Ambush at Cimarron Pass

Sergeant Blake's cavalry squad escorts Corbin back toward the fort. They carry a cache of repeating rifles intended for defense. The weight of the rifles and the weight of responsibility press on the march as they move through rough terrain.

Blake's group encounters Sam Prescott's contingent, former Confederate cowmen. Keith Williams, among them, resents northerners and must be restrained from shooting Blake. The tense meeting plants the seeds for uneasy cooperation as both groups reassess their goals.

The Apache deliver Teresa Santos, bound, as a distraction while they raid for horses. The capture exposes the vulnerability of the group and confirms that the Apache numbers pose a serious threat. Teresa's presence also stirs mixed emotions within the traveling party.

Blake and Prescott decide to join forces and continue on foot toward the fort. The alliance is pragmatic, formed to survive the treacherous Cimarron Pass and the Apache threat. Trust remains tentative as they move as a combined party.

Judge Stanfield suggests trading rifles to the Apache in exchange for their horses. Blake dismisses the plan, arguing that losing the rifles would leave them defenseless against superior numbers. The moment underscores Blake's insistence on maintaining firepower.

Stanfield plots with Keith to overthrow Blake's command. The mutiny chatter lingers in the camp, fueling suspicion and fear. The division weakens their already strained leadership.

Several members of Blake's group are killed or wounded in skirmishes, including Blake's Indian scout Henry. The losses deepen the group's fatigue and heighten the urgency to reach safety. Morale falters as the path grows more dangerous.

Johnny Willow takes over scouting duties after Henry's death, keeping the group alert in dangerous terrain. Teresa Santos begins flirting with Keith, adding romantic tension to the fragile alliance. The shifting dynamics test leadership and loyalty.

Keith's first mutiny attempt is interrupted by an Apache attack. He challenges Blake, but Blake easily defeats him, restoring order. Afterward, Keith channels his anger toward the Apache rather than Blake.

During an Apache assault, Stanfield frees Corbin so he can seal the deal. Corbin betrays and kills Stanfield, poisoning the already fragile alliance. The betrayal leaves the group more exposed to the Apache threat.

Corbin attempts to deliver rifles to the Apache negotiators, but the Apache kill him on sight. Blake's group recovers the rifles, preserving their defensive advantage. The loss eliminates the traitor and secures their remaining firepower.

Blake decides to raid the Apache camp and drive off their horses. The raid escalates into a fierce battle in which Johnny Willow and many Apache warriors fall. Teresa Santos is rescued and kisses Blake amid the chaos.

After the raid, the group is still short of food and water and Teresa collapses from exhaustion. Blake realizes the rifles are too heavy to carry further and orders them burned to keep them out of Apache hands. The survivors press on toward the fort with dwindling supplies.

The final shot shows the fort in the distance, suggesting safety is within reach. The survivors reach the fort, ending the immediate threat and offering a glimmer of relief after a grueling journey. The image leaves a sense of cautious optimism for the future.