Timpoochee leaped into the town plaza and raced back to the council house where several other students, including Cornstalk, stood shaken with glazed-over eyes looking at their surroundings and each other.
From out of the settling dust and smoke Yufala limped into the gathering.
“The white man has caused this in some way,” he grunted to one of the elders. “I have warned them not to hunt so close to our land.”
Timpoochee and Cornstalk, leaning into the council house, overheard their father’s talk among the elders.
“Our people will need a leader who will stand strong against Yonega,” Cornstalk said to his brother, his face displaying a certain self-satisfaction.
“Our people will need a leader who will try to understand Yonega,” Timpoochee replied.
“You both dream silly dreams,” blurted Raven Wing, still steaming from his argument with Timpoochee. “You are both an embarrassment to the study of the Medicine.”
“Watch your tongue, crow-fly, or you will find it lying in front of you in the sand,” Cornstalk shot back.
If anything, he was always ready for a fight.
“Your mouth should be shut, laha,” Timpoochee stepped in between Cornstalk and Raven Wing.
“Stay out of this, little brother,” ordered Cornstalk. “This is between the crow and me.”
“I’m trying to save you both from banishment. We can’t do this just now. Look around you, at what has happened - the shaking ground and trampling animals. Yufala needs all the strongest hands to help him repair our town and bury the dead.”
“There may be one more to bury,” shouted Cornstalk as he shoved Timpoochee to the side and lunged into Raven Wing with fury.