Prologue

Woodall, North Mississippi

April 1882

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the rugged landscape of Woodall, Mississippi. April had arrived in all its glory, but for Olive Maddox, it brought a sense of restlessness that she couldn’t shake. At 23 years old, she was a spirited young woman with a heart that yearned for adventure. Yet, her responsibilities kept her tethered to the modest homestead she shared with her older brother, Edward, and his wife, Bree, in the untamed wilderness of Woodall Mountain.

Their homestead, a small cabin nestled at the edge of a sprawling ranch, was a far cry from the bustling cities back east. It was a place where the wilderness was both friend and foe, where survival depended on grit, determination, and the support of family.

Olive watched as Bree struggled with their fussy baby boy, Liam. The child’s cries filled the cabin, echoing off the walls like a relentless storm. Bree was young and overwhelmed, her face etched with exhaustion. Edward, her brother, was out on the ranch, as usual, tending to the cattle and the endless chores that ranch life demanded. Olive pushed a lock of her red hair back, as she tried to focus on the meal she was preparing on the hearth.

She stood stirring a pot of beans; their sweet, succulent scent filling the small cabin. Liam let out another scream, and Bree sighed audibly. Olive and Bree were strong friends, as well as relatives since Bree came to Woodall as a mail-order bride for Edward. After the death of their parents, Edward and Olive took over the family ranch, raising their younger brother until his tragic and untimely death.

“Bree, do you want to go for a walk?” Olive asked, stirring the pot of beans on the hearth again. Olive looked over at Bree; her small son screaming in her arms and noted her strawberry-blond hair, usually so well put together, was out of place., Bree looked defeated.

Bree struggled to calm the baby down, as he let out another scream. “I’m afraid I have to decline your kind offer, Olive. I need to put Liam down for a nap,” Bree said, standing up and walking in circles with the screaming baby, attempting to calm him.

“Could you help me with Liam?” Bree’s voice trembled with fatigue as she pleaded for assistance.

Olive smiled weakly, torn between her desire to escape the confines of the cabin and her duty to her family. “Of course, Bree,” she replied, pushing aside her restlessness. She took Liam in her arms and began to sway him gently, attempting to soothe him.

As the minutes dragged on, the women’s struggle with the inconsolable baby wore on both of them. Olive could feel the tension in the room, a palpable frustration that clung to the walls. The baby’s cries intensified with every passing moment, and Olive could see the weariness etched on Bree’s face. “Why don’t you go lie down for a bit?” Olive offered. The young mother nodded and walked slowly into the bedroom.

Olive walked the floor back and forth keeping baby Liam quiet while his mother slept. He had been crying non-stop for days, and it was wearing on everyone. As Olive paced in front of the warm hearth, she daydreamed of when she was younger and her parents took her and her brothers into the town of Woodall.

***

Olive had always been a curious child with a vivid imagination. On a warm, summer’s day in 1875 her parents took them to nearby Woodall. As the family’s horse-drawn wagon rattled along the dusty dirt road, Olive peered out the back wide-eyed.

Woodall was nestled in a picturesque valley, surrounded by rolling hills and tall oak trees. The wooden buildings lining the main street revealed facades weathered by time. Horse-drawn wagons clattered down the road, and women in long dresses and bonnets strolled along the wooden sidewalks.

Olive could hardly contain her excitement as they arrived in the heart of the town. Her imagination ran wild as she envisioned what it would be like living here, exploring this new, exciting chapter of her young life. She begged her parents to let her look around while they conducted their business.

With their permission, Olive hopped down from the wagon and found herself on the bustling main street. She, James, and Edward walked down through the town abuzz with activity. She watched as a blacksmith hammered away at a piece of iron, sparks flying in all directions. The rhythmic clanging of the hammer was like music to her ears.

Olive and her brothers wandered into the general store, where shelves were lined with everything from pots and pans to fabrics and canned goods. Olive marveled at the ornate glass jars filled with colorful candies and the delicate porcelain dolls perched on a shelf. The storekeeper, a kindly woman with a warm smile, greeted them as if they were regulars.

“Good morning children. What can I help you with?”

Olive, the first through the door and boldest of her siblings, announced “We are just visiting for the day. Our parents said we could explore Woodall while they conduct business at the feedstore.”

Edward and James, standing behind her, nodded quietly, both awe-struck by their surroundings.

“Well, for your adventures.” The kind woman grabbed a jar of brightly colored candy and opened the top, motioning for them to come forward. They each selected a piece of candy, which the shopkeeper put into three small paper bags and handed back to each of them. “Enjoy and be sure to come again next time y’all are in Woodall.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” they replied in unison, their young eyes filled with wonder. Each of them ate theirs as soon as they left the store; delicious sweetness filling their mouths. Their mama made homemade candy with honey, and it was good, but this was better. A different flavor. Olive had selected a pink piece and it tasted like a strawberry just picked from the garden. Edward grinned at both his younger siblings as they stood on the wooden sidewalk outside the general store, each holding an empty bag and sucking on their sweet candy pieces.

