Snow Eagle

by Shirley A. Roe

  “I do not understand why Moon can not take over temporarily. She was well trained by Brave Beaver. Do you think it is because she is Haida?” Walks with Fire trusted Charging Elk. He felt comfortable making the suggestion to him in private.

  “Moon? What a good idea. Why did you not mention it at council?”

  “I did not feel it was my place.” Walks with Fire walked with his head down.

  “You are a council Elder now my friend. I know it is a strange turn of events for two Tagish to sit on the great and powerful Tlingit council, however we are part of this tribe now. This is our village; these are our people. You must start to take part, be proud of your position. I must say my wife is proud of our elevated status. Sometimes I think it has gone to her head.” Charging Elk laughed when he thought of Walks Tall Woman and her new hat.

  “Perhaps you could mention it? Moon being the temporary Shaman, not Walks Tall Woman's hat.” Walks with Fire looked to his friend pleadingly. Charging Elk had to smile at the reference to the hat.

  “Yes, I will. Tomorrow we will call the council together and I will make the suggestion. Although I still think you should be the one to do it. She is your wife.” The two walked through the village, discussing Snow Eagle and Little Fawn.

  Gray Wolf stayed with his parents for hours before Moon returned. He thanked her and left the medicine hut. Slowly he walked towards home, where Red Hawk and Black Rain were waiting. “How is she?”

  “No change. It is my father I am worried about. Please go and see him Grandmother.” Red Hawk looked over at Black Rain, deep concern on both of their faces.

  “I will go in the morning. The rain is coming and these old bones don't move well in the dampness. Now you must eat, and rest.” She stirred the large bowl of stew. Black Rain moved next to his grandson, discussing the council meeting. He wanted to let Gray Wolf know that he was doing a good job.

  “To be honest, I would rather take my men and go on a raid. That is were my talents are best used. Once my father is back with us, he can take over again.” Gray Wolf ate slowly. Black Rain understood that the young man was missing his wife and his life as lead warrior, but the welfare of the village was at stake.

  “You are doing a fine job on the council. I am proud of the way you have kept your emotions in check.” The old man patted the younger man's shoulder. Red Hawk smiled at the exchange. She too was proud of the more mature Gray Wolf.

  Back in the medicine hut, Moon mixed the herbs with hot water. She was taking a very big risk, but something had to be done. Snow Eagle was useless in his current state, and Little Fawn would die if drastic measures were not taken. Slowly Moon tore the leaves, adding just the right amount of crushed powder. Painstakingly careful, she did not question her decision. She had seen Brave Beaver use this plant twice before. Moon knew that it would elevate the heartbeat and could end Little Fawn's life. But she had seen it bring a man back from Spirit world before, and she prayed it would work this time. In her heart she knew that if anyone found out what she had done and Little Fawn died, it would be her life on the line. She cried not for herself, but for her husband, who would be banished from the village forever. I pray he will understand. Moon was ready to face the consequences of her own death; she had to try to save Little Fawn.

  Snow Eagle rose, kissed Little Fawn's cheek and walked from the hut. Moon thought it very strange that he had not spoken or even acknowledged her. Did he see what she was doing? Did he know? Moon's hand shook as she stirred the steamy liquid.

  Snow Eagle walked to the edge of the water. A light rain fell. The sky grew dark. He too had reached his decision. Tomorrow, he would take Little Fawn in the canoe. He would paddle slowly out to sea, where he would end both of their lives. He knew she was close to leaving him and he could not live without her. It was best that they died together and traveled to Kiwa-a, realm of happiness. Gray Wolf was back and would take care of the villagers. Charging Elk and Walks with Fire would ensure that the people were safe. All of them would travel back to the valley soon and Gray Wolf's son would be born. At the thought of not seeing his grandchild, Snow Eagle began to cry. He sat on the large boulders and sobbed.

  Walks with Fire stopped by to see his wife. “Will you be here all night again Moon?” She nodded, deeply absorbed in what she was doing. “I will see you in the morning, make sure you eat that food I brought for you.” He reached for her arm, lifting her to her feet. She snuggled close, his arms holding her tightly. Her mind was racing.

