She tilted her head to one side, giving her reply a lot of thought. This was the first time he had actually come out and said that, and it deserved a decent reply. “I can understand that. But please, remember that he is the Teacher; I was the one he chose, it wasn’t the other way around. Not using this power—” she shook her head, “—no, I couldn’t let it just lie there, it would be—it would be denying a responsibility. As if I had all the ability of a great artist and refused to draw. No, that’s not right either.” She considered for a moment more. “It’s a demand on me, in my heart. It’s more than that, because it’s not just something for me, it’s something for my family, my clan, my gente, my nation—it’s more as if I got elected president and refused to serve. I kind of got elected to this, so it really would be the wrong thing not to do what’s right with the power.…”

She let her voice trail off; he looked into her eyes, and finally nodded. “I think I understand. You know, the old man told me once that the only time I really touch the Power is when I’m dancing—and I know what you mean about it being a demand on your heart. When I’m dancing, even in competitions, I feel like I’m doing something, something important, even if I don’t understand what that is. I wouldn’t give up dancing, even if they quit having competitions, even if only women danced, even if it were illegal the way it was in his father’s day.”

She held his eyes and smiled, feeling a wonderful warmth and relaxation come over her. Oh, he would still worry, because he was a parent, it came with the territory. But now he understood.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “That means a lot.” Then she cleared her throat, and took a more normal tone. “Look Dad, if you can, just pass on what I told you, all right? It might at least keep some of those poor construction workers out of the line of fire. And see if the law will move its fat ass about the vandalism.” She sighed. “Not that I have much hope—but since there’s a county election coming up in September, maybe the sheriff’s department will feel some pressure, especially if it comes from the Principal Chief. Osage oil stipends are still a major source of county income up there.”

He nodded. “I’ll try,” he replied. “You’ve got a good point about the stipends. I sure wish David Spotted Horse would be a little more—more—”