The Legend of Black Wolf - Sully's Journey Home

Chapter Twenty Nine

        When last we left Sully, he had sent Wolf on a journey back to the Cheyenne people to let Cloud Dancing know that he and Bright Spears had crossed paths and that he needed help. Wolf had indeed made the journey in only two days time, but the message was disputed among the Indians. Did Bright Spears control the wolf now, or had Sully overpowered the young brave? Without being able to stop the animal, Cloud Dancing is forced to follow Wolf back to the campsite to discover the truth...

       

      Medicine man, I do not feel travel right now is wise. The moon’s face is turned away." Black Kettle said as he surveyed the situation. Normally, a moonless night would be enough to keep anyone in camp, regardless of the gravity of a situation. But tonight was different.

        Black Kettle held both strands of beads in his hands, with Bright Spears mother on one side of him and Hook Nose on the other side. Now that the topic of Black Wolf could not be avoided, he hoped that the situation didn't end with Hook Nose killing Black Wolf outright in a fit of rage, such as he was known for when setting eyes upon a white man. Wolf continued to bark and whimper at the treeline, waiting for Cloud Dancing to follow. Snow Bird had brought him a coat for his journey, and Little Flower brought water and some bread. Cloud Dancing knew the underlying reasons as to why his chief wanted to delay him. But there was no time to speak in private on the matter.

      "I cannot make the animal understand that. To him, it is more urgent to leave now than to wait for sunrise." Cloud Dancing adjusted the strap of the water bladder Little Flower handed him. His wife stood silently by his side, knowing that, regardless of what his chief said on the matter, that her husband was going to go find Black Wolf. He had not been himself for days already as his thoughts had been drifting to the white man. Such insight did not take spirits telling her; she knew her husband’s feelings for his new friend.

      "I will travel with him, my Chief." Hook Nose said, still holding the torch that illuminated this dark corner behind Bright Spears tent. " I would see this young warrior with his control of such a powerful animal. Cloud Dancing will have nothing to fear." The soldiers with Hook Nose clapped him on the back and murmured their approval amongst themselves. They knew his patience had worn thin over the past few days and that he was anxious to see the proof from the boasts of the young brave's friends. If true, Bright Spears would be their newest warrior and would ride with them, bringing the mighty creature along to attack the soldiers of the great army. No-one disputed Hook Nose's wish. Black Kettle and Cloud Dancing exchanged a shadowed look that spoke volumes between them.

      "What the spirits tell Cloud Dancing, that is to be followed." Chief Black Kettle stressed to the dog soldier. He nodded solemnly to his chief, and the other dog soldiers gave him a large pack, obviously full of all sorts of food and weapons. Cloud Dancing gave a sigh as he turned to his wife. Her eyes searched his in the dim torchlight. They said nothing to each other, but understood the love for each other, and knew that both were nervous as to what would be found out in the woods. With a strong hand on her delicate arm, Cloud Dancing conveyed his love for Snow Bird and gave a wordless promise that he would find his way safely back to her. With a very small nod, she went back to her teepee for the night.

      Seeing that the men were finally ready, Wolf jumped up and barked, taking off into the woods without waiting further. Cloud Dancing and Hook Nose followed very slowly, picking their way to a deer trail where the footing was smoother. As the hours passed, Wolf understood their pace and did not run out of their sight. With no way to communicate with the animal, Cloud Dancing simply marched on, hoping not to twist his ankle before sunrise.