Blood and Thunder

Book 3 opens with a race between local Navajo warriors and the soldiers of Fort Fauntleroy, a U.S. military base deep in Navajo country. Fort Fauntleroy was an oasis of comradery, even as the relationship between the U.S. and the Navajo steadily worsened. One of the horses in the race may have belonged to Manuelito, Narbona’s pro-war son-in-law.

To the Navajo, Manuelito was known as Hastiin Ch’ilhaajinii, or Black Weeds. A physically imposing man, he “hated everything about the Americans […] to their every demand, his response was the same uncut rage” (350-1). It was a time the Navajo called nahondzod, “the fearing time” (351-3), when men like Manuelito grew more powerful.

The Americans demonstrated incompetence in their approach to governance. Being an Indian agent in Navajo country was not seen as a plum assignment, and the constant parade of new figures from Washington inspired no confidence in the local population. Only one man came close to bridging the gap: Henry Linn Dodge, called “Red Sleeves.” Dodge actually took his position seriously, learning the Navajo language and attending their gatherings. Unfortunately, he was killed by Apaches in 1857. Hope for lasting peace died with him, and the voices of warmongers like Manuelito grew stronger.