Little Fawn went about her chores, preparing food and sewing. Her stitches were small and tight. She took care with everything she did, always striving for perfection. She missed Snow Eagle terribly, but accustomed to his respites, she waited patiently with the others for the rain to stop. She concentrated her efforts on the buckskin shirt she was making for him.
Climbing high on the ridge about a mile from the tribe's camp as the rain finally ceased, a lone warrior stood. The Caribou Hunter was looking for smoke to reveal their hiding place. His face bore the marks of war, three black horizontal lines on one cheek. His tunic of caribou hide strained over his massive chest, thick fur resting comfortably over his broad shoulders. The rest of the Tagish band waited in a cave below. Charging Elk watched the tiny tendrils of smoke rising just over the ridge. He had found them. A satisfied grin crossed his lips. He surveyed the area before carefully making his way back to the cave.
Charging Elk returned to the cave and informed his six companions that the quarry was about a day's journey in front of them. Six young bucks could travel much faster than nearly fifty men, women and children pulling their gear. Soon they would return the chief's daughter to her father and kill the Tlingits in the process. Victory would be sweet for the young band of warriors and Charging Elk intended to take the young woman, known to them as Songbird, as his own. The young Caribou Hunters sent up a war whoop and began dancing the warrior's dance in their tiny hillside enclosure.
Finally the rain let up and the Tlingit group moved on. White Fox and Sunflower walked alone, far enough behind the others that their conversation would remain private. “His punishment will end soon. You must make your move if you want to stay lead warrior. Gray Wolf is too head- strong to lead the men against our enemies. You would be much better suited for the job but you will have to prove how badly you want it.” Sunflower looked at her son. He was tall like his father but there was something in his eyes that could not be deciphered. White Fox's father had been a cruel man. Sometimes she thought it was evil that she glimpsed in her own son's face, but denial quickly set in. Sunflower was determined to do whatever she thought best for the entire tribe and in her opinion, Gray Wolf had to go.
“Just tell me what you want me to do Mother and it will be done. Gray Fox has been a thorn in my side for a long time, always winning the competitions by one more arrow or one blade length closer than mine. His time has come.” Once again Sunflower saw that strange look in her son's eyes-a distant, far away evil look. She turned away and continued walking; her mind kept busy thinking of a plan, while keeping her own suspicions at bay.
Red Hawk watched Sunflower and White Fox together. Something was amiss with those two; she knew it in her gut. Later that day she went to Snow Eagle and warned him. “She is up to something. You two have known each other all your lives and she never got over your taking Little Fawn for your wife instead of her. That son of hers is truly evil, he frightens me Snow Eagle.” Red Hawk watched her own son become pensive at her words. He was a gentle, spiritual man without any malice or selfishness. Often he could not see evil in others when there was none in him. “You go and warn Gray Wolf before he comes to harm. I am telling you, those two are up to no good.” Snow Eagle pensively watched his mother walk away, Evil is amongst you, he could not forget the warning of the spirits. She left her son alone, hoping he would heed her warning. As she walked through the camp, Red Hawk knew she should not wait. Having little patience and wanting to stay in control of the situation, she deciding to take her own good advice. Red Hawk went to find Gray Wolf herself.
“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 pun
ishment 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.
CHAPTER THREE
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.
Snow Eagle Page 3
