Frank Greerson and Gregory Young have been discharged from the Army and are headed to their childhood homes. They both defied their parents in 1861 when they joined the Army. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union of the United States of America, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Once they find their claim, they encounter common obstacles to life on the Kansas Prairie in 1866: Native Americans, tornadoes, wild animals, and weather.<br><br>When a prairie fire destroys their crops and takes their neighbor’s lives, Frank and Gregory are instructed to find their young son’s aunt. Faced with leaving a destroyed claim, the railroad coming through their land, and dwindling funds, Frank and Gregory must decide whether to leave the place they have worked hard to make their own or fulfill their friends' dying wishes.

A Place to Call Their Own

The two splashed as the afternoon sun shone through the trees. Sally joined them until, once again, all three were tuckered out.


Before it cooled off, Gregory gathered their clothes and herded the boy and the dog back to the homestead. He cooked them a hearty supper, and just before the sun set, man, boy, and dog were fast asleep.


When Gregory startled awake, it took a minute for him to orient himself. James jumping into his bed woke him, but Sally’s low growl alarmed him.


“What’s up, girl? What’s going on?” Gregory asked.


“There are wolves or Indians…or both outside,” James whispered, his big blue eyes filled with terror. 7


Chapter 34