Snow Eagle

by Shirley A. Roe

  The trail grew steep as they crossed the mountains that would lead them to their people. Legs grew weary and bundles heavy but they persevered, anxious to reach the others. Miles and miles they traveled, camping at night and walking by day, ever watchful for danger. Wounds were checked and new wraps applied were necessary, the men were brave and endured the pain without complaint. Snow Eagle was proud of his people. One of the men collapsed, his injured leg prohibited him from walking any further. A travois was made where he could rest and the others pulled him, mile after mile. No one was left behind. Soon the small band of warriors left them to return to the Tagish village. Snow Eagle and Charging Elk watched as the men disappeared in the distance.

  Walking side- by -side, Charging Elk and Snow Eagle discussed the many similarities of the two tribes. “Your men are brave, they tried to save their brother without thought for their own safety. This speaks highly for the Tagish.”

  “I am sure the Tlingit would do the same for their own. Your son, Gray Wolf is a wise and brave warrior, he will teach my people well. We are in need of a leader and Gray Wolf will be the one.”

  “I know that you were hoping Giant Bear would give you Songbird, I am sorry that you were disappointed.” Snow Eagle watched Charging Elk's face. There was no jealousy or malice there. Snow Eagle's respect for Charging Elk was growing by the day.

  “I have Walks Tall Woman and she is much better for me. Kah-shu-gon-yah knows who should be together; it has all worked out for the best. You know better than I of the ways of Kah-shu-gon-yah.” Charging Elk loosened the leather tie securing the skins around his neck; the weather was warming. A mild breeze blew in the air, a signal that they were nearing the sea. The travelers had reached the long sloping meadows. “Do you think we will reach the sea soon? I have never taken such a journey before. The Tagish are happy to stay on the banks of the lake.”

  “Two days journey if we can keep up the pace and we will arrive at the sea camp. The people will be overjoyed to see us. We will then have serious business to take care of.”

  “Yes, White Fox must die.” Charging Elk looked straight ahead. “I am anxious to see Walks with Fire, he is my friend and my brother. We have been through much together. I know that he will not let White Fox escape again. My promise to Giant Bear must be fulfilled.” Snow Eagle nodded. It would be a busy time and a difficult one for his people. He knew that they were anxiously waiting for him and news of the Tagish and Tlingit future. Again his thoughts returned to Little Fawn. She would be looking for Gray Wolf when the group arrived in camp. She would have to accept that another of her sons was not coming home for a long time. Brave Beaver was a quiet man; he wanted nothing to do with being a warrior. As the oldest son, this had caused a great stir with the people. Brave Beaver refused to lead the men; he wanted instead to learn the healing ways of his father. His younger brother, Gray Wolf was happy to step in. Gray Wolf had always outshone Brave Beaver in the games. When Brave Beaver and Swift Otter were married, it was natural that he would leave to live with her people, the Haida. Brave Beaver had been much needed as a healer. The Haida Shaman had died of white man's disease and Brave Beaver was pleased to take his place. Snow Eagle looked forward to seeing his eldest son at the Potlach, that he was sure was being planned.

  “You look very pleased with your thoughts. Do you think of your wife?”

  “Actually I was thinking of my son, Brave Beaver. He is the Shaman of the Haida people. You will meet him at the Potlach.”

  “A Shaman? Is he your youngest son?”

  “No, he is the eldest, but not a warrior like his brother. Brave Beaver is a healer like myself. The Haida are very lucky to have him.”

  “It seems the Tlingit are uniting with many tribes. Soon you will be the biggest and strongest of all of the people. Is this the desire of the Tlingit?”

  “The desire of the Tlingit is to live in peace and harmony with all peoples. We are not united with the Haida, but do live peacefully, trading with them on a regular basis.”

  “I see I have much to learn.” Charging Elk smiled at Snow Eagle. “I will try to be a good student.” The two men laughed, a special bond was forming between them.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Although plans for the Potlach continued, the mood was somber in the camp. There was still no sign of Salmon Catcher and Walks with Fire and it had been days.

