Snow Eagle (3 page)

“But grandmother, what is it that you think White Fox would do? You seem frightened. You don't think he would try to harm me?” Gray Fox loved his grandmother but she was getting old and perhaps a little senile.

“Don't look at me like that. I'm not crazy. You are in danger; just watch your back. Sometimes you are more like your trusting father than your fearless grandfather.” Red Hawk tilted her head back to look deep into the dark eyes of her grandson. How he reminded her of Black Rain. “This should not be one of those times, now keep your eyes in the back of your head. Something evil is in the wind.” Red Hawk reached up and patted her grandson on his shoulder before she turned and walked back to camp, leaving Gray Wolf wondering just what he was in for. Pensively, he moved to a wall of stone beside the trail. He sat with his back against the cliff, unconsciously following her orders. He could take White Fox, one on one, but he had seen the other man take a less than honorable stand on several occasions. His grandmother was right. It was no secret that Sunflower held a grudge against his father and White Fox would do whatever she told him to. Sunflower's intelligence combined with White Fox' craving for power would be a deadly combination. He would be very careful from now on. Another few days and he would be back in charge of the warriors and if he was lucky, Frightened Deer would be returned to his hut. He felt the heat rising in his chest as he thought of her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her cheekbones were high and her large eyes gave her face a doe-like innocence. He remembered the feel of her hair against his face, soft and sweet smelling. He would talk to Black Rain about having his woman returned to him. His grandmother's warning was quickly forgotten as thoughts of Frightened Deer filled his mind.

Snow Eagle pulled Little Fawn to him as he lay beside her near the fire. The night sky was black and studded with stars. “
Show me a sign Great Spirit, just something to help me know what must be done, what significance is the earthquake?”
he prayed. But the sky remained black and silent, as his body grew warmer with the heat of his wife's body pressed against his own.

The next morning Snow Eagle expressed his concern to Little Fawn. “I can get no answers. I must travel to a solitary place where I can sweat and fast to find the answers I need. I will leave today and catch up with you shortly.” Sensing her displeasure, he raised his palm to stop her from speaking. “Don't argue Little Fawn, I must find the answers to ensure the safety of all of our people. There will soon be a decision to make and it is imperative that I make the right one. Only if I travel to the other world will I find these answers. Gray Wolf will be back in charge today, he will keep everyone safe.” With that he began to pack a small bundle for his journey. She stared at his back, torn between anger and understanding. Snow Eagle could not rest until he communed with the Great Spirit and as the Shaman of the tribe it was his duty to advise his people in the words of Spirit. She understood all of this in her head but in her heart she felt alone and deserted each time he left her. She picked up some dried rabbit and handed it to him for his journey and then she walked away so he would not see the tears in her eyes. Snow Eagle stared at her back; she never questioned him. It was one of the things he loved about her. He finished packing and went to his Father.

“I will reinstate Gray Wolf today. You go and find your answers, my son. You know the trail well; it will not be difficult to catch up with us. Go under the safekeeping of the Great Spirit.” Black Rain put his arm around his son's shoulder to show his support. Moving slowly, he left to find Clouds of Thunder and Raging Bull. Together they would reinstate Gray Wolf and order the journey to continue. Hopefully Sunflower would not hear of it until it was already done. Black Rain knew that she would fight him all the way to keep her own son in a position of authority for even a few more days. Sunflower was always concerned for the good of the tribe and as an Elder she had earned his respect, but White Fox was another matter entirely. Black Rain had known many men like him and many of them had taken the lives of good men before they themselves went to join the Great Spirit. His aching legs carried him slowly towards his destination.
If only I was young and whole once more
,
how I would lead the warriors
, his thoughts took his mind off his pain and a smile crossed his wrinkled lips as he remembered the days when he, Clouds of Thunder and Raging Bull rode together. He stopped to talk to Buffalo Woman but found her asleep.
How frail she looks, old age is creeping up on all of us.

“But what is the rush, the man's punishment will end in two more days, why not wait?” Raging Bull sat cross- legged facing Black Rain, spittle dripped from his toothless mouth. Clouds of Thunder, his gray head bowed was seated to his left but remained seriously silent.

