Tomahawk Trail

Lt. Jonathan Davenport, a West Point–trained commander, joins the patrol to Ft. Bowie and immediately clashes with Sgt. Wade McCoy. The two men argue over leadership style and the correct way to interpret frontier realities. The opening tension sets up a fragile trust that will color every decision to come.

During an Apache attack, the platoon loses its ammunition and supply wagons. Davenport's misjudgment exacerbates the crisis, leaving the unit exposed and improvising on the fly. The men must press on with dwindling resources and mounting fatigue.

That night the exhausted unit is forced to proceed on foot through the desert toward Ft. Bowie. Heat and rough terrain test their endurance and morale. Tensions rise as the group continues the perilous march.

Davenport, puffing with heat, accuses Ellen Carter of consorting with the Apache and orders both women bound. McCoy refuses to bow to the commander's capriciousness and takes control of the march. The incident deepens the rift between officers and compounds the peril of the trek.

Suffering from sunstroke, Davenport collapses during the march, revealing his vulnerabilities. The unit must operate with him incapacitated while the others reassess leadership. McCoy and the men attempt to steady the situation and keep moving.

That night Pvt. Barrow assaults Tula, and McCoy comes to her aid, earning Barrow's enmity. Tula remains silent, having promised McCoy she would not cry out. The incident heightens the tension within the unit and foreshadows further conflict.

As they march, Davenport begins to regain his equilibrium, which worries McCoy that a court-martial could be used to remove him. Pvt. Reynolds reassures McCoy that his actions were justified under pressure. The leadership dynamic remains fragile as the group nears Ft. Bowie.

The party finally reaches Ft. Bowie only to find the garrison massacred. Davenport rants at the dead commander and then collapses once more from his ailing condition. Miller blames McCoy for the catastrophe, raising questions about leadership under fire.

Initially McCoy contemplates continuing to Fort Benson, but after conferring with his men he decides to stay and defend Ft. Bowie. He takes charge of organizing the remaining force and preserves a fighting chance. The decision marks a crucial turning point in the mission.

During the night, Pvt. Macy assaults Ellen. She defends herself and kills Macy in the ensuing struggle. The incident intensifies the personal stakes surrounding Ellen and McCoy and foreshadows further danger.

Ellen confides to Tula that she loves McCoy and asks Tula to plead with Victorio to end the warfare. The confession reframes loyalties and raises the stakes for the two women. The idea of peace grows as a possible outcome, despite the violence around them.

A band of Indians attacks and Davenport is felled by an arrow. McCoy and his men drive off the first wave, holding their ground. Johnny Dogwood warns Victorio that Tula may have defected to the white side, intensifying the strategic stakes.

Tula climbs the fort wall to meet her father and is captured by two braves who take her to Victorio. After embracing his daughter, Victorio orders an end to the assault. The moment seals a temporary pause in the fighting and reframes loyalty for all involved.

Miller promises to support McCoy at the impending inquiry, ensuring that the soldiers’ leadership will be defended. Ellen and McCoy share a relieved embrace, acknowledging their bond amid ongoing danger. The closing beat leans into a fragile, hopeful resolution.