  The sea raged and the rain fell. Finally the clouds were breaking and a ray of sunshine filled the camp with hope. “We will take the canoes and go to search the islands.” Several of the young warriors pleaded with the council. Black Rain, Waving Pine, Clouds of Thunder, Red Hawk and Raging Bull had discussed the situation for hours. Everyone wanted to believe that that two young men would return but hope was waning.

  “Let them go, what harm could it do?” Raging Bull turned to the other elders for verification. “Something has to be done, we feel useless just waiting.”

  “Black Rain please let us do this.” Burning Branch begged the elders. He bore a large scar on his neck and shoulder from the night of White Fox's escape. “Salmon Catcher is my brother, I must look for him.” Finally the elders nodded and the young warriors went to their canoes.

  “I just pray that we will not lose six more of our people today. The sea is calm now, but all of us have seen how quickly it can turn.” Waving Pine watched the young men go with trepidation.

  More young men joined them and four large canoes were pushed out to sea. The women watched them go. Red Hawk turned to the totem. She had prayed to Whale to bring Salmon Catcher and Walks with Fire back to them, but to no avail. Again she sent up a silent prayer. Little Fawn was beside herself. She felt as if she had lost another son. Every morning she walked to the shore, waiting for Walks with Fire to appear. Her eyes were red and swollen. “I am so afraid the Kooshda will take Walks with Fire.” Little Fawn looked to Red Hawk for comfort.

  “The Kooshda always save the drown ones. He will become Kooshdakhaa and live with the Kooshda. You know they can travel back to the land of the living to help the people when needed. If that is the case, we will see Walks with Fire again, but in the form of an otter. Let us pray that he returns in his human form.” Red Hawk and the other Tlingit believed that those that drown were saved by the Land Otter People, strange half otter, and half human beings. Those drowned and saved, were married to the land otters and could return to their human relations to assist them, usually helping them catch abundant seafood. She turned to Little Fawn, resting her head on the younger woman's shoulder. Together they prayed that Walks with Fire would come back in his human form. Red Hawk took Little Fawn's arm and they walked back to camp.

  A group of youngsters gathered around the ceremonial headdresses and rattles. All were being repaired and dyed for the upcoming Potlach. A very small boy lifted the Raven Head and put it on his tiny head. The headdress fell over his shoulders and he stumbled blindly, much to the amusement of the other children. Overpowered by the large headpiece, he lost his balance and tumbled down a small hill. Red Hawk and Little Fawn, walking at the base of the hill, soon found a small boy in a Raven Head at their feet. Up on the ridge a large group had gathered. Laughter filled the air.

  “What have we here?” Red Hawk lifted the large headdress from the tiny boy's shoulders. He was shaken but not hurt. “Will you dance at the Potlach?”

  Shyly, the little boy looked at his feet. “No Red Hawk, I think I need more practice.” The two women laughed out loud. The rest of the children, giggling and surrounded by loud chatter, gathered around the boy. Soon they whisked him off on another adventure. The comedy provided the people with a lift from the dark mood.

  “There goes the future of the Tlingit.” Red Hawk smiled after the boy, Little Fawn smiled, her worries forgotten for an instant.

  Later that day, the warriors returned discouraged and disheartened. Many of the small islands were searched. They would try again tomorrow.

  The next morning Little Fawn again returned to the shore. Now she nee
ded Snow Eagle more than ever, why was it that he was never here when she really needed him? The young warriors returned to the sea to search once more. She waved to them from her perch. Sitting on a large piece of driftwood, Little Fawn sat, staring out to sea for what seemed like hours.

  Suddenly out on the horizon, she saw movement. Was it a canoe? Could it be Walks with Fire and Salmon Catcher? Her heart pounded.

  She soon realized that the markings on the very large canoe were those of another clan. Probably just traders, disappointed she thought to herself. More people joined her on the shore. Traders always brought not only much needed items for trade, but also stories and news of relatives and friends far away. The air was charged with excitement.

  When the large canoe came ashore, Little Fawn realized that it was Chilkat Clan. The Chilkat and the Tlingit were close and many marriages had taken place between the two. Their language had melded into one over the years. The traders received a customary welcome. Food was prepared, items for barter were unloaded and a renewed joy and merriment filled the village.

