Book excerpt: Chula, a Chickasaw boy, is suddenly thrown into the murky and treacherous worlds of warfare and adulthood after a traumatic ambush costs him his father. Left haunted by a restless spirit, Chula concludes, in line with the customs of his time, that only vengeance will make things right again. With the help of his Uncle Lheotubby, and armed with a brand-new musket, Chula hones his skills to become one of the revered Chickasaw warriors. He vows to join a raid against the enemy, regardless of his youth, to avenge his father and put his spirit at peace.