“The rush is that Snow Eagle has left for a spiritual quest and we need Gray Wolf back in his position of authority for the safety of everyone. White Fox does not have the experience or the temperament to lead the warriors in the event of an attack. I know he is your grandson, Raging Bull but even you have to admit his motives are suspect.” Fearing he had crossed the line with his old friend, Black Rain turned to Clouds of Thunder for support. The third elder looked from one to the other thoughtfully, before finally speaking.

“You are not discussing your grandsons my friends, you are discussing the welfare of the tribe. In this case, I agree with Black Rain. Gray Wolf is much better at leading the men into battle or in fending off an attack. I say he is reinstated today, however the girl stays with Red Hawk.”

Raging Bull nodded to his two friends. “So it shall be. Call him in here now.”

Clouds of Thunder went to find Gray Wolf and returned within minutes. Black Rain, in the presence of the other two Elders, reinstated Gray Wolf, but not until he requested an apology and a confirmation that Gray Wolf had learned his lesson. The reinstatement meant only one thing to Gray Wolf.

“Does this mean Frightened Deer can come back to me now?” Gray Wolf could not contain his excitement.

“No, this means you will go and lead your men. You will go and watch our backs while we travel over the ice fields. Now leave before we change our minds.” Black Rain barked at Gray Wolf angrily, who rushed away with great speed. “Young men, they only have one thing on their minds,” he mumbled to his two old friends.

“Well, I remember when three such young men had those very ideas many years ago.” The three old friends laughed, warmed by their fond memories of a youth well spent.

Gray Wolf found the warriors at the pass between the two cliff walls. “I have been reinstated White Fox. You may go and ask your grandfather if you do not believe me.” Gray Wolf moved off to talk to some of his friends. He was back where he felt comfortable. He was a warrior; a protector of the people and this was where he belonged. The other warriors welcomed him back with great jubilation. White Fox's controlling personality was not popular with the other warriors. White Fox's dark eyes stared daggers into Gray Wolf's back as he was greeted by the others. Fists clenched, the veins on his neck standing out, White Fox turned and stomped away to find his mother. Dancing Bear followed behind unsure of what had just happened. All he knew was that his friend was angry.

“How did this happen? Why did someone not call an Elder council? I demand to know why I was not included in this decision.” Sunflower paced around the fire where Raging Bull and Clouds of Thunder sat. Black Rain stood behind his friends with Red Hawk, watching the younger woman's fury. A few feet behind her, White Fox fumed.

“You were not here and a decision had to be made. We have made it and that is that. White Fox, we thank you for taking Gray Wolf's place but now he is back in charge. Sunflower I suggest you go and cool off in the waterfall before you say something that you will regret.” Raging Bull spoke to his daughter with authority, his voice regaining some of its former strength. It was up to him to defuse this situation right away. Sunflower and White Fox stomped away, both with shoulders tense and fists clenched. The young man turned back to glare at the Elders before following his mother. The look caused an icy chill to run down Red Hawk's spine. “I am afraid we have not heard the last of this.” Raging Bull sadly told his friends.

The next morning, the sun shone brightly and the little band headed for the ice fields. Snow Eagle had been gone since early the previous day and Gray Wolf was back in charge of his men. White Fox walked with the warriors but his anger was festering. Even Dancing Bear's incessant chatter could not distract him from his fury. “So why is Gray Wolf leading the men now, White Fox? I thought you were the lead warrior.” White Fox ignored him. “Why are you angry? Are you mad at me? Are you White Fox?” Dancing Bear continued to talk, oblivious to the fact that no one was listening. “Does this mean I don't get to be your second in command? Does it White Fox?” White Fox stared straight ahead, his dark eyes filled with hatred.

The people knew that once they reached the ice fields the journey would be treacherous. They must cross, without rest, for two days and it was a difficult task that they faced. Although the air was still warm, the temperature of the ice would freeze their feet unless they were properly covered with fur boots. The travois' would slide easily on the ice but would be heavy in the layers of snow they would encounter. Wanting to make up time during the final approach on solid ground, the band walked with increased energy. Her strong muscles enjoying the faster pace, Sunflower's mind was swirling with possible courses of action. White Fox should be leading the men, but it looked as if only Gray Wolf's death would bring that about. Gray Wolf had put her people in danger and it was up to her to correct the situation. The old ones could not see the obvious, being blinded by Black Rain, who only wanted to protect his grandson. She needed to win Buffalo Woman, Waving Pine and Clouds of Thunder over to her side but first she needed a plan. Looking up she caught sight of Red Hawk and Frightened Deer. A plan began to form.

