Neither Wolf Nor Dog

Nerburn wakes to find that Grover’s car is parked at the edge of a large powwow gathering, and feels excited at the prospect of attending. When Nerburn asks Dan if the powwow is their final destination, Dan encourages him not to worry about the future and to focus on the beauty of their present moment. Nerburn replies that he feels destabilized without a clear view of what their plans are and what the project will be. Dan compares their plans with flowing water, explaining that the project will take as long as it needs to take.

As Nerburn grows more confused and frustrated, Dan reveals that he believes Nerburn was sent to him by the Creator to help fulfill a sacred task. Nerburn is moved by Dan’s vulnerability, and asks for forgiveness for his stubbornness. He finds himself apologizing repeatedly. Dan assures Nerburn that he is a good man, and that he can help indigenous people. Grover brings Dan a drum, and the two men begin to sing. Dan reveals that the Creator gave him a special power to speak to white people, and that he must use this power to advocate for his people.