While out hunting, Fools Crow sees a strange figure approaching on horseback, whom he soon recognizes as Fast Horse. Fast Horse reveals that he has recently been shot by the Napikwans and requires immediate treatment. Fools Crow takes Fast Horse to his father’s lodge, and Mik-api performs a healing ceremony. After three days, Fast Horse wakes up from his illness to see his father. Boss Ribs tells him that he wants Fast Horse to stay and learn the ways of the Beaver Medicine in the hope that it may lead him to renew his faith in his people once again. Fast Horse closes his eyes and goes back to sleep. 

During a blizzard, Fast Horse sneaks away from the Lone Eaters to rejoin Owl Child and his men. Fools Crow sits with Boss Ribs before the Beaver Medicine ceremony. Boss Ribs asks Fools Crow to tell him why Fast Horse changed so much after the raid on the Crow Horses. Fools Crow explains about Fast Horse’s dream of Cold Maker, the search for the ice spring, and the careless boasting that led to “Yellow Kidney’s discovery and mutilation” (203).