Late that night the tired band camped on the high ground overlooking the ice field. Usually the people would walk on through the night but the women and children grew tired. Buffalo Woman seemed to be laboring. Coming upon the mossy outcropping above the ice, the elders made a decision to stop. There was no moon, making the night very black as the travelers retired. Red Hawk and Frightened Deer slept soundly on the mossy ground.

A dark figure watched menacingly from the shadows. Silently, he crept towards the sleeping women. With great speed, his hand went to Frightened Deer's mouth to stifle her screams, as he dragged her sleepy body away from the others. The young woman stumbled as she was pulled through the sparse trees, twigs and branches scratching her skin. Reaching the clearing the man flung the terrified woman to the ground, stuffing a piece of leather into her mouth to silence her. White Fox quickly opened the front of his buckskin trousers and fell on top of her. At the same time and with some difficulty, he attempted to pull her long leather dress up to her waist. The horrified woman struggled silently against his attack with all of her strength.

Suddenly, a large hand grabbed White Fox' shoulder and jerked him roughly to his feet. Gray Wolf glared with hatred in his eyes, his hand crushing the shorter man's shoulder. White Fox looked up and laughed in his face. “What is the matter, don't you want to share your captive?” Gray Wolf let his fist fly. It found its mark in White Fox' face, blood dripped from his lip. The two wrestled on the ground, as the frightened woman pulled the bunched leather from her mouth and sat staring, frozen with fear. Gaining the advantage, the larger Gray Wolf pulled his blade from its sheath. Sitting on White Fox' chest, he raised it over his head poised to strike, anger surging through his veins.

“I wouldn't do that if I were you, Gray Wolf.” The startled young man turned towards the voice, finding Red Hawk and Black Rain standing behind him now holding the shaken, Frightened Deer between them. “Release White Fox now.” Gray Wolf's anger boiled. At that moment every fiber of his being wanted White Fox dead. Respect and tradition wrestled with anger, hate and the need for revenge.

White Fox took advantage of the distraction to roll away from Gray Wolf. He swiftly ran back towards the fire in the center of the camp. Gray Wolf slowly rose and faced his grandparents. “He tried to couple with her. Ask Frightened Deer what happened, I saved her from White Fox.” His hate filled gaze followed White Fox toward camp. “ I'll kill him.” Black Rain grabbed his furious grandson's arm and propelled him further into the clearing.

Red Hawk with Frightened Deer, returned to the camp where they were greeted by most of the tribal members, still sleepy and rubbing their eyes. In the center of them all, White Fox was loudly reporting that Gray Wolf had taken the captive and attempted to run off.

“If I hadn't stopped him, he would have run off with her. He disobeyed the council. That is the kind of man that is leading our warriors. He even tried to kill me when I discovered his plan.” White Fox turned and looked defiantly at Red Hawk. “The old woman will tell you. She saw him try to kill me.” Many of the men shouted that Gray Wolf must be called up before the council; some demanded his death. Dancing Bear was working himself into a frenzy as he listened to White Fox. He joined the others demanding that Gray Wolf be killed; in his muddled mind this meant that he would become White Fox' second in command. He yelled louder, encouraging the others. Sunflower stood smugly watching from the outskirts of the camp.

Out in the clearing, Gray Wolf was starting to calm down. “Your impetuousness has gotten you in trouble once again. I understand that you were protecting your woman, however White Fox will turn this around. You will be the accused. He has planned this well, or should I say Sunflower has planned it well.” Black Rain sat beside Gray Wolf; his tone was serious as he watched his grandson's frustration.

“He dragged her to the clearing and we both know what his intentions were. When the others hear what White Fox did, they will demand his death.” Gray Wolf stood and paced, small twigs snapping under his fur boots, his fists clenching. His immaturity and inexperience were blatantly evident in his attitude, as well as his words.

