The chapter opens with a second expedition entering the desert, following the trail of CĂšdre-Rouge. This group, led by the French hunter Valentin Guillois, includes Curumilla, General Ibañez, and Don Miguel Zarate with his son. Unlike the first group driven by survival or exploration, this party is united by a single purpose: vengeance and the rescue of Don Miguelâs kidnapped daughter. As they advance into hostile territory, Valentin halts the group in a shaded clearing near a stream to establish a strategy. Recognizing the extreme dangers of the desertâhostile humans, lack of resources, and natural threatsâhe proposes a structured plan and urges careful reflection before proceeding further.
Valentin explains that their mission cannot rely on brute force but on intelligence, caution, and adaptation to the environment. He emphasizes that only he and Curumilla are fully accustomed to the hardships of frontier life, while the others, especially Don Miguel and his companions, come from a more privileged background and may struggle with the harsh conditions. He warns that hesitation or weakness could jeopardize the entire mission. Out of responsibility, he offers them the option to turn back to the Mexican frontier if they feel unable to endure the journey, as their presence might endanger the group. However, Don Miguel firmly refuses, declaring that he will continue at any cost until his daughter is recovered, even if it means death.
With unity reaffirmed, the group begins discussing strategy. Valentin stresses that survival and success in the desert depend on deception and alliances rather than direct confrontation. Despite their small number, he believes five determined men can achieve significant results if they use the terrain and local politics wisely. He reveals that they may rely on allies such as the Comanches, the Unicorneâs tribe, and potentially the Cora cacique, who has contacts within enemy forces. However, he warns that CĂšdre-Rouge is also building alliances, including with the Apaches and the so-called âpirates of the prairies,â suggesting an impending large-scale conflict between rival factions across the plains.
Valentin proposes securing an important alliance with the Navajo leader known as the Loup-Jaune before CĂšdre-Rouge can reach him. He argues that controlling this alliance could determine the outcome of their mission. Although the others express concern about delay, Valentin insists that in the desert, indirect routes and patience are often more effective than speed, as straight paths can lead to disaster. The group reluctantly accepts his judgment.
Their planning is interrupted by Curumilla, who detects approaching danger. Soon the sound of galloping horses and distant gunfire confirms an active pursuit nearby. The group hides and observes an unfolding chase: a lone horseman is being pursued by about thirty Apache warriors. The rider, skilled and defiant, fires back repeatedly while fleeing, managing to kill several attackers. Despite his courage, his horse is weakening, and the Apaches are closing in.
Moved by the scene, Valentin decides to intervene, arguing that the man, a fellow white traveler, must not be left to die. Despite the numerical disadvantage, he orders his companions to prepare an ambush. They position themselves in concealment, rifles ready, and wait for the right moment. As the pursued rider passes their hiding place at full speed, the Apaches follow closely behind. At Valentinâs command, the group opens fire in a coordinated volley. The ambush is devastating: five Apache warriors fall instantly, disrupting the pursuit and marking the beginning of direct confrontation between Valentinâs group and the hostile forces of the prairie.