness and beyond, navigating complex Native alliances, French and Spanish colonial tensions, and the mysteries of indigenous legends.

The journey begins with Ormerod grappling with grief and religious debate, setting off with blessings and charms from the Seneca. They face dangers including attacks by Shawnee warriors and tense encounters with French forces led by Charles Le Moyne and the Jesuit priest Père Hyacinthe, known as Black Robe. After escaping French captivity, they cross the Mississippi River, aided and challenged by various tribes such as the Dakota, Cheyenne, and Teton, engaging in battles, hunts, and diplomatic exchanges. Corlaer's surprising combat prowess and Ormerod's skill with horses earn them respect among Native peoples.

As winter approaches, the group endures harsh conditions in the Sky Mountains, surviving snowstorms, avalanches, and altitude sickness. They meet the Tsutpeli (Nez Percés) tribe and ascend the sacred mountain Tamanoas, a spiritual trial blending indigenous belief and physical endurance. Upon reaching the Pacific coast, they turn inland, surviving a brutal bear attack and hostile tribes, eventually arriving at Homolobi, a cliff-dwelling village ruled by priests and marked by political intrigue. Here, Kachina, a sacred dancer with mysterious origins, becomes an ally and love interest for Tawannears amid priestly rivalries and threats of sacrifice.

Their captivity in Homolobi escalates with assassination attempts and a siege by the Awataba bowmen. A daring escape leads to the destruction of Homolobi, after which the group continues eastward, facing further tribal conflicts, including capture by the Comanche and later the Pawnee. The narrator’s medicine pouch miraculously protects him during a Pawnee attack, but they are taken captive and brought before the Pawnee chief Awa.

In a dramatic turn, they rescue the tortured Jesuit priest Black Robe, who joins their group and accompanies them through French territories back toward New York. The death of Donehogaweh, the Seneca Guardian of the Western Door, leads to Tawannears’ ceremonial installation as his successor. The narrator and Peter decide to return home, arriving in a changed New York where the new governor dismisses the importance of frontier affairs. The story closes with Ormerod’s heartfelt reunion with his son and household, reflecting on the complex spiritual and cultural journey they have undertaken.

Throughout, the narrative richly depicts Native American cultures, colonial rivalries, and the vast, often hostile wilderness. It blends historical detail with legend, spiritual quest, and the personal transformations of its characters.