Because any truly epic story needs a correspondingly grand conclusion.

The Apache Wars came to an end on September 4, 1886. But, as with everything else in the 25-year conflict, the road to this ending would not be straight or smooth. And it would prove to not be a happy ending for the Chiricahua.

It’s time for Geronimo to try and strike a deal - first with the Mexicans, then with the Americans - but he quickly finds out that he is far from being able to set his own terms.

(Note: I lost my voice about halfway through my recording sessions, so apologies that the ending sounds worse than the beginning!)

In July 1886, General Miles settled on a multi-prong strategy to deal with the Chiricahua. And one of those prongs involved Geronimo, two scouts, and an Army officer who was doing his best not to be involved.

The summer of 1886 would prove to be a disheartening campaign season for both the renegade Chiricahua and the Army soldiers tasked with finding them.

Let’s meet the next contestant in our long-running game of ‘Who Will Catch Geronimo?'

With the arrival of two items of bad news, the Apache Wars changed in an instant. And that means it’s time to say good bye to the Gray Fox himself, General George Crook.

In March 1886, General George Crook and Geronimo would negotiate for the last time. Raised tempers, impatience and a whole lot of liquor would ensure this meeting was not the end Crook hoped it was.

Bad luck is everyone in the story of the Apache Wars, but the most tragic example might be that of Captain Emmett Crawford on January 11, 1886.

We turn our attention back to Geronimo as he, Nana, Naiche, Chihuahua, and Chihuahua’s brother, Ulzana, each in turn decide to take the offensive and raid into Arizona and New Mexico. Meanwhile, top Army officials consider how to handle the Chiricahua Apache once and for all.