Grizzly Killer: The Medicine Wheel

by Lane R Warenski

  The sky was just starting to lighten along the top of the ridge to the east when Zach, in a deep booming voice asked them come and sit around the fire. Everyone was awake and dressed, curious as to what Grizzly Killer was doing this early in the day. As they stepped out of their lodges they were surprised to see robes sat all the way around the fire. It was set up as a council fire and as they approached he had Bear Heart sit on a bear skin he had in place for him. White Feather, seeing this was a council fire stepped back for she knew well councils were only for the men. Zach stepped forward, reached out his hand to her and had her set next to her husband. There were two wolf skins next for Running Wolf and Raven Wing. Next a buffalo robe for Buffalo Heart and Red Hawk. On one side of the buffalo robe Zach had placed a fan made from the tail feathers of a red tailed hawk. As Red Hawk sat down and saw the fan a smile spread across his face from ear to ear. Next was his own large grizzly robe and he had Shining Star and then Sun Flower sit on it as he sat down next to Sun Flower.

  He could not sit cross legged like all the others, his wounded leg was still too stiff and sore for that so he just knelt down. All eyes were on him for none of them knew what this early morning council was all about. They all knew by the way he had set it up it was important and they were all reverently waiting. He then asked Running Wolf if he would get his pipe. Running Wolf had a strange look on his face as he hurriedly went to his lodge and came back with his beautifully decorated pipe and handed it to Zach. Zach, not being real used to the ceremony involved with making important decisions the Indian way, hoped he had set it up all right. He wanted all of his family and friends to know how much he valued their beliefs and traditions.

  As he broke up a twist of tobacco and stuffed it into the bowl, Sun Flower picked up a burning stick from the fire. She held the fire just over the pipes bowl and Zach puffed the pipe to life. He blew the cloud of smoke out and gently paid homage to the four cardinal directions then the sky above and earth below. Then he passed the pipe to Bear Heart who still had no idea what this council was about, but truly respected his white son for honoring the Indian ways.

  As the pipe was passed around Running Wolf still had a wondering look and he was staring right at Grizzly Killer as he puffed on the pipe. Buffalo Heart and Red Hawk had never sat around a council fire before, they were still young and always had to stand behind the elders and warriors as the pipe was passed around and were honored to be included. Bear Heart smiled as he watched them. He was proud of the men they were turning out to be. He had watched them grow up and now it made his heart glad to see how well they had learned not only to be good hunters and warriors but also to be respectful of their people’s traditions.

  When the pipe came back to him, Zach stood and thanked Running Wolf for providing it and reverently handed it back to him. He then picked up a bundle of sweet sage he had prepared by tying it into a tight bundle. He held it to the fire until it was smoldering, putting off the pungent sweet smell of the sage. He then asked Sun Flower and Shining Star to stand with him. He handed Sun Flower the smoking sage bundle and he took the baby from Shining Star. He unwrapped the tiny infant so she was naked and held her up so the pungent sage smoke was passing over her. He held her so she was looking directly at the morning star and said, “Our Heavenly Father, The One Above, the creator of all things. This morning we give this child you have sent us a name; she will be called Morning Star as it is the first bright light we see each day.”

  He lowered Morning Star back down to his face and kissed her smooth little cheek. He handed the child back to Shining Star and saw that she had tears in her eyes. Sun Flower smiled at him and said, “It is a good name, my husband.”

  Shining Star just nodded too emotional to speak. Bear Heart stood and shook his hand and thanked him for honoring the Indian ways. Everyone was happy and congratulating him on choosing such a great name.

  The stars were soon faded and the camp turned into a hive of activity as the women all started preparing the morning meal. Jimbo was lying in the grass not far from the fire with Luna jumping all over him wanting him to play. Raven Wing and Shining Star both had to stop their chores and take the time to nurse their babies.

  When the thin cuts strips of mountain sheep were fried almost crispy they all sat around the fire and ate. There were biscuits and strong bitter coffee to go along with the fried sheep, but most of all there was the feeling of family. They talked of the naming ceremony that Grizzly Killer had set up this morning, and how proud they all were of him and how proud they were to be part of this family.

