CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR ACES AND EIGHTS #3
“Fine,” Greyeagle said, shaking his head. “Round up some volunteers and find us some sticks. We’re about to play the world’s biggest game of tag with creatures older than man, but what the hell.”
“That’s the spirit,” Kade said. “Besides, if it doesn’t work, I’ll just blame you.”
“Dick,” Greyeagle said.
A few minutes later, they had a large group of people gathered, sticks in hand. Once they were all assembled, Greyeagle motioned for them to gather around him and listen. Jason, the Mohawk Twins, Mika, and Aiyanna joined Jay and Rose to help keep the music going while Greyeagle explained the plan.
“How many of you know the meaning of counting coup?” asked Greyeagle.
A few people raised their hands.
“It’s an old tradition among my people,” Greyeagle added. “In fact, it’s part of the traditions of most of the larger plains tribes. It’s a way to show bravery and prowess in battle without spilling blood.”
“Exactly how is this going to stop these things?” asked Margolin.
“It is the old way,” Black Fox said. “I would not expect you to understand.”
“Oh, no,” Margolin countered. “We used to do something similar in Afghanistan. We’d go out on patrols, and when we didn’t have orders to engage, we’d sneak up on enemy camps and see what we could steal.
You’d be amazed at some of the shit we brought back to the FOB.
Bringing good stuff back got you serious props and respect from the other units. ”
“Perhaps you do understand,” Black Fox said, nodding respectfully.
“Counting coup is like that,” Greyeagle said.
“But, in our tradition, it is accomplished by touching your opponent without harming them. Either with your hand, with a weapon, or with a coup stick. Now, the sticks you have will have to do, but true coup sticks are intricately made and unique to the individual.”
Margolin got out a roll of military duct tape, also known as hundred-mile-and-an-hour tape, and wrapped his stick from end to end, then he tied his shemagh to the end.
“There,” he said proudly. “All personalized and shit.”
Greyeagle rolled his eyes, then continued.
“Remember, the goal is not to do damage,” Greyeagle continued. “The goal is to touch them. You can do that by stealth or by speed. Both ways are respected.”
“So, if we’re counting,” Margolin began, “does that mean we’re keeping score?”
“Frank,” whispered Valkyrie. “Shut up.”
“Gotcha,” Margolin said, grinning.
“I like this little dude,” Kade said. “Can we keep him?”
“You’ll have to clear that with the sniper,” Greyeagle said, gesturing at Valkyrie. “Mind you, she’s the best shot I’ve ever seen.”
“Ah, point taken,” Kade replied, grinning.
“Is there any special technique we need to use?” asked Gideon.
“Don’t get grabbed or squished,” Kade said. “That’s about it.”
“Fair enough,” Gideon replied, nodding.
“If there are no more questions,” Greyeagle said, “we should get started.”
He glanced around at the group and only saw solemn nods. Even Margolin was uncharacteristically quiet. Likely because he was within arm’s reach of Valkyrie.
“Let’s go,” Greyeagle said, nodding at Kade.
Jay and Rose kept the Ma’êstse-hóhkeso enthralled with the music as, one by one, everyone used the song to creep up on the creatures and gently tap them with the stick.
At first, nothing seemed to happen. The creatures stood immobile, ignoring the light taps as if they were inconsequential. Then, the pattern emerged. This wasn’t just harassment. This was a show of cunning and stealth. This was the Lakota way.
More and more, they grew bolder, scoring touch after touch on the Ma’êstse-hóhkeso. None of it damaged the creatures, but they did seem to cock their heads quizzically as they watched the people make their mock attack runs.
Kade was the first one to let out a loud Lakota war-hoop.
Greyeagle took up the cry, releasing an ululating scream as he danced back from a strike on the largest of the creatures.
Kade started encouraging everyone to give out their best war-hoop, and soon they were all doing it except Declan.
He let out a blood-curdling Rebel yell that made even the protestors turn to see what was going on.
The creatures seemed confused at first, but one by one, they seemed to understand the significance.
Everyone here was actively behaving like the Lakota.
As more and more of the creatures looked down as sticks touched them and slipped away without harming them, they finally understood.
This was not one hunter or one pack. They were one people, and every hand carried the same message.
Slowly, the creatures turned to face them and raised their heads to the sky.
“LAKOTA!” the creatures said in unison.
Then, one by one, they sank into the earth.
“I can’t believe that fucking worked,” Kade said. “I totally pulled that out of my ass.”
“Dick,” Greyeagle said, shaking his head.
As the music began to fade, Rose finished the song with one final verse in English for all to hear.
The wolf shall remember.
The bone-dog shall forgive.
When they share the same trail,
the people shall be one pack again,
and the land shall heal.