As the sun began its descent, Olive, Edward, and James reluctantly returned to the wagon, Olive’s heart heavy with the knowledge that she must leave this enchanting place and return to the small cabin on the ranch. She closed her eyes during the bumpy ride home, cherishing the day’s memories.

As their father drove the horse-drawn wagon back, their mother sat beside him and they talked quietly about their business in town. Edward sat in the back of the wagon quietly listening to their conversation. He was always interested in ranch business and had many times accompanied their father to town to buy feed and other supplies for the ranch.

Edward had shown an interest in ranch life since the tender age of ten. Olive was two years younger than Edward and, although she loved life on the ranch, she daydreamed of a life away from there, somewhere more exciting.

That evening, as she lay in her bed, Olive’s imagination soared. She knew that this day had been a rare adventure that would stay with her forever, while her older brother, Edward, still sharing a bed with his brother James, wondered what life would be like when he was older and could run the ranch himself.

Chapter One

Snapping out of her daydream, with Liam sleeping peacefully in her arms, Olive quietly walked him over to the bassinet that Edward had made and laid him down upon the soft mattress. She looked down at the sleeping baby, her green eyes sparkling with love at his little, chubby fingers curled in fists as he lay peacefully quiet.

Bree came out of the bedroom rubbing a hand over her face, looking much more rested. She whispered to Olive, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Olive whispered back and she went to stir the beans again on the hearth. They smelled so good.

Olive heard the horses in the distance bringing Edward back to their home. He finally arrived, entering the cabin, his weathered face bearing the marks of a long and tiring day. “How’s everything going in here?” he asked, his eyes immediately falling on his wife, who looked more rested than she had earlier. Edward gazed at Bree, his blue eyes lovingly watching her. Bree came up to him and tenderly touched his cinnamon-colored beard before kissing him lightly on the lips. Edward ran a hand through his red hair and then stroked the dimple in his chin as he observed Olive holding his young son.

“Bree’s had a hard day,” Olive replied, her voice filled with empathy. “Liam has been crying most of it. Now, he is sleeping finally,” Olive answered, as the baby let out another scream.

Edward nodded, understanding the strain his wife was under. “I’ll take over with Liam now. You go outside, Olive. Get some fresh air and clear your head.”

Olive’s heart leaped at the prospect of escape, and she gratefully handed Liam over to her brother. She quickly donned her bonnet and stepped outside, her loyal dog, Jack, by her side. The vast expanse of the surrounding land greeted her, stretching out before her like an uncharted frontier.

With a sense of freedom, Olive began to walk along the narrow dirt path that led away from their cabin. The beauty of the wilderness was all around her; the wildflowers swaying in the breeze, the distant call of a hawk, and the glistening river that wound its way through the landscape.

As she walked, Olive’s thoughts drifted to her dreams of adventure. She longed to see the world beyond their homestead, to experience the thrill of the unknown. But for now, this walk would have to suffice.

Olive and Jack strolled along a winding path for some time, the sound of the river growing louder as they neared its steepening edge. The sun bathed the landscape in a warm, golden light, and Olive felt a sense of contentment.

But, as fate would have it, disaster struck. Olive’s foot slipped on a loose stone, and she tumbled over the path’s edge, her world spinning out of control. She landed with a sickening crunch, pain shooting through her leg.

Gasping in agony, Olive realized the gravity of her situation. She was alone, injured, and a long way away from help. The pain was unbearable. She looked down at her throbbing leg; the bone was sticking out the white of bone was visible and she was bleeding. Her face scrunched up and she tried to breathe through the shock, taking slow, deep breaths in and out to calm her growing nerves. Each time she looked down, nausea crept further up her stomach towards her throat, forcing her to bend into fetal position.

Panic threatened to overwhelm her, but she knew she had to stay strong; there was no other choice. Jack whined and barked, clearly worried about his fallen companion. With immense effort, Olive managed to sit up and assess her injury. Her leg was twisted at an unnatural angle, and she winced in pain as she touched it. It was clear that she had broken it, and she needed help urgently. Olive looked up at her faithful dog pleadingly and whispered , “Jack, go get help. Find Edward”.

Jack hesitated for just a moment, torn between staying with Olive and following her command. But, when she turned again, Jack was already sprinting back towards the cabin, his barks fading into the distance.

Alone on the riverside, Olive fought back tears as the pain in her leg throbbed relentlessly. She knew that her fate now rested in the hands of her dog , and the speed with which he could bring help. She prayed that Edward would understand the urgency of the situation and come to find her before nightfall descended on this unforgiving landscape.

