Read Online The Elk-Dog Heritage by Don Coldsmith - Free Book Online

forbidding his son to go with the Bloods, and the boy was insisting on his right to do so. The argument was still at an impasse when Badger arrogantly rode up and entered the conversation. Sees Far turned angrily to the young man, and voices rose in argument.
    Heads Off realized the danger and sprinted forward. The adversaries were well over a hundred paces away, and before he had covered half the distance, the inevitable had happened. Sees Far, with a shout of anger, rushed at Badger’s horse. The animal shied away, and the young man swung a weapon, which fortunately missed its target. Sees Far snatched at the reins, and pulled the animal’s head around as Badger struck at him a second time.
    The older warrior dodged the blow, but grasped the wrist of his assailant, shaking the club loose from his grip. Sees Far was not a big man, but seemed suddenly to acquire superior strength as he gave a mighty heave and pulled Badger bodily from his horse. The young man landed heavily, but sprang up immediately
and grappled with Sees Far, the two falling again to the ground. Struggling and kicking, the pair rolled almost under the trampling feet of the frightened horse.
    Heads Off, nearly winded from his run, was approaching as a cluster of people crowded forward to see the struggle. The rolling pair was obscured from his view for a moment, and he elbowed forward, pushing the horse aside.
    Badger was just rising, breathing heavily.
    â€œHe would have killed me!” The voice was almost pleading.
    Heads Off looked at the still figure, face down in the dust. He knelt, and gently rolled Sees Far toward him. A trickle of blood from a gash in the upper belly puddled in the dust. The far-seeing eyes which had earned this warrior the respect of the tribe now gazed sightlessly at the sun.
    An angry mutter arose from the gathering crowd. Badger looked from one face to another, desperately seeking support, but meeting only enmity.
    â€œI had no choice! He attacked me!”
    â€œSees Far was not armed,” a woman stated quietly, and the angry mutter spread.
    Coyote came puffing to the scene, squatting beside Heads Off to talk rapidly.
    â€œHeads Off, it is a matter for the Big Council. I have sent for the Real-chief.”
    The People were still numb with the shock of the thing. It was the worst of all taboos, that one of the People should kill another. Though violence and death were commonplace, there was this most absolute of laws. One does not kill a member of the tribe.
    Badger was still looking helplessly around the circle for nonexistent encouragement when the Real-chief arrived, flanked by two sub-chiefs of the Northern band. The crowd separated to
allow them to approach. The keen old eyes of Many Robes took in the situation at a glance. The wife of Sees Far was now at his side, sobbing quietly. Her son, the cause of the episode, stood staring in shocked silence.
    â€œYou, boy,” the Real-chief addressed him crisply. “You have much to answer for. You must be a great help to your mother now.”
    Many Robes turned to the hapless Badger. That young man started to speak, then thought better of it and stood silent under the scathing gaze of the Real-chief.
    â€œYou will go to your lodge and stay there until the Big Council meets at dark. The men will come for you.”
    He turned and spoke more quietly to Heads Off.
    â€œYour warriors will bring him to the Council?”
    Heads Off nodded. He was heartsick that his, the Elk-dog band, should be the origin of such disgrace among his adopted people.
    The Real-chief turned and the crowd parted again for him. They began to disperse, animated conversations beginning in small groups.
    â€œHeads Off, there is much to do.” It was Coyote, at his elbow, bringing him back to reality.
    White Buffalo had arrived, and now attempted to explain the necessary steps. The keening wail of the Mourning Song rose from the family of Sees Far as the medicine man rapidly