“I see you have him eating. How is the other one?” The woman shook her head. This time he spoke to Walks with Fire. “What do they call you?”
Racked with another coughing spell, it took a few seconds before he could answer. “Walks with Fire, I am Tagish.” His voice was barely a whisper.
“Tagish? You are far from home, my friend.”
“I stay with the Tlingit, this is Salmon Catcher of the Tlingit clan. We stay in the winter camp.” He paused to catch his breath. “How did I get here and who are you?”
“I am Brave Beaver, Shaman of the Haida. You are in the Haida camp. The people you speak of are my people. I came to the Haida village far to the south after I married Swift Otter.” He turned toward the unconscious man, “Salmon Catcher! I can't believe it. When I left he was just a boy.” Brave Beaver looked at the other man trying to recognize him.
“Salmon Catcher is a brave warrior. Is he going to be alright?” Walks with Fire strained to turn his head so he could see him. “These people have been very good to me. Little Fawn is like a mother to me.”
“Little Fawn! She is my mother. How is she? I miss her very much.” Walks with Fire looked at the Shaman in surprise.
“She is a good woman, strong and healthy. I did not know she had another son. Gray Wolf travels with Snow Eagle to the Tagish.” His voice grew weak.
“You are tired, rest and we will talk later.” Brave Beaver smiled at the young woman. “Moon will take very good care of you.” The Shaman checked Salmon Catcher before leaving. He lay very still. “This one is not yet back from the spirit world.”
Moon fussed over Walks with Fire until he fell asleep. She did not leave. Sitting against the wall near his mat, she watched him sleep for hours. He was very handsome. Moon was of marrying age but was promised to another warrior. She did not want to marry him. “Walks with Fire” she repeated his name. She liked the sound of it.
Brave Beaver walked through the camp, past the huge totem poles that surrounded the village. He and his people were guests here. Their settlement was much farther south. They had arrived more than a week ago in preparation for the great Potlach at the Tlingit camp. He entered the plank house that had been provided by this Haida clan for his use. The smell of roasting fish greeted him. He placed his bundle in the corner. “Swift Otter, one of the men has woken up. He lives with my family up the shore. He is Tagish.” She smiled at her husband. Slowly she filled his bowl with food.
“You have been successful in bringing him back to the land of the living, my husband.” Swift Otter was proud of Brave Beaver. He was a good provider and a great healer. “How is the second man?”
“That man is Salmon Catcher. He and my brother Gray Wolf played together as boys. I did not recognize him now that he has grown. I look forward to seeing my family again. This has brought them even closer to me.” He filled his mouth with the steaming fish.
“The Potlach is in a few days my husband. You will be with your people soon.”
Outside the house, several shouts were heard. Brave Beaver went to the door to look out. “Canoes approach. Traders,” someone shouted. Brave Beaver and Swift Otter followed the others to the shore. Two canoes bearing the sign of the Tlingit were pulled ashore. The Haida elders greeted them. Welcoming shouts were heard. The warriors were pleased to be ashore. Brave Beaver made his way through the crowd.
“Greeting my brothers.” Brave Beaver greeted the warriors, some he recognized from years ago.
“Brave Beaver! We did not know you were here with the Haida, but of course you have come for the Potlach.” Shoulders were clapped, greetings made. The men were taken to the central fire and food was offered.
“We are searching for two men.” The lead warrior, Burning Branch wanted to let the people know they were not here to trade.
“Yes they are here. Salmon Catcher and the Tagish, Walks with Fire. You may see them after you eat.” Brave Beaver reassured the men.
“Do they live?”
“Yes, but only one is back from the spirit world.”
After partaking of meat and fish, the warriors were taken to the plank house where the men lay. Moon opened the door and stepped aside as they entered. Walks with Fire awoke with a start. “So you found us at last. I was beginning to think the Tlingit were not the great warriors I was led to believe they were.” Everyone laughed.
“How is Salmon Catcher?” The men looked at their fallen comrade. He lay very still on his mat.
