Chastine E Shumway
As they rode close to the Black Hills, Ayoka pointed to three puffs of smoke at a time rising in the distance. The Great Council Fire was burning. It was a signal for help.Ayoka said, 'Something is wrong at our camp.' He urged Chop Stix into full speed. Frederick and Gypsy followed. In the distance they saw a cloud of dust. Soon they spotted a rider riding hard across the Plains. It was Bold One. Ayoka yelled, 'Ho!' Ayoka drove his heels into Chop Stix’ sides to meet him. Bold One skidded to a halt, jumping off his horse. His face was laced with anger. He hurled his hatchet into the ground. This meant death and defiance. Ayoka and Frederick jumped off of their horses. Ayoka spoke, 'Speak Brother. What has happened?'Bold one struggled for his breath and finally choked out, 'The Cheyenne raided our camp last night taking our prize ponies and horses.'Ayoka surprised Frederick and Bold One by roaring with laughter. 'So, we’ll go on a revenge raid to their camp, and bring back some of their prized horses with ours.'Bold One did not laugh. His face was iron clad, and his manner was sullen. His black eyes narrowed, forming slits above his high-cheeked masklike expression.Clenching his teeth together, he said, 'Don’t make light of this Ayoka. They have taken Kysha.'Leaping on Chop Stix, Ayoka let out a war-hoop. 'They have the blood of cowards. We shall kill them like dogs.'
