Answering Flaming Star’s summons, Ghost Rider arrives in the Sioux camp. The medicine man gives the hero another gift from the spirits: a spirit stone, granting its wearer superhuman strength. During his journey home, Ghost Rider is struck by Towering Oak’s arrow. After donning the spirit stone, the giant Sioux warrior leaves for Flaming Star’s camp. At the camp, he demands fealty from the tribe, but Flaming Star says he must defeat Ghost Rider in combat. At the Brooks’ home, Barnes tells Ben and Clay that Natalie needs an operation in Denver if she hopes to walk again, but warns the trip may kill her. Later, Carter learns about Towering Oak’s challenge, and realizing his duty lies with Flaming Star, Ghost Rider heads for the Sioux camp. During their battle Ghost Rider disarms Towering Oak, and they continue battling without weapons. In the midst of the fight, Towering Oak suddenly collapses and dies. Flaming Star reveals that Towering Oak was his son, whose defective heart could not stand the strain of the spirit stone’s powers. They agree that the spirit stone should never again fall into human hands, and bury it with Towering Oak.