Part one, “Run to Ground”, is the story of a young Comanche boy, Nukitsi, whose camp is attacked by a detachment of the 4th Cavalry in the early years of the Red River War of 1873-4. His father is away at a council of Indians and agents of the U.S. Government. When the boy’s mother and sister are captured in this attack, the boy decides he must journey to find his father and seek guidance. Although he has not done his vision quest and has no spirit totem, Nukitsi sets off with his friend Kawa.
Nukitsi’s journey is hazardous and tragic, but he perseveres. His friend Kawa perishes. In a momentous meeting he gains the friendship of Quanah Parker, who is one of the Chiefs of the last free band of the Comanche. Nukitsi matures and finds his spirit power in wolf who visits him in times of great need. His friendship with a young girl, Pale Feather, promises a life of happiness in the tines ahead, but part one ends in the climatic defeat of Nukitsi and his band when they are attacked in their refuge of Palo Duro canyon and must endure a winter’s forced march to surrender to the army at Ft. Sill.
CHIEF 