“You have been a fool. When will you learn to study your adversary? Red Hawk and I knew that you watched over Frightened Deer every night. If we knew, then so did Sunflower. She knew you would follow White Fox if he grabbed your woman. Your possessiveness is obvious to everyone. You must learn to be cunning. Use your head, man! If Red Hawk and I had not followed, someone would have died. I am sure he intended to kill you one way or the other and I would not doubt that someone else was waiting in the woods. Sunflower is no fool, there will be an alternate plan now that you are still alive.” Black Rain knew that they were about to find out, just what the alternate plan was. It was imperative that he calm Gray Wolf and prepare him. The young man must learn to keep his emotions in check.

“Red Hawk, did you see Gray Wolf try to kill White Fox?” Clouds of Thunder, old bones moving slowly in the cool night air approached the two women. “Answer me woman, does White Fox speak the truth?” Red Hawk stared past Clouds of Thunder to the smug, cocky face of White Fox. She remained silent.

“It is obvious that she is protecting her grandson.” Sunflower walked into the circle, placing her hand on her son's shoulder in a sign of support. Everyone was talking at once; wood was piled on the fire. There would be no sleeping tonight. Black Rain and Gray Wolf returned to the camp. Cries of outrage led by Dancing Bear met them as they took their place in the circle. Sunflower and White Fox sat arrogant and defiant, watching the frenzy grow.

Black Rain knew that he had to take control of the situation quickly. Little Fawn and Red Hawk moved to his side as he began to speak. Little Fawn filling the empty place left by Snow Eagle in his absence. “White Fox has misinformed you,” Black Rain shouted. More jeers and demands for Gray Wolf's life drowned out his voice. Red Hawk stood to get their attention. Slowly the crowd quieted, the respect for the matron Red Hawk, winning out over the furor.

“White Fox is right. I did see Gray Wolf try to kill him.” She raised her hand to still the crowd who were reacting to her words. “However, what White Fox did not tell you is that he stole her from her bed and was trying to force himself on Frightened Deer. Luckily, Gray Wolf was on watch. It is White Fox that should be on trial here, not Gray Wolf.” Loud whispers made it apparent that the people were questioning what had happened but not convinced. Dancing Bear shouted that Gray Wolf was a liar. He waved his huge arms and stomped his feet.

“My son stopped Gray Wolf from running off with the captive, do not try to turn the situation around Red Hawk.” Sunflower shouted inciting the crowd to more jeering and fist waving. Black Rain called for silence once again.

“There is only one way to settle this. Red Hawk, bring Frightened Deer to the circle.” He watched as Gray Wolf prepared to object but his grandson surprised him when he remained silent. Perhaps there was hope for this young man. Gasps of surprise filled the night air. Sunflower and White Fox looked at each other knowingly. The woman did not speak. She was no threat.

Red Hawk escorted Frightened Deer to the center of the circle. The young woman was terrified. She kept her eyes downcast and hugged her arms to her chest. Black Rain rose and addressed the frightened woman. “It is up to you to decide the fate of these two young men. Tell the people what happened tonight.” He looked at Frightened Deer, his expression begging her to answer him but she remained silent. The silence of the night hung like a heavy black curtain as the people held their breath. Even the dull-witted Dancing Bear paused and waited.

“Well, if you will not speak then you must show us. Did one of these young men pull you from your sleep?” He repeated the question once again sternly. She looked into his eyes and hesitantly nodded her head in the affirmative. “Which one?” Black Rain was trying to be patient with her, knowing the importance of her answer but his patience was wearing thin. Red Hawk held her breath; Frightened Deer had been captured by Gray Wolf and taken from her home. This would be an ideal time to have her revenge. Slowly Frightened Deer raised her eyes and looked first toward Gray Wolf and then White Fox. Everyone watched in silent suspense, muscles tight in anticipation.

Sunflower took a step towards her. The intimidated young woman stepped back, bumping into Black Rain. “Sunflower, return to White Fox now,” Black Rain ordered. Reluctantly, Sunflower took a few steps back however the spell had been broken and Frightened Deer cast her eyes downward once more. Her arms, once again hugged tightly over her chest.

Little Fawn walked over to the frightened young woman and grasped her hand, “Please Frightened Deer, just point to the one that took you from your blankets,” her voice pleading. Frightened Deer once again raised her eyes. She cast her eyes first on Sunflower and then Gray Wolf. After several minutes, she hesitantly pointed to White Fox.

“She's lying, she is Gray Wolf's squaw. Of course, she would lie for him.” Sunflower was enraged, however the rest of the people were staring at White Fox.

