Grey Eyes

by Franks Busch

  A wave of disbelief rippled through the Nehiyawak. It would seem Nisichawayasihk would again have two Grey-Eyes living in it.

  Like everyone else, Little Grey Bear Boy stared at Water Lily Woman. Her eyes met his. He had been very young when Soaring Star Woman passed into the Spirit World—he had not remembered what grey eyes looked like. He had tried many times to see himself in the reflection of still water, but he could never quite tell what made his eyes so different from everyone else’s. He could not imagine that his eyes could be anywhere near as beautiful as those of Water Lily Woman…

  Green Wing Woman stepped forward for the Turtle clan, most of whom were staring at their new sisters.

  “My daughter, my granddaughter,” she addressed the newcomers. “The Turtle lodge would be truly blessed to welcome you into our family.”

  The people of Nisichawayasihk cheered as the two women embraced their clan mother and new sisters in turn.

  Red Sky Man talked into the elder Eagle twin’s ear. She nodded as he spoke. She then stepped forward for the Eagle clan.

  “My sisters. I think we would be asking far too much of Painted Turtle Man to have him teach both of the Grey-Eyes. Perhaps one of them should be instructed by Red Sky Man…”

  Little Grey Bear Boy snapped out of his dumb stare. He looked at his grandmother but she did not return his gaze. She held herself very still. Her face reddened as it dawned on her what Red Sky Man had done. Before she could gather her thoughts, Green Wing Woman again stepped forward for the Turtle clan.

  “My sisters. My new daughter has come a very long way, guided by the Grandmother Turtle in search of learning. She came seeking the teachings of Painted Turtle Man and she should be able to receive them.”

  “My sisters, perhaps there is a solution to this problem,” said Gliding Heron Woman, stepping forward for the Marten clan. “For many years, Little Grey Bear Boy has had the benefit of learning from Painted Turtle Man. Perhaps he could spend some time learning what Red Sky Man has to teach, in order to allow our new daughter an opportunity to learn from Painted Turtle Man as she requests.”

  All of the clan matriarchs nodded in agreement—all but Walking Moon Woman. When the Circle of Clan Mothers faced a decision, all of the matriarchs had to agree or no action could be taken. Normally, this consensus served the greater harmony of the Nehiyawak. But, as happened occasionally, it could put those who were in the minority in a difficult position, as it did now with Walking Moon Woman.

  All eyes in the village were on her as she stepped forward on behalf of the Bear clan.

  “My sisters,” she began, “this would seem a wise course of action, but it would be difficult for my grandson to be separated from the one he calls Moosum. It would make my heart sad to see my grandson unhappy, regardless of how wise the decision would be.”

  The Nehiyawak sighed sympathetically for Walking Moon Woman’s predicament. A person’s feelings were always held in the highest regard.

  The elder Eagle twin again stepped forward. “Motch, my sister. It is not as though we are asking that the boy be separated from his moosum. He would simply spend some time with Red Sky Man during our Grandfather Sun’s light. He would return to the Bear lodge to be with his family each evening before our Grandmother Moon appears.”

  The Nehiyawak looked back at Walking Moon Woman, hopeful for a resolution. She could not deny the wisdom of the Eagle matriarch’s words, and could not resist further without seeming uncompromising or stubborn.

  “It seems you have grown very wise, my sister,” said Walking Moon Woman bitterly.

  She spoke to the elder Eagle twin, but her eyes were fixed on Red Sky Man.

  “I believe the Circle of Clan Mothers is now in agreement,” said Drifting Butterfly Woman. It was her duty as matriarch of the Cranes to close the circle, though she was aware the decision was not ideal for the Bear clan.

  “Ekosi…” she said after hearing no objection.

  The people of Nisichawayasihk chatted excitedly about the decision and the benefits of having another Grey-Eye in the village where so many other villages did not have even one.

  Painted Turtle Man felt as though a rock had been lodged in his chest and he glared at Red Sky Man. The Eagle medicine carrier was looking at Walking Moon Woman, a puzzled expression on his face. For a moment it appeared Red Sky Man had lost himself somewhere in the old woman’s face. He recovered and turned to face Painted Turtle Man’s scowl.

