The second installment of this series takes us far away from the Miller family and Alvin to show us background on the two American Indian characters who play a central role. Brothers, one is steeped in liquor - destined to become the Red Prophet. The other watches silently and waits for the time when the land will tell him to lead. I found this sidetrack a little less than interesting, but once we meet back up with Alvin and his family, the story plunges ahead into some really amazing moments. I'm still deeply fascinated by the re-telling of U.S. history Card employs in the narrative. The magic is becoming stronger too, or perhaps more pronounced as it moves from just the everyday "charms" to the interweaving of it with the land.