“Salmon Catcher is strong, he will return from spirit world just as I did.” Brave Beaver moved toward the man on the mat. Again he checked him over, and then nodded his head. There was no change.
“You will both come back with us tonight.”
“I am afraid these men are not ready to travel. Walks with Fire has only come back from spirit world today. We will bring them back to the village for the Potlach in a few days. Walks with Fire needs to gain his strength and Salmon Catcher must return. Please, let us bring them home.” Brave Beaver did not think either man should go in a canoe in the cold night air but the Tlingit were within their rights to insist. He would bow to their decision.
“We will return and tell the people that we have found them. You may bring them to the Potlach. It will add to the celebration. We thank you Brave Beaver and all the Haida for taking care of them.” Moon gave a sigh of relief. She held her breath when the warrior said he would take them now. She did not want Walks with Fire to leave. The warriors returned to their canoes, bid goodbye and paddled out into the night sea.
There was a great rejoicing in the Tlingit camp when they returned with the news.
Little Fawn and Snow Eagle were very pleased to hear that Brave Beaver and Swift Otter were close by and would be at the Potlach. Sitting at the fire, Snow Eagle thought back to the earlier elder council meeting. He had told the elder council and people of their journey to the Tagish. Black Rain, Clouds of Thunder, Red Hawk and Sunflower were pleased to hear the two tribes would unite. Waving Pine asked why Gray Wolf and the young woman had not returned with Snow Eagle. Upon learning of the decision to leave Gray Wolf with the Tagish, the elders felt confident that there would be a peaceful ending to the situation. Raging Bull congratulated Snow Eagle on bringing a peaceful conclusion to what could have been a bloody war.
“There is only one other matter. What is to be done with White Fox?” Red Hawk had asked the question; a somber mood descended over the meeting. It was decided that a decision would be reached before the Potlach. This situation had to come to a conclusion. Charging Elk was insisting that White Fox be put to death immediately. Sunflower was beside herself. She glared at Snow Eagle. The look in her eyes sent shivers down his spine.
Snow Eagle's thoughts were brought back to the fire. Many people were dancing and drums beat loudly. The Tlingit had much to celebrate. He raised a loud prayer to the spirit Gods thanking them for returning the men to them. Charging Elk was anxious to see his friend again. A great weight had been lifted from his shoulders when the warriors returned, announcing that the men were alive. He smiled at Walks Tall Woman who was swaying to the rhythm of the music. His thoughts turned to her. When she felt his eyes on her, her movements became more exaggerated. She loved her husband and enjoyed teasing him with her young body.
Little Fawn was not thrilled to hear that her son, Gray Wolf would not be returning to the clan until spring. Now the news of Brave Beaver lifted her spirits and she was very pleased to learn that Walks with Fire was alive. She glanced at Snow Eagle; his eyes were closed as he looked to the star filled sky. She sent up a silent thank you.
Red Hawk thanked Whale spirit, Keet gooshi, for saving the two men's lives. She knew that it was no coincidence that the Sea Shaman, Brave Beaver, whose totem was Whale had saved the men. Reverently she looked upon the Whale totem thanking, Keet gooshi, and her grandson, Brave Beaver. She asked that Salmon Catcher would also come back alive and well. The mood was spiritual and festive at the same time.
