Moon in the Water

Moon in the Water by STAN GORDON

"...an extraordinary novel. Thoroughly researched, beautifully written, it adds a new dimension to our understanding of the Apaches in their last, desperate bid for freedom and brings Lozen, who previously has been a shadow figure, to vivid and unforgettable life."

-Jane Candia Coleman, author of Tombstone Travesty: Allie Earp Remembers

"Lozen and the mythological world of her people, the Chiricahua Apache, rise from these pages in glorious, breathing visions. At last, a novel written as if from the insides of this fierce, mysterious tribe who are the silent demons of so much Western literature. Powerful, moving and lyrical, Moon in the Water honors the way the Chiricahua saw historical events: the destruction of their homeland and their tribe, and their legendary heroine Lozen's role in fighting, to the very end, for both."

-Victoria Tester, author of Miracles of Sainted Earth

SET IN THE 1800S, this historical fiction book is based on the life of a real Apache woman named Lozen. In addition to writing an adventure novel, the author's goal is to expand the reader's under-standing of Apache ways, to illuminate their true heritage and culture-which went far beyond raiding and warfare.

Besting the boys of her tribe at every turn-running, wrestling and other contests-a young Apache girl is given the choice for warrior training. Strong and resourceful, Lozen's mysterious Power of the Blue Hands catapults her into a role of leadership. When the Mexicans and White Eyes invade her homeland, she is challenged to interpret that power. Great chiefs come to rely on her tactics and strategy, and in her dual to role as fierce fighter and healer, she soon becomes the most revered woman in all of the Apache Nations.

Wisdom and her connection to the natural world and Great Spirit guide her on her path. Along the way, a lone warrior, Gray Wolf, visits her village and Lozen marks him as hers. But can she help the man who carries her love in the rivers of his heart? And will she be strong enough to lead her people against the new dangers they face? The wilderness is savage-but even more so is man.

FROM INSIDE MOON IN THE WATER...

The mists curled around her like tentacles of twirling ghosts. Streaming white clouds flowed across her mind, carrying her upon them as they billowed to the heavens. An eagle passed below and she dropped onto its back as it soared closer to the sun. She was one with the universe, her spirit touching the ebb and flow of all things. Suddenly, the clouds turned overcast gray. The sun dimmed and the eagle began plummeting. She tried to focus harder. The sky turned black; the connection was broken. With a deep sigh, she opened her eyes, Warming air had turned the clouded vapors into transparent veils, and she could see a broad, muscular back, The figure turned ever so slightly, revealing a hawk-like profile. Her eyebrows shot up and her eyes went wide. Gray Wolf!