By David Hogg
Smoke from the Seeking ritual still swirled around the small back room of the Office for Indian Affairs building as Messrs. Bullock and Swearengen gave their thanks and left. The man named Hickok had indeed risen from the grave and sought vengeance, but that was not Eagle Woman That All Look At’s problem. As the wisps dispersed, she reflected upon moving to Deadwood. There had been many conflicts between the tribes and settlers, but in recent years the greatest friction had centred around this town. The Sioux Nations’ victory in the Black Hills war of 1881 had driven the United States settlers from the rest of the Dakotas, but Deadwood remained as a treaty city. Still, increasing numbers of Sioux also wanted Deadwood gone. Then there were those in Deadwood who resented the limits imposed upon them by the treaty. Her lifetime of experience mediating between the two sides was surely best placed here. Charley Bull ran the Office well, but he was always glad for more help.
Her musings were disturbed as the door to the room crashed open, revealing a burly oriental man garbed in blue. A strange power radiated from within him. His gaze locked upon her, and he strode towards the table followed by Sifting Squirrel’s cries of protest.
“I’m terribly sorry, but this man insisted on seeing you now despite not having made an appointment! He gave his name as Hao…”
“Hao-’T’e Zui!” interrupted the intruder. He ignored the chairs and leant across the table as he extended a meaty hand. You may know me as The People’s Bandit.”
“I have actually heard of you,” said Eagle Woman, signalling to Squirrel to wait outside the room. “For the past few nights there has been someone telling tales of your exploits in every saloon in town. Why do you need to speak to me so urgently?”
Hao-T’e Zui let out a great belly laugh. “I saw that snake Swearengen leaving here just now. I hope you’re no ally of his, nor under the thumb of Marshal Bullock. The hard working people of this town are suffering because of their actions and inactions. Thus I have answered the call for aid. But that aside, I have been told that in addition to their usual problems, malevolent spirits trouble the townsfolk by attacking and damaging their businesses. The locals say that you are the person to speak to regarding such matters.”
Eagle Woman considered for a moment, then replied. “The spirits’ power is weak in this town, held at bay by the totems surrounding it. It’s part of the treaty that allows this town to exist. Even beyond this town, they cannot act so directly as you suggest without someone granting them strength and direction. I’d have to investigate this matter to say more, but I fear your troublemaker resides in the realm of the living.”
Hao-T’e Zui frowned. Eagle Woman felt a sinister flicker pass through his Aura, and it felt as though the shadows in the room grew darker for a moment. “I have fought many demons, and even more men, and none have bested me yet. I will find who is responsible for these attacks and make them pay!” He turned and left the room without any words of farewell.