The next mornin
g once again, a dark mood descended over the village. A decision had been made about White Fox. The fate of one of the clan, no matter what the reason, was one of great importance and heartfelt emotion. Whatever happened to one of the clan, happened to them all. Their spirits were all connected. People went about their chores but hearts were heavy. Sunflower walked in the forest, her mind was in turmoil and her heart was tormented. She did not want her son to die. Her lifelong allegiance to the clan and her position as one of the elders felt heavy on her shoulders. Raging Bull, her father, had trained her well. As a young child she learned the way of the elders. Her entire life had prepared her for her position. The clan must come first, the safety and welfare of the people were utmost in an elder's mind. The position was highly honored and held great responsibility. It was especially significant for her as her mother had been a white woman. It was her chance to show that only Tlingit spirit flood through her body. Sunflower brushed a leaf from her arm. The tattoo of the thunderbird seemed to glow. She stared at it, mesmerized. Remembering back to when she was a young girl, barely a woman. The tattoo was a symbol of her rank in the clan; she remembered the feeling of great excitement as she watched the Shaman tattoo her arm. There was pain but it was dulled by sheer excitement. The Shaman, Snow Eagle's uncle was gentle with her. Painstakingly applying the dyes until the beautiful figure of the Thunderbird appeared. Sunflower remembered staring at it for hours, her eyes constantly returning to her arm no matter what she was doing. In those days Sunflower was very much in love with the young man, Snow Eagle. She dreamed of the day they would be united in marriage. A frown crossed her face as she remembered how Little Fawn had stolen him from her. Jealous anger still festered after all these years. Although Sunflower had been later wed to another, he was not a good man. Before he was killed, he beat her many times. He died taking another man's woman. He was evil and now her son showed the same look of evil in his eyes.
She leaned against a large tree trunk; her fingers crushed the fallen leaves at her side. Her body grew tense and rigid. Hatred filled her heart. Little Fawn, it is all her fault that my son will die. It is because of her that I am not Snow Eagle's wife. If White Fox dies, then Little Fawn must die also. For hours she sat, anger festering in her very soul.
Charging Elk visited the plank house where White Fox was housed. He nodded to the two warriors that guarded the door. They allowed him to enter. White Fox huddled in the corner. The large man approached. “So today you will die.” Charging Elk scowled at White Fox.
“Get out of here you lowly Tagish. I am Tlingit, you are the dirt under my feet.”
“Soon, Tlingit, you will be the ash under mine. The council has spoken and today you die. I have come to tell you that you should make your peace with the Great Spirit. You have hours to live.” Charging Elk glared at White Fox. “Giant Bear of the Tagish has declared that you will die and the Tlingit agreed. Songbird will be avenged. Your days as a trickster are over.” With that Charging Elk turned his back to leave. White Fox lunged at him but the ropes that bound him pulled him off balance and he tumbled to the floor. His face was filled with rage. Charging Elk spat on him. A scream of frustration escaped White Fox's mouth. The guards appeared at the door.
“The swine squeals at the thought of his own death.” Charging Elk pushed past the men leaving them staring at the prone White Fox, who was seething with anger. The two guards gave each other a look, shrugged and closed the door.
The entire clan gathered late that afternoon. White Fox was bound to a large pole; a hood was placed over his head. The elders, wearing ceremonial headdress and painted faces, sat at the opposite end of the large opening. All were solemn.
Sunflower sat between her father and Black Rain. Her body was tense. Her gaze constantly settled on Little Fawn, seated next to Snow Eagle. Little Fawn felt her eyes upon her. Slowly she turned to see the hatred in Sunflower's eyes. A cold chill ran down her spine. Snow Eagle felt her shudder. “Is something wrong? You know this must be done. We must do as the Tagish have asked.”
“Yes, it is not White Fox but his mother that makes me shiver.” Snow Eagle looked over to Sunflower who immediately turned away.
“Are you feeling sorry for her? It must be difficult for a mother to watch her son die.” Snow Eagle mistook her fear for empathy. Little Fawn patted the back of his hand. She would not say anything now.
Several warriors appeared, carrying spears. They stood in a line between the elders and White Fox. A hush fell over the crowd. A single drummer played. Some women pulled their children to their skirts, attempting to hide their faces. Charging Elk and Walks Tall Woman stood behind Snow Eagle.
Raging Bull gave the order. This was significant since White Fox was his grandson. It reinforced the safety and good of the clan must come before blood. Several spears pierced White Fox. His head fell forward, blood trickled from the wounds. The body twitched but soon became quiet. Sunflower turned away. She knew that her son would go to Ketl-kiwa, a place of torment for his evil ways. Within minutes, the elders stood and walked away. The people followed. White Fox dead body would remain alone until the next morning. His body would then be burned, not in honor but in disgrace.
