Okoya had been correct in his surmise that Shotaye was gone.

In vain Say Koitza pined; her friend had left never to return.
When the news of Topanashka's death reached her, which it did on the very night of the occurrence, she saw at a glance that henceforth her presence among the Queres was an impossibility, for she knew that the deceased was the only one who could interpose himself between Say Koitza and her enemies, and thus wield an influence indirectly favourable to herself.

She recognized that henceforth Tyope was free to act as he pleased in the matter, for the medicine-men would be on his side.

And she saw that the days of mourning that were sure to follow afforded her a capital opportunity for leaving the Rito unobserved, and executing her flight to the Tehuas of the Puye.
Shotaye could not believe that Cayamo was the slayer of Topanashka.

Her warrior from the north was in too great a hurry to get out of the way of pursuing Navajos.