The idea of Texas was forged in the crucible of frontier warfare between 1822 and 1865, when Anglo-Americans adapted to mounted combat north of the Rio Grande. This cavalry-centric arena, which had long been the domain of Plains Indians and the Spanish Empire, compelled an adaptive martial tradition that shaped early Lone Star society. Beginning with initial tactical innovation in Spanish Tejas and culminating with massive mobilization for the Civil War, Texas society developed a distinctive way of war defined by armed horsemanship, volunteer militancy, and short-term mobilization as it grappled with both tribal and international opponents. Drawing upon military reports, participants' memoirs, and government documents, cavalry officer Nathan A. Jennings analyzes the evolution of Texan militarism from tribal clashes of colonial Tejas, territorial wars of the Texas Republic, the Mexican-American War, border conflicts of antebellum Texas, and the cataclysmic Civil War. In each conflict Texan volunteers answered the call to arms with marked enthusiasm for mounted combat. Riding for the Lone Star explores this societal passion--with emphasis on the historic rise of the Texas Rangers--through unflinching examination of territorial competition with Comanches, Mexicans, and Unionists. Even as statesmen Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston emerged as influential strategic leaders, captains like Edward Burleson, John Coffee Hays, and John Salmon Ford attained fame for tactical success.

A joy-ride in a balloon lands Jessie in a head of trouble south of the border! Jessie and Ki are breathing a little easier with the cartel out of the way. That is, until a ballooniest lands on Starbuck property with the notion of using his contraption to ride the range. Ki thinks the balloonist is full of hot air, while Jessie seems to fall for his scheme. But Jessie's attitude changes with the weather and the balloon's altitude, as the pair are blown over the border and into a nest of vicious Mexican bandits.

The triumphant final ride of the Lone Star legend! Jessie and Ki are on a train to Laredo with Jessie's new thoroughbred, Lucifer, when the train is ambushed. Ki is wounded and left for dead. Jessie and Lucifer are taken to a hacienda at the foot of El Monte del Fuego, a living volcano. As the volcano begins to rumble, Jessie realizes that she must save herself and Lucifer from the men who will do anything to have her horse.

The outlaws have left a cold trail for Jessie and Ki—but things are starting to heat up in the one hundred and fifteenth Lone Star novel! They call them The Lone Star Legend: Jessica Starbuck—a magnificent woman of the West, fighting for justice on America's frontier, and Ki—the martial arts master sworn to protect her and the code she lived by. Together they conquered the West as no other man and woman ever had!

Aaron Turner is a tall redheaded fifty-three year old minister and Lieutenant Colonel in the Texas militia. Duty calls him to participate in both the Cherokee and Wichita Wars. He and his family struggle to survive the financial panic of 1837, Indian raids, a whooping cough epidemic and scorching drought. He responds with optimism, determination and innovation. When money is scarce, they gather and sell wild horses. When food is scarce, they travel to the dangerous Comancheria to hunt buffalo. As the Mexican-American War erupts, Aaron is commissioned Colonel of Scouts and leads a regiment that will play a significant role in the conflict in a faraway land. Will the time come when the old warrior will lay down his saber? Will he hang up his guns in peace at last? RIDE FOR THE LONE STAR, the fourth volume in the Western Quest Series, follows Aaron Turner, his family and friends, through the turbulent days of the Republic of Texas, culminating in the annexation of Texas by the United States and the Mexican-American War. STEPHEN L. TURNER was born a fifth generation Texan, sixth generation Arkansan, and eighth generation American. His youth was steeped in the history and culture of his heritage. A graduate of Texas Tech School of Medicine, he has worked as a pediatrician in rural Plainview, Texas since 1984. He is married with two married children. His other time is spent on their panhandle ranch, raising horses and hunting. His other novels in the Western Quest Series to date are OUT OF THE WILDERNESS, ON THE CAMINO REAL and UNDER TROUBLED SKIES, all from Sunstone Press.

In a race across the desert, Jessie and Ki search for a ciy of untold wealth in the twelfth Lone Star novel! They call them The Lone Star Legend: Jessica Starbuck—a magnificent woman of the West, fighting for justice on America's frontier, and Ki—the martial arts master sworn to protect her and the code she lived by. Together they conquered the West as no other man and woman ever had!