Free The Elk-Dog Heritage by Don Coldsmith Page A

about it, but concurred. He was thinking of his family. Their son Eagle was at a vulnerable age. Tall One would soon give birth again. Finally he conceded that the threat of short food supply with the Red Rocks was a greater threat to him than that of a chance encounter with Head Splitters. Word was spread that the Elk-dogs would move on the following day.
    He would lead the band southeast into the southern end of the Tall Grass Hills. The rolling, broken country there would allow for more defensible positions.
    When the Elk-dog band filed over the hill next morning, he was shocked to see how pitifully small the group looked. A quick count revealed that they were missing more lodges than expected.
    â€œ Aiee , they scatter in the wind,” commented Coyote philosophically.
    Again, Heads Off suffered shock and now the pain of rejection. The People could change loyalties and join another band very simply. It required merely to follow whichever group they chose after the Sun Dance.
    There were some who switched loyalties readily, spending each season with the band which appeared to have the greatest prestige. The Elk-dog band had grown in this manner each season since Heads Off had been among them.
    But now, in addition to the Bloods, three more lodges had switched allegiance, and the Elk-dogs’ strength was dangerously reduced again. Heads Off experienced a momentary surge of anger at the desertion.
    Then he began to think more calmly. Warriors with such Inconstant allegiance would hardly be worth their presence in
battle anyway, he told himself glumly. He was probably better off without such undependable followers.
    He felt somewhat better after this period of rationalization, but deep in his heart, he did not believe it at all.

14
    Heads Off called a council at the end of the first day’s travel. It could be seen by all that the band was seriously under fighting strength, and it was necessary to recognize the fact and plan for it.
    There was one encouraging note as the Elk-dogs made camp that evening. One more family, traveling late, joined them just before dark. Heads Off recognized one of the young warriors of the Red Rocks band, who had helped on a foray against the Head Splitters. How long ago, it now seemed. The People had set out to obtain horses, and Heads Off, still an outsider, had helped to organize the raid.
    â€œMay we join you? We wish to see new country.”
    The chief nodded in welcome, and the newcomers hastened to establish camp before dark.
    Heads Off was grateful. It was obvious that this young warrior understood the plight of the Elk-dog band. Every warrior they could muster might be needed in the coming moons. Even one spear, one bowman, might make the critical difference to survival.
    This, of course, was to be the theme of the evening’s council. Appearance would be all-important as they traveled. It must not be easy for any casual observer to see that the band was reduced in number.
    With this in mind, Heads Off outlined the basic plan he and Coyote had discussed during travel. They must appear to have as many lodges as possible. Each family unit would loan a lodge pole
or two. The extra poles would be tied in bundles of ten or twelve, and dragged by a spare horse.
    Thus, an observer from a distant hilltop might count the number of horses drawing lodge poles. There would appear to be several more lodges, perhaps four more, than actually existed. Allowing two warriors per lodge, that would cause an enemy to overestimate the strength of the band by eight or more warriors.
    Additionally, as the council discussed the matter, another idea or two emerged. An old warrior of the Bowstring Society spoke.
    â€œIf we spread out instead of follow single file as we travel, it will leave a bigger trail.”
    There were nods and murmurs of agreement. A broad multiple track made by many poles would imply many lodges, to anyone coming upon the trail.
    A woman suggested that the usual manner of