It was manifest however from what Hoshkanyi had involuntarily divulged, that the clan Shyuamo intended to press some claim against the small Water clan, which besides was so distantly located from the abodes and the lands of the Turquoise that he could see no just reason for a claim.

It was equally impossible for him to imagine the nature of the claim.
Quarrels between clans are always most dangerous for the existence of a tribe, for disruption and consequent weakening is likely to result from them.

The old man felt the gravest apprehensions; he saw imminent danger for his people; and still he could not arrive at any conclusion before the threatening storm had broken.

There was no possibility of averting the peril, for he could not even mention its approach to any one.
Topanashka was calm and absolutely brave.

His life was nothing to him except as indispensable for the performance of his duty.