The Revenge of Dead Horse Canyon

CHARLIE AND WHITE WOLF sat on antique wooden chairs across from Ice in his log house behind the old Busby boarding school. He lived with his wife, Standing Dove, who was a friend of Star's. The tipi outside was the repository for his many medicines, hanging in buffalo hide bundles. The cabin's dirt floor was swept clean, packed solid enough to gleam from sunlight streaming through the dusty window beside the front door.

The scent of ancient wood and seasoned earth felt as if they'd gone back in time. The old medicine man's braids were mostly grey, his round face wizened with age and wisdom. They explained the reason for their visit, answered his questions, then waited. His far-away look indicated silent communication with Maheo, as if he were peering into another world.

Charlie glanced at White Wolf, who gestured to fold his arms and bow his head. He assumed a similar stance.

He prayed in support of the man's petition, that it would bring answers. His impression was of fog on a spring morning. Trees and brush barely visible, all else obliterated by impenetrable mist.

Were further ministrations on Sara's behalf contrary to Maheo's will?

White Wolf told him the future was territory to which he should tread lightly, as if stalking dangerous prey—prey that could consume him, should he make a mistake. Some matters were decided by Maheo while others were negotiable. Badger was traditionally involved with prophetic future views.

Which didn't bode well, if Badger was still angry with him for naming the bore hole Mahahkoe.

Was Sara's condition one she chose prior to birth? One from which she would learn and grow? Would interfering be wrong?

After what seemed a long wait, Ice cleared his throat. Charlie opened his eyes. Had the elder had a similar vision? Did his eyes penetrate the fog?

"Maheo revealed many things," Ice said. "I was instructed not to tell you. You must seek answers through sacred ceremonies. You have much to do in a small time. Destiny is revealed to you by Maheo so there is no mistake in understanding what you must do."

The elder's words rang with truth, yet left him befuddled. Why couldn't he tell him? White Wolf nodded as if understanding, adding to his confusion.

"I pledged to fast at Novavose," Charlie said. "We plan to leave next week."

Ice replied with a solemn nod. "That is good. Your questions will be answered."

On the way back to the ranch Charlie wanted to ask White Wolf what the old man meant, but it felt like a stupid question. Ice told him Maheo would give him answers during sacred ceremonies. If White Wolf knew more than that, he wasn't going to tell him, either.

If nothing else, it validated his determination to get to Novavose now, not next year.

What other ceremonies?

And what about Sara? Would he be told during his fast if and how to help her?

They planned to leave Monday for Novavose. Besides fasting, the sweat lodge was a ceremony as was the Sun Dance. No doubt Eaglefeathers mentioned them years ago, but at the moment he couldn't recall what they might be.

White Wolf's mysterious smile bespoke neither information nor comfort.