  “Salmon Catcher and Walks with Fire have been missing for days. Have you heard anything of them?” Black Rain asked the traders, while they ate.

  “No, I have heard nothing. This elk is very good. We thank you for your hospitality.”

  “Wait, did you say two men. How long ago did they disappear?” Another trader spoke with his mouth full of food. He finished chewing his meat, before speaking again. “There are two injured men at the Haida camp just south of here.” Everyone became excited. Little Fawn moved closer.

  “Do you think it is them?” Black Rain didn't want to get everyone's hopes up; other clans took in many injured men. “They are young, one of them is Tagish.” Little Fawn's heart leapt into her throat, It was Walks with Fire. She felt as a great weight had been lifted.

  “I do not know but your warriors can go there. It is not far by sea, several days on foot.” The trader helped himself to fish and berries. “The Haida camp has many other Haida staying there, preparing for Buffalo Woman's Potlach. It is the talk of the shore. A great celebration by the Tlingit is always big news.”

  Raging Bull and Black Rain excused themselves from the group. The two old men shuffled off to find Waving Pine and Clouds of Thunder. Red Hawk followed.

  “We must send our best paddlers to the Haida camp. Watch for the warriors to return from the sea, we will send Burning Branch and three others tomorrow.”

  “It might not be Salmon Catcher. You must not get your hopes up.” Clouds of Thunder was skeptical. “The Tagish was not an experienced paddler, the two may be lost at sea. We must face facts.”

  “We have a Potlach next week, we may hear more news then.” Red Hawk interjected.

  “We will not wait until next week, Burning Branch will go tomorrow.” Raging Bull and Black Rain nodded to each other in agreement. The others pondered the suggestion and then agreed.

  The sun was rising over the distant mountains. Two canoes left the camp in a misty fog. They disappeared into the fog sending an eerie chill up the spines of those watching. Little Fawn and Red Hawk prayed that they would find the lost men. Suddenly a huge cheer was heard behind them. The two women turned back toward the camp. Several people were pointing to the trail leading into the village from the north. A band of travelers appeared. Little Fawn's heart beat loudly in her chest. Snow Eagle, Gray Wolf, at long last. She began to run, leaving the older Red Hawk behind.

  Snow Eagle saw her running towards him; he broke into a run as well. She leapt into his arms. He held her tight. Charging Elk and Walks Tall Women watched the exchange with interest. Setting her down, Snow Eagle watched as her eyes searched for Gray Wolf. He waited.

  “Where is Gray Wolf?” panic began to set in. “Snow Eagle where is my son?”

  “He is fine, he stayed behind with Songbird and the Tagish. Do not worry; it is all right. I have much to tell you. Come we must call the elders to order.” He put his arm around her and the band of travelers walked into the village. Red Hawk finally met up with them, her old legs sore from trying to rush. She hugged her son and smiled when she saw Charging Elk and Walks Tall Women. A wink passed between the two women.

  “Gray Wolf and Songbird did not return with you, my son?”

  “No Mother, let us sit with the elders and we will explain.”

  “First you must all eat and rest. I will call the elders together. Come and rest, all of you.” Red Hawk signaled for them to go into the longhouse. She hobbled off to find Black Rain and the others. People appeared from all corners of the village to welcome Snow Eagle and the others home.

  “I will go and find Walks with Fire first, do you know where he is Little Fawn?”

  Little Fawn looked up at Charging Elk with great sadness. “What is wrong? Where is he?” Little Fawn did not know where to begin.

  “There has been a great sadness in the village. Salmon Catcher and Walks with Fire did not return from the sea with the others. It has been many days. We have warriors searching for them now.” Little Fawn looked over at Snow Eagle with great concern. He knew the news would not be good. His heart went out to Charging Elk; the two were very close.

  “Where are these warriors, I will go with them now. I do not need to rest when my friend is missing.” Charging Elk was agitated. Walks Tall Women tried to calm him but he was beyond soothing.

  “The warriors left early this morning, you must wait until they return. We have word that two men are at the Haida village. We do not know if it is them, but the traders told us of the two men and the warriors have gone to see.” Little Fawn tried to reassure him without giving him false hope. She herself was having difficulty not making assumptions. She wanted Walks with Fire to be alive very much.