  I pray I am not making a grave mistake my husband. I am not the only one that will suffer, if I fail. She shuddered. Walks with Fire extended his arms looking deeply into her eyes. “What troubles you Moon?” She pulled him close and did not answer. “Shall I stay with you tonight?” She took a deep breath, knowing that he must leave.

  “No, my husband, I am just tired. You go home and I will see you in the morning. I have much to do here tonight. Little Fawn needs me.”

  “You should be the new Shaman, you are an excellent healer. Moon, I am very proud of you.” She smiled at him, thinking, I hope you think so tomorrow. He kissed her, and left her alone.

  Moon walked slowly to Little Fawn. She hesitated before lifting Little Fawn's head in her arm. Slowly she leaned over to feel Little Fawn's breath. Satisfied that she was still breathing, Moon squeezed the wet cloth into her mouth. Little Fawn coughed. Moon continued to administer the herbal mixture; all of the time praying to Kah-shu-gon-yah to spare Little Fawn's life. It would be a long night. This herbal mixture would have to be given every two hours until morning. Then Moon would know whether she had made the right decision and both Little Fawn's and her own fate would be decided.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  The sun rose slowly over the mountaintops casting a pink haze across the sky. Gold light flickered as the golden ball rose higher in the sky. People would soon be coming out of their houses to greet the day. Snow Eagle felt the heat of the sun on his face. He awoke to find himself lying on the large boulders by the shore. Stiff and sore from his uncomfortable perch, he stood and stretched his body. Soon his mind began to formulate a plan. He looked toward the canoes on the shore. His mind was made up.

  Red Hawk had woken early and was returning from the water's edge. She had not seen him when she passed. It was too dark. Now she watched him stretching his tall frame as she approached. “Good morning Snow Eagle. Did you decide that the rocks were more comfortable than your mat?” He turned to look at her.

  “Mother. No, I must have fallen asleep late last night. I came here to pray.”

  “And did you get your answers, my son?”

  “Yes, I know what I must do.” A far away look, cast across his face, he looked almost happy. Red Hawk found this unnerving; she felt a cold chill run down her spine.

  “What must you do?” She was beginning to feel very nervous. Her son was not himself. He did not answer her. “I asked you a question. Do you disrespect your mother?” This seemed to bring him back to her.

  “No, Mother. I was just thinking. I have much to do today. You will have to excuse me.” He closed the gap between them, looked deeply into her eyes and hugged her. His arms tightened around her as he kissed the top of her gray head. Snow Eagle looked at her once more, and then turned and walked toward the medicine hut. Red Hawk began to shake. A terrible premonition filled her being. She moved as quickly as she could toward her house. She needed to get Gray Wolf and Black Rain right away. It took much longer than she would have liked to reach the house. “Gray Wolf, Black Rain hurry!” She shouted but heard only loud snoring coming from the house. She shouted again, this time a few grumbles could be heard. “Get up and get dressed, hurry something is terribly wrong.” Both men rolled off of their bed mats and looked at her sleepily. “I said hurry!” They began to dress, grumbling as they did. Gray Wolf was ready long before Black Rain.

  “What is wrong Grandmother?” He was sleepy and confused but he could tell that something was very wrong.

  “Get to the me
dicine hut and don't let your Father do anything silly. I will follow you with Black Rain, we do not move as quickly as you do. Now go.” Gray Wolf wanted answers but his respect for his grandmother told him to go. He rushed through the door, followed close behind by Black Rain still pulling his shirt over his head and Red Hawk pushing him along.

  Halfway to the medicine hut, Gray Wolf met Moon who shouted at him. “Stop him, he mustn't take her anywhere. Please hurry!” She was out of breath from running and barely audible. Gray Wolf was more confused than ever.

  “Stop who?”

  “Stop Snow Eagle, he has Little Fawn, hurry.”

  Red Hawk and Black Rain reached the pair, just as Gray Wolf ran off toward the shore. Moon tried to catch her breath. Red Hawk asked her what was going on.

  “I must have fallen asleep. I woke up just in time to see Snow Eagle carry Little Fawn from the medicine hut. I was groggy; it took a few minutes to realize I wasn't dreaming. I ran after him but he was too fast. Someone stop him.” She began to move towards the shore with the two older adults close behind. Gray Wolf was running ahead of her. People appeared from their houses, curious, they stared at them as they hurried passed.

