The Spirits of Nature

by Michelle Post

  The long trip had given him plenty of time to think. It was not until he had secured a new home for Molly and Andrew that he approached Molly with what he suspected all along.

  Molly was lying in bed. She pretended to be asleep. She did this often to avoid the marital act. Lester would let it go at times but tonight was not one of those nights. He roughly turned her over.

  “I know why he came to find me. But, I want you to tell me.”

  He had a tight grip on her wrists. He was close to her face and his look was intense.

  “I don’t know what you are talking about,” she insisted.

  “The hell you don’t, Molly.”

  His grip became tighter. Lester moved closer to her face and whispered.

  “Andrew is Philip’s son, isn’t he?”

  “You have lost your mind, Lester,” she tried to convince him he was wrong.

  “I am not stupid,” he insisted. “He was not just looking for me, was he? He must be looking for his son. He must be looking for Andrew.”

  Molly refused to acknowledge that he was right. She shook her head.

  “You cannot lie to me,” he said with a smile.

  His reaction was confusing to her.

  “It really does not matter,” he laughed. “I have his have his son. We are so far removed from everyone a bloodhound could not sniff us out.”

  He moved closer to Molly. He pulled back the hair that was on her face.

  “And, I have the mother of his child,” he boasted.

  He put his mouth to hers. She tried to move away. He was persistent.

  She did not want to struggle with him. She knew that Lester would take this as far as hurting her. It would be easier to give in.

  She was grateful that it never lasted too long. He was not the lover she had in Philip.

  Long after Lester had fallen asleep Molly lie awake. Molly would survive. The close encounter with her previous lover and the father of her child was not devastating. To Molly there was a glimmer of hope. Her heart soared that he had tried to find their son. She loved him more now than ever.

  She looked over to Lester who was snoring with his mouth wide open. I will outlive this son-of-a-bitch, she thought. She vowed to herself that she would someday see Philip again. She would someday take him his son.

  ~34~

  A Life of Serenity

  The Mourning Dove was bathing her infant. He was a mere three months old. He laughed as she poured water on his body. He kicked his legs with delight. After his bath she laid him on a soft deerskin. She talked softly to her son as she caressed his body with oil.

  The Mourning Dove would bathe her baby every morning before starting her chores. When the child was cleaned she would swaddle him in soft clothing. She would secure him in his cradleboard and mount him on her back. If she were to tan hides she would secure the child from a nearby tree. He could watch her work. In his cradleboard he would be content for the day as his mother went about her duties.

  She left her tipi that she had just finished cleaning. As a Crow wife there was always so much to do.

  On the top of the hill, Running Wolf and his son Strong Eagle looked over the busy village they inhabited. Strong Eagle had turned six and was already an excellent horseman and showing signs of a skillful hunter.

  It had become a harmonious life for Running Wolf and his family. He was proud to have another son. Running Wolf took great pride in his son. He would often remind The Mourning Dove of what he saw before his son was born. It was that this child would surpass him in strength and wisdom. Now, she had given him another son. It had been prophesied to him that his wife would have strong medicine. With the birth of another child in their progressing years Running Wolf was witness to the steadfastness of his strong faith.

  The Mourning Dove marveled at this child as she did his older sibling. It had been over six years since she had given birth to Strong Eagle and she did not think it was likely she would have more children. She and Running Wolf were having children when many of the people were having grandchildren. She was grateful that they had been blessed.

  When she looked at the smiling infant, a second strong son, she wondered if Rides With Fury had been accurate about how many Braves she would give to Running Wolf. Time would not allow for that many children to be born.

  Crow families usually consisted of three or four children. Siblings were usually spaced about four years apart. This gave ample time for each child to have the full attention of his parents.

  This child came into the world with much more speed than his brother. The Mourning Dove was at the river when she had a slight labor pain and before she knew it she had the urge to push. Bright Star Over The Mountains and Bird Who Sings In The Night came to her aid as she gave birth at the rivers edge. The women gathered around The Mourning Dove as she almost effortlessly pushed her third son into the world. There was much excitement and little time to prepare.

  Running Wolf was in the camp when he heard about the arrival of his child. He feared something terrible had happened, as did others. As many ran to aid the source of the uproar they soon realized that it was screams of panic that were quickly replaced by the women shouting with joy. Almost all of the tribe had been present for the birth of a new clan member. Running Wolf named his son accordingly, Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly.

  As he grew he lived up to the name and kept The Mourning Dove and Running Wolf very busy. He was much more curious than Strong Eagle and not as obedient. Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly had to learn painfully that fire does indeed burn. He learned after an uncomfortable bout with poison ivy that he should listen when he is told not to touch.

  It was not uncommon for him to walk away from camp, seeking an adventure of his own. This child could disappear in the blink of an eye. Fortunately, there were plenty of eyes to watch and he never was able to wander very far.

