Chapter Two
As the men once more sat in front of Red Bear’s home, Ike turned his attention back to the task of telling his story. *I don’t know exactly what happened,* he began. *I just know that they wanted him to tell them where the braves we’d met had gone; that or they wanted him to agree to lead them here. When he refused, they punished him.*

*How can you not know what happened?* Red Bear asked. *What did they do to his back?*

Ike shrugged. * I told you that I wasn’t with him when they hurt him. I was looking for him when I heard the major’s daughter screaming for her father. When she wasn’t calling for him, she was screaming, “Stop it! You’re killing him!” I ran to where she was; as I entered the building I saw Buck falling and heard a snap as he hit the ground.*

Ike shook his head to clear it of the horrible sight of Buck’s body dropping to the ground from mid-air. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves before finishing, *When I got to his side, he was awake enough to tell me that he didn’t want to stay there. He didn’t want the doctor to touch him. With the major’s help, I was able to get him on the travois. As soon as that was done, we left. All he would tell me was, ‘They wanted me to betray my people.’ *

Red Bear’s daughter joined them. “He needs to eat and rest,” she told Red Bear. “He can tell you what happened in the morning.”

Red Bear gave his daughter a stern look. “When did you become the head of this home?” he asked her sternly.

She dropped her gaze, but not in time to hide the smile that was on her face. “I’m not the head,” she said, “but I am the one studying with White Buffalo. This man needs food and rest so he does not get sick.”

She turned to Ike and handed him a small cup. *Drink,* she instructed. *It will help you sleep.*

Ike took the drink, and smiled his thanks. Before he drank he turned to Red Bear. *I’m sorry I can’t help you more. I wish I had stayed with him, but there was no reason to believe he was in danger. I’m sorry if bringing him here has caused a problem. I’ll take him home in the morning if you…*

Red Bear placed his hand on Ike’s arm. *You have not caused a problem. I was just surprised that he would agree to come here; last time he was here our parting was not as good as I would have preferred. I was sure I would never see him again; I thank you for bringing him back to me.*

He stood and pulled back the opening of his home to allow Ike to enter. *Listen to my daughter, Sky Chaser. She will take good care of you.*

Ike nodded his thanks and entered the dwelling. Once there he sat on the skins Sky Chaser indicated and took a sip of the drink he was holding. As he finished the tea, he glanced across the teepee at the girl who was tending him. *Thank you,* he signed as he moved to lie down.

*For what?* she asked.

*For helping my friend,* Ike said. Just before he closed his eyes, he repeated his statement from before, *I can’t lose him, too.*