Blackening Rite — R.A.F. McPhearson

"Lost in the horizon", Robert Begay, a traditional Navajo, struggles to regain his sense of self and honor he believes lost long ago in the jungles of Vietnam, where Native Americans were forced against their ancient ways during modern combat. Soul-wounded and seriously injured during the war, Robert must got to the rescue of his younger brother, who is cornered by murderous thieves in the canyonlands of the Arizona Reservation. Desperate, Tommy Begay has sent a message for help,his bear-claw necklace tied into the mane of his horse. Robert feels the ancient pull of battle once again, but this time it's with a man from another tribe who inflicts pain for pleasure, and believes himself invincible.Robert sees this challenger as the nemesis sent by the Black God to test him. To save his brother, and regain his sense of honor, Robert must fight the Apache in a running, hand-to-hand duel during a vicious winter storm. Unknown to the Navajo, he comes into his heritage of Monster-Slayer, the ancient hero-god who fights evil. It's up to Robert to accept his in-dwelling persona and re-establish himself, to prove he is a true warrior of his people.