  In the Indian camp it was a given that it took the community to raise a child. The Mourning Dove never saw a child hit or spanked, yet the children for the most part were very calm and easy to raise.

  While Rebecca knew that her father loved her and Philip she seldom experienced the demonstrative love she witnessed with the Crow. Her fears of not being a good mother were dissipated with the birth of Strong Eagle. She easily showed affection to her children and was very nurturing.

  This child reminded The Mourning Dove of Philip. Although she had not seen Philip at this age she thought this was how he must have looked. Her two boys did not share the same features except for the raven colored hair. Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly had the same green eyes as his mother. He was what The Mourning Dove needed to feel connected to her roots.

  When Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly turned three his brother was nearly nine. During that year The Mourning Dove gave birth to a daughter. She was born when the birds were nesting around them. Running Wolf had named her Sparrow Song. The Mourning Dove was elated to have a daughter. Sparrow Song was a smaller version of herself and she saw a difference in a female child from birth.

  The similarities ended there. She did not resemble her mother at all. She looked more like Running Wolf. She possessed the same raven hair and deep brown eyes. Sparrow Song was absolutely beautiful.

  With the birth of a female child The Mourning Dove saw still another side of her husband. While he was affectionate with his sons he had a type of protectiveness with Sparrow Song that was unique. Sparrow Song melted his heart.

  The Mourning Dove was not sure if she could be a good mother to a daughter. She had not had the advantage of a mother when she was growing up. She had missed all those things a woman gives to her daughter. Now, she was living in a culture in which she did not grow up a part of and she wondered how she would fair.

  Bright Star Over The Mountains was aware of this and once again took The Mourning Dove under her wing. Over the years The Mourning Dove felt and had become a daughter to Bright Star Over The Mountains. She felt fortunate to have her. She was her lifeline in so many ways.

 
; ~

  The Mourning Dove would teach her children English as well as the native Crow language. They spent many winter nights curled up with their mother. She would read to them from the only book she had, the Bible. She would also tell them tales of her childhood and a life so foreign to her now. Running Wolf loved to hear these stories. She had shared some of them with him before they had children. When she would tell stories to her children he remembered how for so long she had been a stranger to him. He had grown to know her well and they were inseparable.

  The Mourning Dove loved to tell them of the first night she arrived at the camp of the Crow. It was peculiar to her that she would remember that day fondly. She focused on the amusing interlude between herself and their father when she tried to wear his chieftain headdress and smoke the pipe.

  The Mourning Dove wanted her children to know they had a heritage from both worlds. In addition to the children being fluent in both English and Crow, The Mourning Dove also taught them to read and write. She did this because it was something she knew and thought they should know as well. She taught them even though she knew in her heart she would remain with the Crow forever.

  She and Running Wolf would see their children grow, and God willing, their grandchildren as well. However, there was the constant threat of the white man venturing into the lands of the Crow. The Mourning Dove had come to this land with other settlers. There was sure to be more to follow.

  The Mourning Dove knew that education was the key to freedom. She wanted her children to be prepared. She was grateful for the Bible for so many reasons. It was her only book and the Bible held certain beliefs that crossed both cultures and had values she wanted to instill in her children.

  Life with the Crow was very serene. The Mourning Dove could not imagine her life any more satisfying or any other way. She had the family that she had grown up longing to have. The women of the camp all worked together and she found that because the Indian people were spirits of nature they knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. It did not take much for a cause for celebration. The dancing and fellowship would continue long after the yearly Pow-wow until the winds of winter became too strong.

  ~

  The fist thunder had occurred. It was time to hunt. Eight-year-old Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly had heard about the tales of hunting all winter. It made him long to accompany his father on the hunt. He quietly made his plan.

  One day Running Wolf and Strong Eagle were preparing for the hunt. Strong Eagle would be allowed to view the hunt from a special place where other men of his age would watch. Usually Rides With Fury would stand with them. As the hunt progressed he would school the young Braves on the skill of the hunters. Even at his advanced age Rides With Fury had the desire to be part of the hunt. It was reserved for the young and strong. It was quite dangerous.

  Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly sought out his father with his horse behind him.

  “I am ready for the hunt,” he proudly proclaimed.

  Running Wolf did not want to make him feel as small as he was. He had to keep from laughing at the absurdity of the gesture.

  “No, my son you are not old enough yet. Your brother is fourteen and therefore old enough to learn. You need another six years. When you are the age of your brother then you can safely learn about the great buffalo and how to hunt them.”

  The Mourning Dove had heard the conversation.

  “Stay with me, Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly. I need for you to attend to other things for me today.”

  Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly retreated immediately.

  She was surprised that he withdrew so quickly. He was the one of their children who would need an explanation before he so readily obeyed his parents.

  The Mourning Dove was relieved that he consented so easily. She had a lot to do and did not desire or have the time for what she considered to be the foolish request of her son. She led him and his sister to the tipi of Bright Star Over The Mountains and Rides With Fury.