She put her hands together and, despite the pain shooting up her leg, Olive began to pray aloud as she was taught by her mother. She bowed her head and spoke, “Father, please send help. I know Father that you are the ultimate savior, and I really need someone to come and find me. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.” She thought of her favorite bible verse, Philippians 4:13 and recited it aloud. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She repeated this verse over and over again as she lay trembling in agony waiting for Jack to bring Edward.

Edward stood in the cabin holding Liam as he wailed. He heard Jack barking outside and figured Olive was already coming back from her walk. With the baby in his arms, Edward walked onto the porch to greet his sister, but only the dog came running up. Jack was spinning in circles around Edward and when he didn’t pay him any heed, he nipped at the edge of Edward’s coat and pulled him forwards.

“What’s wrong with you, Jack?” Edward asked. “Where’s Olive?” Jack barked once again, before turning tail and running back from where he just came.

Edward strode back into the cabin and handed Liam to Bree, sputtering, “Something’s wrong. Jack came back but Olive isn’t with him.”

“Oh, my. Go see,” Bree replied, her heart beating faster as anxiety and fear took over.

“Hurry, and be careful,” Bree added, standing in the doorway as Edward ran toward their small barn to hook up the horses to the wagon.

Edward was known throughout Woodall as a man who possessed an uncanny bond with his horses. His pair of sturdy drays, Duke, and Daisy, were not just his means of livelihood but also his trusted teammates. They had seen him through thick and thin, plowing the fields, transporting goods, and helping him make a modest living on his family’s ranch.

As Edward stepped into the dimly lit barn, the scent of hay and the soft nickering of the drays greeted him. The familiar sounds and smells were like a balm to his weary soul. “Afternoon, Duke. Afternoon, Daisy,” Edward murmured softly to his faithful companions as he approached them. The horses whinnied softly in response. Duke, a massive chestnut stallion with a white blaze on his forehead, nuzzled Edward affectionately, while Daisy, a dappled gray mare with a kind disposition, stood patiently, awaiting her turn.

Worried of what could have happened to his sister, Edward grabbed out the tack to get the horses ready. With his sleeves rolled up, he selected the appropriate harnesses, each meticulously maintained and hung up on wooden pegs that lined the barn’s weathered walls. Quickly, he harnessed Duke and Daisy to the weathered wagon. Edward’s hands moved with practiced precision as he fastened buckles, adjusted the straps, and checked for any signs of wear. He knew that the safety and comfort of his beloved horses depended on his diligence.

Edward’s relationship with his horses was built on trust and mutual respect. He had raised Duke and Daisy from foals, and they had grown up alongside him and his family. He knew every nuance of their personalities and had a unique way of communicating with them. They could understand each other without words.

With the harnesses secured and the horses ready, Edward led them out of the barn into the warm afternoon air. The sun had risen higher in the sky, bathing Duke and Daisy in a warm light. Edward’s heart swelled with pride as he looked at them. They were a symbol of his hard work, dedication, and an unbreakable bond.

As Edward climbed onto the wagon’s wooden seat, he gave Duke and Daisy a reassuring pat. “We’ve got to find Olive, my friends,” he said with a grim look toward the horizon. The horses snorted, as if in agreement, and Edward snapped the reins gently. The wagon creaked to life, and the horses began to pull it forward, their powerful muscles straining as they did.

Together, Edward, Duke, and Daisy made their way down the dusty dirt road toward the river where Olive liked to go. Lately, Olive had become more of a daydreamer, and Edward worried what would become of her if she never left the ranch. Jack trotted further ahead, looking back regularly to ensure Edward and the horses were following him as he led the way back to Olive. The rhythmic clip-clop of their hooves on the road was a soothing sound, and the wagon’s wheels turned at a pace.

Up ahead was the river, and Edward slowed the horses, calling out for his sister. “Olive!” he hollered toward the water. Jack paced back and forth at the river’s edge leading down a steep embankment. Edward jumped off the wagon and followed him. Faintly, he could hear Olive’s voice, “Edward, I’m down here.”

The pain had become excruciating. Olive tried to stay calm by reciting bible verses from memory and when she heard Jack’s bark, she praised God, thanking him for sending them to save her.

Edward and Jack carefully made their way down the steep bank, their hearts pounding. Olive’s voice grew louder as they approached, her words filled with relief and gratitude.

Reaching near the bottom, Edward’s eyes met Olive’s tear-streaked face turned back and up towards him. She was holding onto a tree branch, her leg clearly broken. The pain was evident, etched across her features, but her faith in God’s intervention remained unshaken. With steady hands, feet and paws, Edward and Jack maneuvered around the rocks and debris, inching closer to her.

Reaching Olive’s side, Edward gently took hold of her hand, offering her a reassuring smile. “We’re here, Olive. We’re going to get you out of here,” he said, his voice filled with determination.

