This is the term that appears in the oral accounts — Victorio described her in these terms, according to the people who preserved his words.

Not in a metaphorical sense of general protection, but in the specific military sense: she provided him with information that protected his decisions and his band.

When Lozen reported the position of enemies, he could plan his movements accordingly.

When she was not with him, he was at a disadvantage.

This dependency was tested in the late stages of the Victorio War — the period from 1879 to 1880 when Victorio led his band in a desperate resistance against both United States and Mexican military forces.

During a specific episode in this conflict, Lozen was separated from the main band while helping a pregnant woman reach safety.