  Zach told them all that Rendezvous was only a couple of weeks away and asked Bear Heart and White Feather if they would go to Rendezvous with them. Bear Heart could see the anticipation in the eyes of Red Hawk and Buffalo Heart. Then he looked at White Feather and she just smiled and nodded. So as he looked right at the two boys he said, “It will make our hearts glad to go with you to the white man’s gathering at Sweet Lake.”

  At that both boys cheered and Jimbo came over to see what the excitement was all about, Luna was still jumping up on him trying to get him to play.

  The next day Zach went out to the herd and brought in Ol’ Red along with Sun Flower’s dun and Shining Stars roan. He was still limping a lot and was using the crutch stick, but now he used it more as a walking stick or cane than an actual crutch. Running Wolf had taken the boys out on another hunt, so when Bear Heart saw what he was doing he came right over and helped him get the three animals saddled.

  Shining Star had set Morning Star in her cradle board to sleep, came over and asked, “Are we going somewhere.”

  “Yes, it is time I visit the grave of my Pa and I would like my wives and daughter to come with me.”

  White Feather and Raven Wing were there making sure they had everything they needed for the baby. Sun Flower was getting the bed roll and food together for their two-day journey up to Grizzly Creek and back.

  Zach knew he had to take it easy and the going would be slow but he felt compelled to do this. He knew this trail well; he had covered it countless times. He also knew this was wilderness they lived in and danger was always close by.

  With Star in her cradle board securely strapped to Shining Star’s back and the bedroll and food pouch tied behind the saddles of Zach and Sun Flower they started up the trial. Jimbo was out in the lead as always. It was a pleasant June day, the leaves were all out on the quakies and the wild flowers were in full bloom making the color in the meadows a truly spectacular display. The stream was still running at the top of its banks with the snow continuing to melt in the high country. The high puffy clouds against the bright blue sky and the green of the forest along with the multicolor flowers made this a very beautiful and enjoyable ride.

  The high peaks still being white with snow stood in contrast as they reached for the bright blue of the sky. A pair of eagles soared in the heights barely visible as they passed in front of the towering cliffs. The air was so clear it was like you could see forever.

  They would stop every time Star started to fuss and would sit by the stream while Shining Star nursed her, then continue on their leisurely journey to Grizzly Creek. They stopped and laughed at the antics of the marmots playing out the meadows and smiled as a pica stopped in the trail ahead of them with a mouth full of wild flowers he was taking back to his stash.

  It was late in the afternoon when they reached Grizzly Creek. Zach led them into the dark timber that the creek runs through before it gets lost in the waters of Black’s Fork. There’s almost no sunlight that hits the forest floor in this area. They could hear wind blowing through the pine boughs high above and the sound of the water cascading its way down stream, but Zach was slightly concerned for he could hear no wildlife at all. Not the usual blue jays, in the pines not even the caw of a distant crow.

  This dense, dark forest lasted only a half mile or so then the trail opened up into a lush green valley that he and his Pa had trapped together. Zach was always watchful as he rode along but tod
ay more than usual. He had the ones he loved most in world with him and he knew it was his job to keep them safe. Just as they reached the end of the dark timber and could see the sunlight shining on the flower filled meadows ahead, Zach saw the track of a Grizzly in the trail right in front of them.

  17 Up a Tree

  They rode on for it was too late in the day to turn back. Zach’s eyes were scanning every inch of country in front of them. Jimbo was still a couple of hundred yards in front and although he had stopped and stiffed the tracks he didn’t seem overly concerned about them. Zach figured they must be older than they looked from the back of Ol’ Red.

  They followed the creek up another couple of miles and stopped for the night. There was plenty of daylight left but he was worried about Star even though Shining Star assured him she was just fine riding in her cradle board. Zach sent Jimbo on a scout of the area while they made their camp on a bend of the creek. Zach and Sun Flower gathered fire wood, much more than was needed for cooking. Zach was being cautious, he set up three fires and made sure he had enough wood to keep them all burning through the night. If there was a grizzly in the area he didn’t figure he would come into that much fire.

