Run of the Arrow

On the last day of the Civil War, Confederate soldier O'Meara shoots Union lieutenant Driscoll but spares his life after learning that General Lee is surrendering to General Grant. O'Meara nearly kills Grant but is stopped by a doctor, who removes the bullet from Driscoll's body and gives it to O'Meara. This marks the end of the conflict and the beginning of O'Meara's journey into a personal war.

O'Meara returns to his Virginia home, where his mother urges him to lay down his hatred and settle down after the war's losses. He refuses to accept U.S. authority, declaring himself a man without a country, and decides to head west to join the Sioux in their conflict against the American army.

While traveling through unfamiliar territory, O'Meara meets Walking Coyote, an aging Sioux scout fluent in English who teaches him the Sioux language and customs. Their journey together begins amid the challenge of trying to find safety and purpose.

O'Meara and Walking Coyote are captured by Sioux warriors led by Crazy Wolf. When about to be executed, Walking Coyote invokes the 'run of the arrow' ritual, which could save their lives if they endure a perilous run with arrows flying in their path.

During the ritual run, Walking Coyote dies, sacrificing himself to save O'Meara. The Sioux women, including Yellow Moccasin, help O'Meara survive and introduce him to the tribe's chief, Blue Buffalo, who recognizes his resilience and grants him safe haven.

O'Meara falls in love with Yellow Moccasin and asks for permission to marry her, claiming that his heart's allegiance is with the Sioux. He also becomes an active member of the tribe, adopting their beliefs and sharing their spiritual connection to the Great Spirit.

O'Meara and Yellow Moccasin adopt a mute orphan boy named Silent Tongue as their own son, symbolizing their integration into Sioux life and their commitment to raising him within their new family and culture.

Sioux leader Red Cloud negotiates with Army General Allen for the construction of Fort Lincoln. O'Meara acts as a guide and translator for the soldiers, fostering communication between the tribes and the military forces.

At the fort's site, Crazy Wolf attacks, kills Captain Clark, and seeks to ignite war. O'Meara disarms Crazy Wolf and tries to save him by offering him the 'run of the arrow,' but Lieutenant Driscoll violates the ritual and shoots Crazy Wolf, escalating tensions.

A large Sioux attack destroys the fort, resulting in many military casualties. Driscoll is captured and faces execution for violating the 'run of the arrow,' but O'Meara shows mercy and shoots him with the bullet he kept from the Civil War, preventing a gruesome punishment.

Yellow Moccasin criticizes O'Meara for his mercy towards Driscoll, implying that his actions show he is not truly Sioux. O'Meara recognizes that he remains a man without a country, caught between two worlds and without a definitive home.

Realizing his lack of belonging, O'Meara leads the surviving soldiers and his family—Yellow Moccasin and Silent Tongue—towards Fort Laramie. This marks his final effort to find a new sense of home and identity.