  Red Sky Man sent over a smug upward tilt of the head to acknowledge his victory.

  No one among the Bear clan was happy that Little Grey Bear Boy would now have to receive his education, at least by day, from Red Sky Man.

  “I am not ungrateful for the opportunity,” explained Little Grey Bear Boy when they had returned to the Bear lodge. “But, I don’t see why I should have to spend time with Red Sky Man, Nookum.”

  “I am sorry, my boy,” replied Walking Moon Woman. “The Circle of Clan Mothers has spoken.”

  “Why would you agree to such a thing?”

  “The council’s reasoning was sound. This way, you will have the benefit of two teachers.”

  “I agree with the boy,” stated Painted Turtle Man. “He should be able to do as he chooses.”

  “Oh, is that how it should be?” asked Walking Moon Woman. “We should just let the children decide everything for themselves?”

  “Motch. This situation is different.”

  “Don’t worry. If any problem arises, I will use it to speak to the Circle of Clan Mothers again. We will just have to put our faith in Kitchi Manitou in this matter. If it is Creator’s will, we will receive our reason soon enough. Perhaps, cousin, you should focus your attention on teaching the new Grey-Eye your plant medicine. This is what the Circle of Clan Mothers demands of you.”

  “Tapwe, I will give the girl the benefit of my knowledge. I guess I should be honoured the Circle of Clan Mothers can still find use for me…”

  “I could help you, Moosum!” The family turned to look at Flying Rabbit Boy in surprise.

  “And how would you help me?” asked Painted Turtle Man.

  “I don’t know. You have taught me many things. Maybe I could tell them to her for you…” The whole family kept staring, wondering when he would realize what they had realized.

  Finally he did. “Well…did you see her?” he said defensively.

  “Awas,” interjected Singing Doe, “you must show respect to this young woman. She has been initiated into the moon lodge. You cannot tease her like one of the little girls.”

  “But she is almost the same age as me,” reasoned Flying Rabbit Boy, “and she is a Turtle!”

  “Awas!” exclaimed Singing Doe, “You have not earned your name yet. You should not even be thinking about women!” Singing Doe looked to her husband for help, but he only smiled his I’m-afraid-he-gets-it-from-me smile.

  The family laughed and tried to carry on with their evening as usual. They finished their meal, said their prayers, and unrolled their buffalo hides for bed. Tomorrow, Little Grey Bear Boy would begin his instructions under Red Sky Man.

  Although he did not care much for his new teacher, Little Grey Boy’s mind was somewhere else. He drifted off to sleep thinking about the new grey-eyed girl who had come to the village. Even with his eyes closed, he could still see the intense grey colour, the half-moon shape, the long lashes and thin arched eyebrows...

  Unknown to him, his younger cousin Flying Rabbit Boy went to sleep with much the same thoughts.

  41

  nīmitanaw piyakosāp

  Little Grey Bear Boy dreamt he was walking through the village. Whomever he encountered would scream and run away. He tried to speak, to reassure them, but they only became more afraid and frantic. Even his own family feared him and ran. He did not understand why they were behaving this way, especially those he had known all his life.
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br />   He was at the lake, bending to see himself in the still water.

  His eyelids had been painted red.

  He awoke cold and shivering. Painted Turtle Man, who lay nearby, was awake. “What is the matter, my boy?” whispered the old man. “What have you seen?”

  “It’s nothing, Moosum,” answered Little Grey Bear Boy. “I will go back to sleep…”

  “Are you sure?” pressed the old man.

  Little Grey Bear Boy sighed. “Why didn’t you say more?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “When I told Nookum I didn’t want to learn from Red Sky Man. You just went along with it. Why didn’t you insist I stay?”

  “Do you think I don’t want to be your teacher?”

  “Do you?”

  “My boy,” soothed Painted Turtle Man, raising himself up on his side. “We must all serve as directed by the Circle of Clan Mothers.”

  “But what about when they are wrong?”