Olive’s eyes sparkled with gratitude. “I knew you would come for me, Edward. God answered my prayers,” she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of pain and relief.

Edward worked tirelessly to free Olive from her precarious position before running back up to the wagon and grabbing a blanket from the back. Then, he headed back down to where Olive lay.

Her leg bent at an awkward angle, and Edward grimaced at the sight of bone. “Olive, I have to wrap up your leg and it’s gonna hurt,” Edward said, as tears flowed freely down Olive’s wincing cheeks.

“Okay,” she replied, gritting her teeth in preparation as he cut off a piece of the blanket with the knife he kept in his pocket. He tied the strip around her leg to cover the open wound and decrease the bleeding. Olive clung to Edward, finding solace in his strong presence and unwavering support.

Despite the pain coursing through her body, Olive continued to recite bible verses, finding strength and comfort in her faith. Edward encouraged her every step of the way, both their spirits lifted by Olive’s unwavering belief in God’s protection. Jack ran back and forth as Edward carried Olive to the top of the bank. It was slow moving as he climbed up the side with his sister in his arms, but Edward was determined.

Finally, they reached the safety of the path, Edward’s exhaustion temporarily forgotten. He gently laid Olive down on a patch of grass and went to move the wagon closer. As Edward ran back towards the wagon, Jack faithfully followed, his barks echoing across the valley urging Edward to hurry. Jack ran in circles as Edward helped Olive into the back of the wagon, jumping up next to her once she was safely in and laying his head upon her lap in comfort as she continued to recite.

Olive mumbled, “Psalm chapter 147 verse three. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

At that moment, Edward felt an unbreakable bond with his sister, forged through the trials they had faced together. They had overcome unimaginable obstacles, and Edward would do whatever it took to ensure Olive’s well-being.

With renewed optimism, they set off towards Woodall. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the rugged prairie terrain as Edward carefully maneuvered the horse-drawn wagon down the winding road.

Olive softly jostled in the back, Jack’s head upon her lap, and her face contorted in quiet pain. Edward, his face furrowed with worry kept the horses at a consistent trot, heading to town. Helpless to ease her suffering, Edward could hear Olive’s soft cries each time the wagon wheels bumped over a rocky patch or swayed with the curves of the road ahead. He knew they had to get to town fast.

Finally, they reached the small, dusty abode nestled on the other side of the river. Edward skillfully guided the wagon to a stop in front of the only doctor’s office in town. He jumped down and rushed to the back, gently helping Olive out. She clung to him, her face pale, and her breathing shallow.

The doctor’s office was a modest building, but it was clean and well-kept. Edward pushed the door open with his elbow, and the tinkling of a bell announced their arrival. Inside, the room smelled of antiseptic and herbs, a stark contrast to the crisp mountain air they had just left behind.

Dr. Holloway, a young and handsome man with piercing blue eyes, appeared from a back room. He took one look at Olive’s twisted leg and immediately sprang into action. With a calm demeanor that belied the urgency of the situation, he directed Edward to assist in laying Olive on an examination table. “What happened?” Dr. Holloway inquired.

“Olive was walking along the river path and fell. I think her leg is badly broken. Thank God for our clever Jack, he came home and led me to her.”.

Olive continued mumbling scripture, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,” she trailed off. She could hardly focus on anything but the agonizing throb in her leg and she felt herself weakening further, the world around her growing hazy and distant. The doctor, his hands moving with gentle precision, examined the injury.

“It’s a compound fracture,” he said, his voice soothing yet authoritative. “We need to operate immediately to set the bone and clean the wound.”

Olive managed a weak nod, her vision fading in and out. She knew she was in capable hands, but the pain was overwhelming.

Dr. Holloway wasted no time. He instructed Edward to wait outside as he prepared for the surgery. Olive was vaguely aware of the sterile instruments being laid out and the familiar sound of a lantern being lit. Then, she felt a cool cloth on her forehead and heard the doctor’s reassuring words as distant echoes.

As the anesthesia took effect, Olive’s consciousness slipped away, and she passed out on the table. The last thing she remembered was his young face, earnest, and kind.

Dr. Holloway sent Edward on home to the ranch, assuring him that Olive was safe and that he would do his best. He assured Edward that he would send word as soon as the surgery was done and Olive was resting comfortably.

“Mr. Maddox, I will take great care of your sister, but she will need to stay for a week or more to heal,” Dr. Holloway informed Edward as they stood by the door.

Edward gave the doctor a weak smile, and replied, “Thank you, Dr. Holloway.” He climbed up onto the wagon, Jack sitting beside him and giving the doctor a sharp bark before Edward snapped the reigns and headed back home. Bree would be worried sick. He had been gone for hours now and it was starting to get dark. He waved goodbye as the doctor hurried back into his rooms.