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June-July 04 The Story of Blue EyeA Novel By Tyler Trafford
The story of neatly-blended individuals of Quaker and First Nations descent brings us to Sun on the Mountains. The setting is in the early 1830s, next to the Bow River close to where Calgary, AB sits today. Filled with complexities and conflicts, but simply told, Trafford clearly illustrates the life of the historical Plains Indians, white settlers and the horse culture, so prominent in Alberta, Southern SK and the U.S. during these times. Blue Eye James, the grandson of Philadelphia Quaker, Alexander James and Nahathaway Indian, First Snow, has a knack for numbers. As an awkward teenager, he demonstrates his uncanny ability to think strategically, with a solid and honest business sense. His mother, Hannah James, is a natural hand with horses and uses her talent to train Runners – the horses highly sought after by the different plains tribes to hunt buffalo. Runners are known for their slight but sturdy build, agility and outstanding speed. And they are in demand. Blue Eye recognizes opportunity and tells his grandfather that he has an idea – a plan that will bring great wealth for Sun on the Mountains and all Friends to share. Follow the story of a young man, with one blue eye from his Quaker bloodlines and one brown eye from his native genes, motivated by desire to build the Sun on the Mountains trading post into a commercial venture. He gathers warriors from many tribes to help cross the plains through the Blackfoot confederacy, Cree and Assiniboin territory and into Crow territory. Along the way, the group form a bond that is more like a family and together they move 600 horses (Runners, riding and pack horses) to trade along the Missouri River at Fort Union. But the mission is not without conflict, including interesting turns and moments of excitement for this is a wild and untamed land. Blue Eye is a gentle but determined young man with passion for life. Trafford’s easy style compels you to read on and enjoy the ride of Blue Eye James and Sun on the Mountains as they work to see their vision through to success. |
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History, commerce, love and alternative lifestyles weave through The Story of Blue Eye. This is Trafford’s first fiction work and his first book in the series, Sun on the Mountains.