Thomas Eidson

Fleeing through the territory of New Mexico, Nat Swanson tries to stay ahead of the three riders who want to hang him for killing their friend in a Texas fight that Nat feels was fair. Passing by two overturned wagons surrounded by about 30 Apaches, he feels compelled to help the elderly woman he sees hiding behind one of the wagons. Told by Sister St. Agnes that he has been sent by God to save them, Nat quickly wishes he were continuing on to California, especially when he realizes there are a total of three nuns and seven children to be rescued. The sister's absolute belief that this man will save them places a burden on Nat that he's never before felt; it also forces him to act beyond his normal expectations as he attempts to pull off a miracle. While the Apache warrior Locan dreams that everyone's fate lies with water, the lifeblood of the desert, the besieged group seems doomed to die of dehydration. In a chilling, turnabout ending, Locan's dreams come true. Nat, a nonstereotypical loner, is juxtaposed against curmudgeonly old Sister St. Agnes, who is filled with love and faith… (mer)