Fortunately neither Running Bear nor Wise Owl, the only two of these people whose names I knew, were among the fallen from the three of our own who lay still in the crisp evening air. As I gazed at the bodies my mind was overly active.
I had not hesitated to risk my life on behalf of these people whom I had known for only three days. This went against every principle I had long held dear. As a nobleman of Lahana, it was my responsibility to endanger myself only on behalf of Lahana. We did not have men to spare fighting other people's battles.
Yet here I had, without second thought, thrown myself heedlessly into battle. Worse yet, it was a type of battle I was unprepared for. Though I had not thought about it at the time, looking back I know how shocked I had been to see all my support disappear.
This was not a war of units of highly trained men facing each other, but a slap-dash hack and slash, a veritable maelstrom that had a unique rhythm far different than the one I was used to.
As I considered these things, I became aware of Wise Owl standing at my elbow. I had not heard his approach, but I was growing used to that. I seldom heard any of these people except when they wished to be heard. Well, that and their kids who seemed always to be making some great racket.
"I do not wish to intrude on your reverie," said Wise Owl, "yet I think we must speak."
I glanced at him and nodded acquiescence.
He gestured at the bodies. "This is what I referred to, Man Full of Anger. I fear you will change us for the worse."
I looked at the battlefield in confusion. Our casualties were few and the attack had been repulsed with relative ease. "I do not understand, Wise Owl. What did I do wrong?"
Wise Owl gestured around the village. "Our numbers are few. We can ill afford the loss of even one warrior. As a result, our methods of warfare have been carefully cultivated to avoid such results."
He paused and looked sadly around. He gestured towards the nearest body from the village. "This was Antelope Slayer. He was but 17 summers of age. His father dies when he was but 3, leaving just Antelope Slayer to provide for his mother and younger sister. Who now will care for them?"
He gestured towards the next one in the line. "That is Wind Runner. He carried great knowledge of how to travel the paths of the mountains, knowledge that is lost to us for many years now until another traveler returns to instruct us in the ways of the mountains."
To my surprise, he then began pointing to the fallen enemies. "Each of these shows much youth. Doubtless this raid was meant to turn them into warriors. Now they will never learn the ways of their people. They will never be able to contribute to their community. Their people are poorer for their loss."
"But they came to kill your people, Wise Owl. Should you not defend yourselves?"
"Are you sure they came to kill? You were at the forefront of our defense. What did the first man you encountered do?"
I thought back. The crash of their charge had left me little time to think, only to react. Yet thinking back, it did seem he had struck me before I slew him. "He struck me with a stick. I knew it would at worst sting so I let it through."
Wise Owl nodded. "Exactly. Had he used a tomahawk he doubtless would have split your skull. His intent was to gain honor, not kill. Such is the way with us."
"But they killed three of your people!" I protested. "And I did not kill all of their dead myself. Surely you are not saying...I do not understand!"
Wise Owl nodded sadly. "You confirm my fears. All the peoples of the land have but a few people. We must husband our resources. Warfare can be settled without killing on a large scale. I have seen many summers pass with fewer deaths combined than died just here. When our people saw you slaying so many, they too indulged in senseless slaughter."
I tried to see his point. It was very difficult, however, as I had never thought of warfare this way. Warfare was brutally simple. The side which best destroyed the opponents availability and desire to fight back universally won. Therefore, it behooved us to slay the enemy as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Yet he seemed to be suggesting the possibility of winning a battle with few or no lethal casualties. This made no sense at all and ran contrary to every principle I had ever fought under. I tried to think of a way to explain this to him.
Before I could, however, Running Bear came towards us, tears streaking his eyes.
Wise Owl turned to him. "You are distraught, Running Bear. What is the problem?"
Running Bear pointed back at the village. "These were just a diversionary force. Others raided our longhouses. They took women and children." He turned to me with a great sob. "And they took Spring Salmon! She is gone!"
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