“Did he try to hurt you?” Black Rain pressed on. The young woman nodded once again. “Did Gray Wolf come to save you?” She looked at Gray Wolf and nodded in the affirmative. A collective gasp rose from the group. Slowly Gray Wolf walked towards her, his eyes fixed on hers. Slowly he offered his hand to her. She hesitated but finally placed her hand in his. Red Hawk signaled the people; the crowd parted and the two walked from the circle. Red Hawk and Little Fawn were as surprised at the young woman's response to Gray Wolf as they were at the silent, mature way Gray Wolf had reacted to the situation. Black Rain watched his grandson with pride.

“White Fox you will come and face the council.” Raging Bull roared loudly, shades of his once powerful essence apparent to everyone. “Sunflower, step aside and allow the man to approach us.” Black Rain and Red Hawk returned to their place in the council circle as White Fox came forward, loudly protesting his innocence and shouting accusations at Gray Wolf. Dancing Bear ran into the circle yelling frantically for everyone to listen to White Fox. Most of the people ignored him, but Waving Pine took his arm and guided him back to the others outside of the circle. Dancing Bear was Waving Pine's grandson and the older man had raised the youngster since he was three. The slowwitted youngster's parents were killed in a raid. He went willingly with his grandfather but confusion showed on his face. Why didn't they believe his friend? Why was everyone angry at White Fox now?

Sunflower returned to take her place in the circle, aware that her son would be severely punished. Guilt filled her heart as she took her place but responsibility to the council, as always, won out and was foremost in her mind. The lone drum began to beat. The sound of a mournful pipe filled the night air from the outside of the circle.

Gray Wolf and Frightened Deer wandered to a secluded area overlooking the ice field. He held her hand as they sat staring at the vast white expanse before them. The next day the entire band would begin their trek across the frozen ice. “Thank you for what you did this evening. I know that you must hate me for taking you from your home.” Gray Wolf looked into her large eyes and felt himself drowning in her gaze. She did not speak but raised her palm to his cheek. She let her hand rest there as she stared into his eyes. A line had been crossed and she knew that now that he had saved her, her life belonged to him. She had no hope of seeing her people again, as custom dictated; she was now his woman.

“You are my woman and these are your people now. I mean you no harm, I will keep you safe.” The two young people returned their stare to the ice field and sat silently hand in hand for hours, each lost in their own thoughts. Later, Gray Wolf resisted the urges of his body and returned Frightened Deer to Red Hawk's sleeping blanket that night. Black Rain's words echoed in his mind.
You must learn to be cunning.

Back at the camp a decision was reached. White Fox was bound and left tied to a tree under guard. The others all returned to their blankets in an attempt to gain a few hours sleep before the sun rose. The two warriors that were responsible for White Fox sat on either side of him, knives drawn. Burning Branch and Moon Man were two of the bravest warriors of the Tlingit tribe. He would not escape.

High in the mountains, the sun was barely visible in the orange morning sky when Snow Eagle emerged from his tiny cave. He had fasted for days and his body was weak from lack of food and excessive sweating in the steam filled cave. As was his custom whenever he was on his Spiritual quests, Snow Eagle would prepare the sweat and go without food for days in order to cleanse his body and open himself to receive the Great Spirit. He still had not found the answers he sought and frustration was growing in him. The night had been restless. He had dreams filled with warning, Evil
has come, this is only the beginning
. He knew he had to return to his people, they were in danger but from what, he did not know. Standing on the narrow ledge surveying the area and the beauty of the orange and red sky, he observed a movement below. Backing against the ledge to remain unseen, he watched as a band of seven warriors ran through the valley. He recognized the thick Caribou pelts and he immediately knew who they were. The Caribou Hunters were stalking his people. They came to reclaim the woman. His chest tightened with panic. Weak from fasting and knowing he could not possibly warn his people in time, Snow Eagle returned to his cave and began to chant. He asked Kah-shu-gon-yah, to watch over his people and to give him the answers he sought. His mind kept wandering back to Little Fawn and Gray Wolf making his meditation impossible. Snow Eagle took some of the dried rabbit from his pack and began to eat. He filled his water bag from the water dripping down the side of the mountain and drank thirstily. If he could not get the answers he sought, then he must regain his strength and return to warn his people. Gray Wolf's impulsiveness had placed them all in jeopardy.