Rewis Last Stand

Starcrossed lovers Robert and Ariana are caught up in the New Zealand wars of the 1860s Ariana is claimed by the Maniapoto people as one of their own and despite Roberts chivalrous defence is taken by them and must help them prepare for war Robert likewise must do his patriotic duty and enlists to fight on the other side He volunteers to ride despatch thinking it may give him an opportunity to see Ariana again which it does but their joy is shortlived Maniapoto women fight beside their men and furthermore she is a Rangitira noble and will not let her people down The climax is the siege of Oraku Pa where 300 Maori hold off 2000 troops for three days The Maniapoto are defeated but Ariana although wounded survives to be reunited with Robert