  They rolled out their sleeping robes right between the three fires. Zach found where the creek had undercut the bank and silently approached on his hands and knees. He slowly moved his hand into the cold water and cupping his fingers he held it there. In just a couple of minutes he felt a fish and with lightning reflexes threw it up on the bank. Within a half hour he had a half dozen of these small native trout for their supper.

  After they’d cooked, ate the trout, and cleaned up Star, they sat there and enjoyed the long summer evening. A cow moose with a new born calf came out of the quakies on the other side of the creek and they watched as the calf still on its long wobbly legs found a teat and started nursing. Not long after that a doe with twin fawns came to the creek for water. The fawns were tiny and their light spots really stood out against their brown hair. Just before dark they heard the crash of a tree falling, downed by a beaver living in a pond of his own making only a few hundred yards above them.

  As the sun disappeared the air cooled right off and Zach started the other two fires. Sun Flower was bundling Star in a soft, warm rabbit fur blanket while Shining Star walked down the creek a little ways. Zach then watched as his two wives crawled under the buffalo robe and put Star still bundled in the fur right between them. He sat there with Jimbo by his side watching over his family and feeding branches into the fires for the next two hours. He then went out into the dark and brought Ol’ Red and the two horses in close and ground picketed them. He then whispered to Jimbo to watch over them all and he laid down next to his wives and pulled the soft warm robe over him as well.

  He woke throughout the night to add wood to the fires and when Star woke up hungry. He watched with wonder as their baby, which seemed so tiny to him, suckled at her mother’s breast. By morning he really didn’t feel like he’d had any sleep but still he was satisfied and happy with his life. They fried some thin cut strips of deer that Running Wolf and the two boys had taken a couple of days ago then saddled up to go the last little ways up the creek to the grave.

  It was another beautiful day in these Uintah Mountains and Zach remembered well the late fall day when he had buried his Pa. They came to the spot in the trail where he had found his Pa, mortally wounded laying under that huge grizzly. He told Sun Flower and Shining Star the story all over again as it seemed like it was just yesterday.

  They continued on until they came to a spot where he could see out over a lush green meadow. The wild flowers were growing in abundance, the creek was tumbling down a rough and rocky area creating the soothing sounds of a babbling brook. Flowers were growing right down between the rocks, columbine, wild roses, bluebells, and many many more that he had no idea what they were. There were currents mixed with the willows and above that the quakies and pine covered ridges leading all the way up to the high peaks still covered with snow.

  He climbed down off his beloved mule and just dropped the reins then walked back to Shining Star and helped her down. Sun Flower stepped out of the saddle and helped Shining Star with the cradle board. Zach hadn’t said a word but his wives could tell by his solemn mood that they had arrived. Zach took Star in his arms with Sun Flower and Shining Star by his side they walked just the short distance to a large quaky that stood tall and proud overlooking the meadow. As they approached the large quaky he noticed high on the tree trunk scratch marks made by a very large bear. The scratches were as high as Zach could reach and were still fresh, in fact there was still moist dirt by them. He raised his hand over his head and made a sweeping circle in the air and Jimbo took off immediately checking out the area.

  The grass and flowers had grown up over the grave until it was impossible to tell just where it was, but the carving in the tree was plain. The name Capt. Jack and the cross that he had put there that sad day nearly three years ago. He stood there in silence for the longest time. Then he talked to his Pa as if he was standing right there before him. He told him he’d like him to meet his granddaughter Morning Star and his daughter-in-law’s Sun Flower Woman and Shining Star. Both of his wives stood there quietly knowing this was a solemn moment for their husband.