Little Fawn reached for Snow Eagle's hand, she felt a great fear growing within her. Sunflower walked, eyes downcast, a single tear fell on her cheek. Hatred was already replacing her grief. Raging Bull reached out for her, but she turned away. She would not be consoled.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The day of the Potlach was filled with excitement. Hundreds of people had arrived in the meadow near the Tlingit village. Temporary tents were erected on the outskirts, children ran and played, and drums and pipes could be heard over the laughter of the people. It was a cacophony of sound, happy and pleasing to the ear.
People were reunited with loved ones. Walks Tall Women stood watching the interaction. Her people were not Tlingit or Haida; they would not be here. She would probably never see them again. She had been taken as a slave in a raid on her Eyak village more than a year ago. The Tlingit had been good to her but she missed her family. Now Charging Elk was her only family and she would make him proud. Little Fawn came to stand beside her. The two women made an odd pair, one almost six feet tall and Little Fawn barely five feet. From their perch on the small mound they could survey the entire meadow. “There are many people here for the Potlach. It will be a great celebration of Buffalo Woman's life. Many will be reunited with their family.”
“Yes, but my family will not be here.” Walks Tall Women sighed. Little Fawn placed her arm around the taller woman's waist.
“You have Charging Elk now. The Tlingit and the Tagish are your family.”
“Charging Elk is a good man, a kind and gentle lover. I am proud to be his wife. But I still miss my family.”
“Yes, I understand. Did you have brothers and sisters?”
“I had three sisters and one brother. A bear killed him, when he was just a boy. There were many huge bears near our village.” Walks Tall Woman remembered the bear they had encountered on the trail. A shiver went through her body. Little Fawn did not notice, her thoughts were with her own sons.
“ I miss my sons very much. It has been years since I have seen Brave Beaver. At last I shall see him again at the Potlach. Now Gray Wolf is with the Tagish until we return to the valley in Grass Moon. It seems I can not have both of my sons together.” The sadness in her eyes made Walks Tall Woman pull her close. Together they stood, missing those that they loved.
“What is the Tagish village like? Do you think Gray Wolf will be happy there?”
“Gray Wolf is happy wherever Songbird is. That is all he needs. Charging Elk says he will be a good leader for the warriors. He will come to no harm from the Tagish.” Wanting to change the subject, Walks Tall Woman stated, “I watched Sunflower when White Fox was killed. It was very sad to see a mother witness the death of her own son.”
“Sunflower is a strong woman. She will survive.”
“I understand th
ere is friction between the two of you over Snow Eagle.” Little Fawn turned to her in surprise, wondering how she would know this. “This is a small village, there are no secrets.” Walks Tall Woman laughed.
“Yes, Snow Eagle and Sunflower had a prearranged marriage, but it was me that Snow Eagle loved. She never got over it.”
“I hope she can get over White Fox's death,” Walks Tall Woman stated as she lifted her basket in preparation to leave. Little Fawn had her doubts. Walks Tall Woman and Little Fawn headed back to the village. “Let us go and find Red Hawk. There is much to do.”
Sunflower glared at the two women as they walked past her hiding spot. She was stalking Little Fawn, waiting for her chance.
The festivities began with dancing and singing. Several children danced around a large fire, others played drums and pipe flutes, some sang. People continued to arrive. A Potlach by the great and powerful Tlingit was looked upon as a great event. People traveled many miles to attend. Many happy reunions were taking place.
Little Fawn was busy placing a large bowl of food on the table. She could not make the feeling of dread go away. Someone is watching me, I can feel it. The table was spread with herring, herring eggs, salmon and cod. Goat, deer and seal meat was abundant. Many berries, beach asparagus and both red and black seaweed rounded out the meal. Everyone would eat well. She straightened the bowls. Little Fawn was very particular that everything was in its place.
She tried to concentrate on her tasks when she was grabbed from behind. Her heart leapt into her throat. Fear clutched at her heart. Slowly she turned to look at her attacker.
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