Chapter 14I snatched the scalp from the lance, kicked the shaft away, and scuffed the sign language from the dirt before collapsing onto the porch. Why didn’t Raven kill me? Why come after those near to me? Had he known of Winter Bird’s attraction?
That drew a grunt. He’d been watching us. He’d seen us emerge from the spirit lodge, our erections leading us to the crick. My muscles tightened so much I shivered as if in the grip of ague. Cold. Or fear. Not fear for myself. Fear for those I held dear.
Finally, I bestirred myself enough to glance at the thing in my hands, seeking something of my beautiful young Lakota friend. It did not speak to me. No part of his spirit lingered. Only then did I examine it closely. My heart sped up. This was not a fresh scalp. The flesh had dried, curled, y
