pulling him out in moments, and a Field Surgeon
was working on his face. When he asked that Leaping Deer come at once,
he was there in moments, and even while the Surgeon worked, Sleepy Crow was making his report.
9 In minutes Leaping Deer had out his maps. "We can get there, all
right," he agreed, "the enemy would never be able to mass in time to
stop us, but getting out is another question. On the other hand, they
must have some idea where we are. After all, they're not stupid. For
two days they've watched the gliders return.
10 Now we know what all that smoke is you men have been seeing! It's
these people raiding. They must be driving the enemy crazy! They might
think we're a major army and be massing to the south to await our all
out attack.
11 This route of march may be to our advantage. When we don't go north,
they'll come here looking for us, but by the time they get here, we'll
be long gone.
12 With reinforcements we should be able to fight our way through
anything we meet. We've still got gliders and some Yellow Thunder, if
they get TOO nasty! Yes! This is a considerable bit of luck, indeed!
Let's get going!"
13 The following morning one of the other Pilots volunteered to go and
find the Goat People's column, advise them of what was happening, and
scout for them. Leaping Deer thought it was a good idea. Sleepy Crow
would have gone himself, but the Healers forbade it.
14 Two days later, after being very nasty to the enemy, both columns
met, escorting a considerable amount of prisoners and packing a great
deal of treasure. Twice, enemy forces tried to stop them, as
they turned north. Twice they regretted it. Using the last of their
Yellow Thunder they drove through them.
15 Now, the gliders were of little use. They burned