J. A. Johnstone & William W. Johnstone by Bloodshed of Eagles

Author:Bloodshed of Eagles [Eagles, Bloodshed of]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Western Stories, Fiction, Westerns, Colorado, General
ISBN: 9780786028733
Publisher: Pinnacle
Published: 2009-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Moon of Making Fat

Sioux encampment

The encampment was temporary only, because the three hundred Indians were on their way to join with others during a time the Sioux called the Moon of Making Fat, at a place called Greasy Grass. Even though it was a temporary settlement, the band of Indians who were following Cut Nose were experienced nomads and they knew how to set up a camp quickly and efficiently.

The nearly one hundred teepees were arranged in concentric circles with each teepee in a precise position within those circles. As far as the occupants of the village were concerned, it didn’t matter whether they were going to be in position for one night or thirty nights; they carried on as if every location was permanent. The position wasn’t decided by hierarchy, but by precedence, the exact positioning allowing for friends and relatives to be able to locate each other.

The women were busy carving meat into very thin slices and hanging them up to dry, the children were playing games, the old men were sitting in little groups telling stories of old battles and ancient hunts, and the young men were cleaning recently cured game.

Cut Nose was aware of the fact that a large group of soldiers had left various military posts to take to the field, and earlier in the day, he had sent out a dozen warriors to see where they were and if they represented any danger to his band. He was shocked when he saw that only five of the twelve warriors returned. He was dismayed when he saw that one of those who did not return was his brother, Running Bear.

“Where is my brother? Where are the others?” Cut Nose asked.

“Running Bear is dead. The others are dead,” One Hawk replied.

“The Long Knives? Did you see the Long Knives?”

“No, we did not see the soldiers. We saw only two. Black White Man and Tall Warrior.”

“Only two, but seven are killed? Did you kill the two?”

“No, Cut Nose.”

“Did you kill one of the two?”

“No, we did not kill one of the two.”

“Ayieee! Seven were killed but not one of the enemy?”

“Cut Nose, never have I seen men fight with such fierceness and bravery,” One Hawk said.

“I did not know that Black White Man was a warrior of such skill.”

“It was not Black White Man. It was Tall Warrior who fought with such skill. It was Tall Warrior who killed Running Bear.”

“Who is this Tall Warrior? I do not know him,” Cut Nose said.

“No one has seen him before. We gave him the name because he is very tall and very ferocious. I believe he was born in thunder. That is why we do not know him.”

“I will know him,” Cut Nose said. Cut Nose pulled his knive, then sliced through one side of his nostril. The cut started bleeding immediately, and profusely. “This wound is my brother, Running Bear,” Cut Nose said. “I will keep this wound fresh, until I have killed the one who killed my brother.

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