  “Stay here and protect your grandmother for the day,” she said hoping to make him feel as though he was an important part of the busy day. She turned and gathered her tools she would need for the preparation of the hunted buffalo.

  Bright Star Over The Mountains took the children inside. She told Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly to watch his sister while she retrieved water from the river. When she returned they were not there. Bright Star Over The Mountains began to panic and found The Mourning Dove. She had not left for the hunt.

  The Mourning Dove had a gut feeling and fear as to where they may have gone. She knew that her son did not want to be left behind. When she was terribly upset she reverted to English to curse the moment.

  “That little shit!” she exclaimed. She mounted her horse and headed for the hunting grounds in search of Running Wolf.

  Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly was upset when his grandmother left him to watch his sister. He convinced Sparrow Song that they were playing a game. She adored her older brother and would do anything he said. They walked behind the tree and he helped Sparrow Song mount his horse.

  Although Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly was well versed in riding he did not have any idea what it would be like in the meadow with the buffalo.

  Running Wolf had just left his son Strong Eagle with Rides With Fury when he saw something unusual in the meadow. In the outskirts headed for the herd were his son and daughter. He mounted his horse in an attempt to reach them before they disturbed the buffalo. A stampede would follow and they would be trampled.

  The Mourning Dove was just seconds behind her husband and could see him approaching their children.

  Because Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly had entered the meadow with speed he disturbed the peaceful herd. A few of the buffalo that he had troubled began to chase after him.

  Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly became aware of the great danger he now faced. He dug his heels into the side of the horse in a vein attempt to outrun the buffalo. Sparrow Song was frightened and began screaming. Her brother held her tightly as he tried to steer the horse.

  Running Wolf rode his stallion with great speed as he caught up with the hysterical children. With accurate skill he was able to finagle the horse to run with the buffalo. When he reached the children he took them one by one to the safety of his horse. He slowed the horse allowing the buffalo to run past.

  The Mourning Dove witnessed her husband rescue their children while she held her breath. Her heart filled with pride as she saw her Brave save their children from sure death.

  Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly was very frightened and Sparrow Song was hysterical when Running Wolf brought the children to The Mourning Dove. In all her years as his wife she had yet to see the look he had in his eyes at that moment. The fury in his eyes frightened her.

  “Take your children home, woman,” he said sternly. He handed the frantic children to her, with what seemed to be little regard. He turned from her immediately and joined the others for the hunt. He had a rage in his heart that he knew he could not react to immediately. He was relieved to have them safe, but horrified at what could have happened. He could not understand how his wife could have been so careless.

  The Mourning Dove was confused by his seemly cold actions. She took her children back to the camp. She calmed them down before she left for the hunting grounds. She still had to tend to the task of the hunt. She did not want to leave. She took her children in her arms and held them with tears in her eyes. She had come so close to losing them. The thought of losing another child devastated her.

  Bright Star Over The Mountains put her hand on the shoulder of her daughter-in-law.

  “We have all had a scare. They will be fine. You will be fine,” she said letting her know that the danger had passed. “Someday this will be a story told in humor during the winter storytelling,” she tired to reassure her.

  The Mourning Dove hugged Bright Star Over The Mountains. She was grateful that she once again knew what to say. She also knew that Bright Star Over The Mountains would not
let them out of her sight again. She was much calmer and could attend to her duties for the day.

  ~

  Later that day the children were playing as though nothing had happened. That was until they saw their father coming into camp with the other Braves. They quickly ran into the tipi of their grandmother.

  The Mourning Dove was watching her husband, not sure what he would do. She had not seen him in all these years as upset as he was today. It had been the whole day and he still had the look of anger in his eyes. He walked past her ignoring her presence. This hurt and angered her at the same time. Her concern at the moment was for the children.

  She was certain that he would not strike them. Running Wolf was walking with such determination she did not know what to expect. She did not have to wonder for long. Bright Star Over The Mountains stood in his path breaking his stride.

  “Where are you going, Running Wolf?” she questioned.

  “Mother, I have to see my children. They could have been killed.” He resented the interference.

  “I think that you had better slow down, my son. I think that they learned a lesson today that only the scare could have taught them. This might be a time for you to draw closer to them.”

  He seemed to not be listening to her and began to push her gently to the side. He began to walk past her. From behind he could hear her voice.

  “I remember a young boy who was in the summer of his youth, even younger than Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly, who had unwise bravery as well.” She paused for a moment. “Did that not happen to him with a wild coyote?”

  Running Wolf stopped in his tracks. He turned in surprise. How did she know of this? He remembered how his father said nothing but was probably just as scared as he was today. He too, had disobeyed his father. His father knew that he had learned a valuable lesson that day. He also remembered how his father took him later and carefully explained the danger so that he would understand.