  Gray Wolf reached the beach just as Snow Eagle was pushing the canoe off the rocky shore. He grabbed the back of the canoe and tugged at it. His father turned to look at him with a strange eerie look. Gray Wolf was frightened. “What are you doing? Father, it is me, Gray Wolf.”

  “We must go, goodbye my son.” Snow Eagle tried to push the canoe but Gray Wolf held fast. Soon Charging Elk arrived to see what the commotion was about.

  “Charging Elk, help me pull the canoe back on shore, we must get Mother back to the medicine hut.” Charging Elk looked from father to son, not sure what to do.

  “Goodbye my friend, take care of the villagers.” Snow Eagle turned to Charging Elk. Realizing the severity of the situation, Charging Elk reached over and helped Gray Wolf pull the canoe out of the water. Snow Eagle looked surprised. “Please Little Fawn and I must go, now. Kah-shu-gon-yah is waiting for us.” Gray Wolf and Charging Elk exchanged a knowing look.

  “Here is Red Hawk and Black Rain. I think you should go with them so that Gray Wolf and I can get Little Fawn back to the medicine hut.” Charging Elk tried to convince Snow Eagle to go. Terrified, Moon moved toward Little Fawn. She climbed into the canoe. She prayed the Little Fawn was not dead.

  “Snow Eagle, come quickly.” Moon shouted to Snow Eagle, who turned sharply to look at her. “Come here.” Snow Eagle leaned into the canoe where he had placed Little Fawn. Moon pointed. “Look at her.” Snow Eagle followed Moon's pointing fingers to Little Fawn's face; her eyes were open.

  “No!” he screamed, “She is gone. No, Little Fawn wait for me.” Snow Eagle was losing control. His arms began to flail in the air.

  “Snow Eagle, look at her, she lives.” Moon pulled at his flailing arms. The others came closer. Snow Eagle stopped to stare at Moon. Slowly, he returned his gaze to Little Fawn, who slowly smiled up at him.

  “Moon, she is alive.” Snow Eagle could not believe his eyes. The others were jubilant. Snow Eagle picked Little Fawn up in his arms, tears rolled down his cheeks dripping on her face. Little Fawn tried to speak but could manage only a faint whisper. Gray Wolf and Charging Elk clasped hands in great joy. Moon took charge of the situation.

  “I want you to take Little Fawn back to the medicine hut, right now.” Although she was small, at that moment her voice was filled with authority. No one questioned her. The happy band moved quickly back to the medicine hut. Snow Eagle placed Little Fawn gently on the mat; his hand brushed her cheek. His heart was filled with joy. The others stood by, their heads filled with many questions. Walks with Fire appeared in the medicine hut, confused to find everyone there. Soon they were all talking at once.

  “I want all of you to leave. If you go to the Council hut, I will come and tell you what I have done. But first I must make sure Little Fawn is alright.” Moon, still in charge, ushered all but Snow Eagle from the hut.

  “I owe you a great debt Moon. How did you bring her back to us?” Snow Eagle felt humbled in the presence of this little Haida woman. He was overjoyed.

  “I will tell you how I did it, but you must understand I was desperate.” She was relieved to see Snow Eagle acting normal again. The two spent the next few minutes discussing her remedy in detail. Snow Eagle was surprised but also impressed.

  “You realize that you took a great risk?”

  “Yes, but luckily Kah-shu-gon-yah heard our prayers and brought her back to us.”

  “Moon, I thank you. I apologize for leaving you with no counsel but I was so worried about Little Fawn, I was not in this world for sometime. I shall thank Kah-shu-gon-yah everyday of my life, that he brought you here to us.” He turned his attention to Little Fawn, “Welcome back my wife. I have missed you.” Moon excused herself, knowing that her patient was in good hands. She walked quietly to the edge of the meadow and fell to her knees. She thanked Kah-shu-gon-yah. Walks with Fire followed her; he stood back and watched his wife with pride. He knew she was praying and gave her the privacy she needed. His chest was bursting with pride. He did not think he could love her more than he did this minute.