  When he was finished he noticed Jimbo was coming back down the trail from upstream and with one quick glance he could see the hair down the middle of back was standing up. They hurried back to Ol’ Red and the horses, mounted up and headed the short distance back to where they had camped. As they hurriedly rolled up the sleeping robe and put the rest of the few supplies they had brought back in the deer skin bag Zach heard the familiar slap of a beaver tail hitting the water just above them. He knew well that was the beaver’s universal signal for danger. He didn’t know for sure what had alarmed the beaver but if it was the bear it was a lot closer than Zach felt was safe.

  They mounted up and left in a hurry following the trail downstream just as fast as they could safely ride. They entered the dark pines without even slowing down and worked their way through them without ever stopping. When they reached the bank of Black’s Fork they just continued on down the main trail. Zach rode up alongside Sun Flower who was carrying what food they had left and removed the bag from the back of her saddle. He then slowed down letting his wives and child get well out in front. Slowing even more he stood up in the stirrups and hung the bag on the highest branch he could reach on the next pine he passed hoping that might slow the big bear down if it was indeed following them.

  Another couple of miles downstream he told the women to continue while he stopped and sent Jimbo to check their back trail. He needed to know if the grizzly was really following them. Star would need to be fed soon and he wanted to know they were safe. He now regretted his decision to make this journey and hoped he was just being overly cautious.

  As he waited there he climbed down from the saddle, stretched and worked the muscles in his still very sore leg and hoped again he was just being overly cautious. He walked the few feet over to the stream and got down on his belly and drank his fill of the clear cold water. His ribs were still sore as well but he could tell they were healing nicely. Just then he heard paws hitting the trail and realized instantly Jimbo was in a dead run back to him. He jumped to his feet and winced from the pain just as Ol’ Red bolted down the trail. He turned from where Ol’ Red just disappeared from view and looked back up the trail to see Jumbo not more than seventy-five yards up the trail on a dead run right to him with a large grizzly right behind him. Jimbo was a very large dog and could out run most anything in the mountains, but this big grizzly was right on his tail and was not losing any ground. Zach had his rifle in his hand but Jimbo was right in his line of fire and he only had a couple of seconds before they would be to him.

  Just a few feet away, right on the creek bank was a large pine. The first branch was only about six feet high and it went straight out over a deep hole in the stream. He didn’t have
time to think, only react and he jumped toward the tree and then the branch. He had to have both hands to pull himself up into the branch and as he did he dropped his trusted .54 caliber Hawken. It landed only inches from the water but he had no time to do anything except try to get out of the big bear’s reach.

  He had just planted his feet firmly onto this large branch when Jimbo got to the tree and instead of just running on by he jumped right toward his master. Zach was holding onto an upper branch of the tree with his right hand and caught Jimbo by the collar with his left and helped Jimbo stay up on the branch. Trouble was the branch was still within the bear’s reach. Zach side stepped, moving out over the stream still holding Jimbo by the collar and stabilizing himself by holding onto the upper branch with his other hand.

  The grizzly hit the tree with all his force and weight. Even though the pine was nearly 2 feet across Zach felt the tremor from the force of the hit in the branch they were standing on. The bear stood up and reached the nearly 5 inch claws onto the branch. His head was well above the height of the branch but they were out over the water just far enough the bear could not quite reach them. Jimbo was growling as the claws just brushed by his rear paws.

  Sun Flower and Shining Star kept a steady pace heading down the trail toward home. They had ridden another four or five miles when Star started to fuss and cry letting them know she was hungry. They stopped for only a minute to get Star from her cradle board and with Shining Star holding her at her breast they let the horses continue down the trail at a walk.

  Shining Star watched her baby suckle at her breast as they slowly rode down the trail. She marveled at this perfect little being that she had brought into the world. She wondered if Star would be more like herself or more like her father. She had thought many times it would not be possible to love someone more than she loved Grizzly Killer, but this was different, Star was part of Grizzly Killer and part of herself. The love she felt for this baby in her arms was even more intense than the love she felt for her husband. She had to protect Star, she had to nourish her and give her everything that she would need to be able to grow and learn in this world. Whereas she herself, depended on Grizzly Killer to do all of that for her.