Two young Indian boys were preparing for their final and most challenging test of manhood by running up a long hill. It was a steep climb, but not nearly as difficult as the Mountain of Two Suns would be.
The boys were Running Deer and White Fox, and on the day following the next full moon, they would begin their final test of manhood—the Run of the Arrow. The boys had completed many tests before. They had tracked a mountain lion through hard-packed clay, captured and trained wild ponies, and made hunting boys to name a few. The Run of the Arrow, however, was the toughest test. It was survival under challenging conditions.
As the boys ran together, they discussed what would happen if one of them got injured during the Run of the Arrow. Running Deer assured White Fox that they could outsmart the enemy if they helped the injured boy.
The Run of the Arrow combined the hunting and tracking skills required for the boys to overcome the challenge of a proven enemy. The test began by having a Indian brave, Black Stag, shoot an arrow with his bow. Then, the boys would start the run from the point where the arrow landed while Black Stag pursued them. They had a two-day journey to the top of the Mountain of Two suns. If either boy was caught by Black Stag or failed to complete the run, he would be denied the chance to become a brave.
White Fox and Running Deer got up before sunrise to make their final preparations, such as putting enough food in their leather pouches to get nourishment along the way.
The starting line for the run was just outside the village and all the men, including the proven braves, followed the boys out to see the start. The boys wanted so badly to be like those men—proven braves.
The chief broke an arrow to start the race. The brave chosen to pursue the boys, Black Stag, shot his arrow far and high, hundreds of yards over dense, low brush. The boys moved to take their position where the arrow landed. A smoke signal went up and the race began, with the Mountain of Two Suns miles away. Running Deer and White Fox started off in a low, measured run, dodging through bushes. Sometimes they crawled to keep from being seen, but they always kept moving. Their movements were quick, but they didn’t stop because they knew they had a long way to go.
After an hour, they broke through a long clearing. They ran hard through the clearing because they desired at all times to remain undercover. Their breathing was long and deep but not panting. Many months of conditioning had gone into preparation for this run.
After several miles, they approached the foothills of the Mountain of Two Suns. They felt the sun getting hotter and they slowed to a walk in the heat of the day. Stopping occasionally to drink or eat lightly. As dusk approached, they looked for a place to hide and spend the night. There was no sign of Black Stag yet, but they were quiet, talking only in low tones.
The boys again discussed what would happen if one of them should get hurt. Would one stop to help the other and risk being caught, or would one go on and make sure he made it to the end of the run, leaving the other to be caught? They said they would stay and help the other, but inside they both knew they couldn’t be sure until the situation occurred.
White Fox and Running Deer were up before the sun again and grabbed a quick bite to eat. At sunup, they could see the reflection from the Mountain of Two Suns. It reminded them of the heat they would bear later in the afternoon. During the afternoon, while drinking from a spring, they spotted Black Stag. They were startled, but he didn’t see them. They were still two miles from the Mountain of Two Suns, and they decided to make one final dash for the top. As they climbed, the ground got rockier, the going got tougher, the sun got hotter, and they got more and more tired.
As the boys continued running up the steep incline, White Fox slipped, fell back, and broke his ankle. Running Deer turned to see what had happened and, at the same time, spotted Black Stag beginning to climb the mountain. This was it. He must decide either to help White Fox or to continue his climb, realizing that his friend White Fox would not become a brave. Running Deer thought for a moment and went back to help White Fox. He started to splint the ankle and explained a plan for them to both reach the top. White Fox refused the help and urged Running Deer to go for the top. Running Deer tried to explain the plan, but White Fox insisted he leave. Finally, Running Deer agreed. White Fox had made his decision, and now he must live with it for the rest of his life. Running Deer headed for the top and, a few minutes later, Black Stag arrived and plucked the feathers from White Fox’s headband, signifying his failure. Meanwhile, Running Deer continued up and reached the top. White Fox refused Running Deer’s help even though Running Deer tried his best to help him. Running Deer tried several times to save White Fox. White Fox had all the help he needed there, but he refused it. He never had another chance.
Story Adaptations
Consider using the phrase “Native American” instead of “Indian”
Themes and Key Verses
Dependence, Concern for Others, Sin
Key Verses: Phil. 2:4, Eph. 4:32