Chapter 2: The Dakota
Once they rounded the lake and found the downward slope to the valley, the weather was noticeably warmer. The temptation to just move as the weather dictated was very strong, but Lee knew they had to keep going. Neither man had a plan. Neither thought much beyond the day, being satisfied with the knowledge they were together. Lee trusted Tatanka’s survival skills, and Tatanka trusted Lee.
After about a week’s travel, they emerged from the foothills to the prairies. Before them were the herds. As far as the eye could see were buffalo.
“Dang! We could get us a buffalo here.”
“Hiya.”
“No?”
“We have no need. It would be a waste of life. We have Mastiaca and piaspiaza.”
“Rabbits and what?”
“Piaspiaza.” Tatanka pointed to an area with mounds and little critters ru