  “Please, Charging Elk, let us rest and eat. Our warriors know where to go and they will return tonight with news.” Snow Eagle took charge of the situation, “Take Walks Tall Woman into the longhouse for food and rest, she is tired.” Snow Eagle looked at Walks Tall Woman. Understanding that Snow Eagle only wanted what was best, she leaned against Charging Elk. His arm went around her protectively. Against his own desire to go and search, he escorted her to the house where she could rest. The other warriors went to join their families. Snow Eagle ushered Charging Elk and Walks Tall Women into the small doorway. Little Fawn followed, she was anxious to know about Gray Wolf. She had been looking forward to having her son home with her.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Far down the shore, giant totems stood proudly guarding the village; totems of whale, salmon, bear and turtle. Although not as colorful as the totems of the Tlingit, they were larger and intricately carved. A Shaman danced around a large fire. He prayed to Sin, Sky Father for guidance and healing power. He asked Tax'et and Tia, the Gods of Death to stay away from the village. On his head he wore the mask of the Sea Shaman. Whale's face was painted with large turquoise eyes. Above the eyes, wave like designs represented the sea. Horsehair hung from the mask in long tendrils. On his powerful chest was a large tattoo of the Whale representing the crest of this clan. A smaller whale tattoo, visible beneath his long dark braid, covered the back of his neck. Other than the mask, he was completely naked. He wore a necklace of bone and teeth and in his hand was a hollow bone tube. The other hand held a large rattle. Drummers beat out a steady rhythm beside the circle, the Shaman danced around and around.

  The village was anxiously awaiting the upcoming Tlingit Potlach. However, daily chores had to be done. Women work on their long cylindrical baskets with bands of darkly dyed wefts. Made from twined spruce roots, women added tiny shells to the baskets. Some women wove intricate hats. The back of each woman's hand was tattooed; this distinguished the women of the Haida from other tribes. As they work, one woman's eyes were constantly drawn to the Shaman. Swift Otter watched her husband's powerful body gyrate; she was enthralled by the dance. The other women teased her. “You should not lust after the Shaman, you have work to do.” They all giggled girlishly.

 
Elsewhere in the village women wove the famous Haida button blankets. Button blankets were unique to the Haida. Blankets used not for sleeping but for ceremonial dress. The blankets were worn about the shoulders. Each blanket covered in button like Abalone shells and feathers depicting the body of a human or animal. The blanket and its shiny buttons told the history of the clan. These blankets would be worn during the Haida dance at the upcoming Potlach. No gifts were given to the host clan. Only guests would receive gifts, as was the tradition. The women gossiped and laughed as they worked. Many Haida villages had come together here for the great Potlach. The Haida looked forward to the great celebration and the wonderful gifts they would receive.

  In a plank house filled with smoke lay two men. The fire burned brightly and herbs and plants were added to produce the healing smoke. Both men were unconscious.

  The Haida Shaman danced until his body grew weak with fatigue. Carrying his hollow bone tube he entered the plank house where the two men lay. Slowly he approached them, the smoke was almost blinding in the small building. The smell of herbs was strong and thick. A clamshell filled with oolachan oil burned in the corner casting an eerie glow.

  He came close to the first man, slowly pointing the hollow tube at the man's chest he blew through the tube several times. Chanting, he moved to the second man. Again he blew through the tube at the man's chest. For several minutes he sat beside them, chanting and calling Sin, Sky Father to bring these two warriors back to the land of the living.

  The man closest to him, coughed loudly. Over and over, his chest was racked with coughing, his eyes opened. Brave Beaver leaned over the man. “So you come back to the land of the living my brother. You have been with the spirits for many days.” The man tried to sit up but fell weakly back on the mat. “Rest, you need food and water. I will be back.”

  Soon two young women appeared carrying bowls of steaming liquid. One woman lifted Walks with Fire's head, spooning the steamy liquid into his mouth. It tasted good; he relished every spoonful. She smiled at him. “I will stay with you until you finish this bowl.” Turning to the other woman she instructed, “You return to the children, I will take care of him.” The second woman, older than the first, smiled and left the house. Soon the Shaman returned.