  Everyone crowded into the Council hut, waiting for Moon. Walks Tall Woman waited with Charging Elk, all of the Elders and the new council members took their places. Soon Moon and Walks with Fire arrived. Moon looked at everyone smiling. She felt very happy that everything had turned out for the best, but now she had to tell them of the great risk she had taken. It could have turned out very different if Little Fawn had died. Everyone was silent, Moon had their attention. Slowly and carefully she explained what she had done. Several loud gasps were heard, people showing shocked surprise that she would take such a chance. Everyone knew the consequences if Little Fawn had died.

  Snow Eagle arrived taking his place beside Moon. People were coming to grips with what Moon had done, and planning a great celebration at the same time. The room was filled with mixed emotions. “Everyone, I have something to say. I must apologize for my show of weakness. I have not been here for you these past weeks.” Many people mumbled under their breath that they understood. Everyone wanted to show support for Snow Eagle. “I appreciate your support but right now, I want to address Moon. I was not there to perform my duties, and she has taken it upon herself to take a great risk.” People waited. Was Snow Eagle about to discipline Moon? Had she overstepped? Walks with Fire held his breath. Red Hawk and Black Rain held hands waiting patiently for their son to speak. “This young woman has saved Little Fawn's life. I am going to begin training Moon as the village's next Shaman.” Everyone gasped; this was unprecedented. Gray Wolf looked surprised, Walks with Fire burst with pride and joy. Moon stared at Snow Eagle in shocked amazement. Walks Tall Women looked both surprised and annoyed.

  “But….” Moon could not speak.

  “Let me finish. Moon you have shown to be very gifted in the art of healing and you obviously have a very strong connection to spirit. The Tlingit need to know that there is a Shaman waiting to take my place. You have been chosen by Kah-shu-gon-yah to be the next Shaman. Do you accept this responsibility?” Moon could only nod her head in acceptance. She could not believe what was happening. Everyone cheered. “Now, let us have a great celebration. Little Fawn is not well yet, but she is back from the land of spirit and will be amongst us very soon, thanks to Moon.” Moon blushed a deep crimson.

  The entire village celebrated, food was plentiful. Many stories were told. New stories of how Moon, the Haida woman, had saved Little Fawn's life and would become the new Shaman of the Tlingit nation.

  Dove congratulated Moon and returned to sit with her sister. “I am so happy for Moon. She is a lovely woman.”

  “Lovely? I think it is ridiculous. How can a Haida woman, become our next Shaman?” Walks Tall Woman was not pleased.

  “You are just jealous, little sister.”

  “Jealous, of her? Don't be r
idiculous.”

  “Yes, you are jealous because she will have higher standing than you do. I do not understand why you can not be happy for her.” Dove had enough of her sister's high and mighty attitude and moved away to sit with the other slaves. Walks Tall Women watched her go. She could not believe her own sister would say those things to her. She picked up her new hat, plopped it on her head defiantly and went to find Charging Elk.

  Snow Eagle sat with Gray Wolf, Red Hawk and Black Rain. He was feeling much more like his old self again. Finally Little Fawn was recovering and the villagers were celebrating. Red Hawk looked over at him. She could not help but wonder just what Snow Eagle had been planning before they all stopped him. Did you plan to take yourself and Little Fawn to Kiwa-a? Moon has saved both of you, my son.

  In the nights that followed, Snow Eagle was tormented by dreams. He was being swallowed by the black sea and Little Fawn was crying out for him. He could not reach her. Every night he would awaken, sweat dripping from his brow, his heart beating. How could he have made such a mistake? He should have been strong. He should have been the one to administer the cure to Little Fawn. But he was not strong; he showed great weakness. He was not the brave, strong leader that his people thought he was. He was torn by his guilt and his joy at having Little Fawn back. He would often sleep beside her in the medicine hut, waiting anxiously for her to come home.

  Red Hawk was surprised when Gray Wolf told her he was leaving. “So soon?”

  “Yes, I want to be with Songbird when my child is born. The entire village will soon be moving to the valley and we will join you there. I must go, I am not meant to be sitting on the Elder council. My day will come soon enough. You know me, Grandmother, I have warriors to train and a wife that needs me.” Red Hawk understood, but she would miss her grandson. She was not convinced that Snow Eagle was completely recovered from this entire trauma. After seeing his grandmother, Gray Wolf went to spend time with his mother in the medicine hut.