Blue Duck could never avoid a moment of fear, when his father's eyes became the eyes of a snake. He choked off his insult -- he knew that if he spoke, he might, in an instant, find himself fighting Buffalo Hump. He had seen it before, with other warriors. Someone would say one word too many, would fail to see the snake in his father's eyes, and the next moment Buffalo Hump would be pulling his long bloody knife from between the other warrior's ribs. Blue Duck waited. He knew that it was not a day to fight his father.
Blue Duck feels a deep-seated fear whenever he encounters his father's fierce gaze, which he likens to that of a snake. He holds back any insulting words, acutely aware of the potential consequences. In a tense environment, he understands that a single misstep in the father's presence could lead to dire outcomes, just as he has witnessed with other warriors who, unfortunately, crossed Buffalo Hump. The threat of violence is always looming when emotions run high between father and son.
In this moment of internal conflict, Blue Duck recognizes that today is not the right time to confront his father. His instinct for self-preservation is strong; he knows that provoking Buffalo Hump could result in an immediate and violent response. This recognition of power dynamics and the consequences of his words reflect the complexities of their relationship, leaving Blue Duck in a state of caution as he navigates the dangers of familial bonds intertwined with warrior culture.