  “They are not wrong just because you disagree with their decision. Sometimes we must sacrifice for the good of the community.”

  “When I have mastered the Grey-Eye magic, I will not have to be the one to make such sacrifices.”

  “Be careful before you start down that road. Your gift is for the benefit of all the Nehiyawak, not just for yourself. Do you think Kitchi Manitou gave this to you to fulfill your own selfish desires?”

  “Tapwe, Moosum. I am sorry I disturbed you.” Little Grey Bear Boy straightened out his buffalo robe and settled back in to sleep.

  “It was no disturbance, my boy. When you reach my age you do not sleep much anyway. Ekosi.” Painted Turtle Man rolled over and pulled his thin buffalo hide over his shoulders.

  When Grandfather Sun rose Little Grey Bear Boy and his adopted grandfather went to make the morning prayers as they had every day for so many years. They smoked the peace pipe and offered thanks to Creator for their blessings. When the ceremony was finished, Little Grey Bear Boy cleaned the peace pipe and repacked the bundle of sacred items. They began the long walk back to the village in silence. Little Grey Bear Boy looked at his hands and waved them through the branches along the edge of the path. He concentrated hard on trying to make the branches move away before they touched his hand. Some of the leaves would twitch or stick upright but not in the manner he intended. Painted Turtle Man pretended not to notice.

  When they reached the village, Painted Turtle Man turned to Little Grey Bear Boy.

  “I will see you at home this evening.”

  “Tapwe, Moosum. I will come when I am able.”

  “Learn what you can,” the old man said, “and if anything confuses you, I will try to help you make sense of it.”

  “Tapwe.”

  Little Grey Bear Boy’s legs felt heavy as he made his way to the Eagle medicine lodge. As he came near, Soaring Spear Man, now one of Red Sky Man’s disciples, ducked inside. One by one, the young helpers exited the Eagle medicine lodge and nodded at Little Grey Bear Boy respectfully.

  “He is waiting for you,” said Soaring Spear Man, holding the door flap open. “Go on in.”

  “Thank you, my brother.”

  Little Grey Bear Boy entered the Eagle medicine lodge to find it full of strange medicines and charms. A dead bird of some kind hung from a cross pole set across the lodge near the top. There were many hunting tools and warrior’s weapons, more than he had ever seen in one lodge. Perhaps the warriors of the village had brought them to be blessed. Red Sky Man waved him over to the far side of the lodge.

  “Tansi? Grandson,” he said.

  Little Grey Bear Boy thought it was presumptuous for a man of forty or so summers to call him ‘grandson.’

  “Come sit down by the fire. There is much for you to learn.”

  “Thank you, Uncle.”

  Red Sky Man ignored the slight.

  “Have you learned of the four elements of the medicine wheel?” he asked.

  Little Grey Bear Boy was suspicious of the question. Was this a test of some sort?

  “I have learned of them,” Little Grey Bear Boy answered humbly, “but I am still learning about them.”

  “Tapwe, well said. The four elements of the medicine wheel are fire, water, earth, and wind. Today we will be learning about fire.” He waved his hands through the flames one after the other, fluttering his fingers as he did so.

  “All right…” said Little Grey Bear Boy, not sure if he was supposed to do the same.

  “What are the seven colours of the fire?” asked Red Sky Man.

  “The seven colours, Uncle?”

  “You mean Painted Turtle Man never taught you the Seven Colours of Fire?”

  “I am sure he was going to…” answered Little Grey Bear Boy confused. “Perhaps he felt I was not yet ready…”

  “I hope you are ready now,” continued Red Sky Man. “You’ll be a man soon enough, won’t you? I will help you to find the seven colours of the fire. Once you have learned them I will try to teach you how to bend the fire to your will.”

  “I was taught that the Fire Spirit gives us its blessing. And, that it cannot be controlled, only asked for its gifts.”

  “I see you have much to learn. Now look into the flames and tell me what colours you see.”

  Little Grey Bear Boy was not used to being scolded. He did as he was instructed, looking long and hard into the fire. Red Sky Man began tapping his hand against his thigh, then he cleared his throat.

  “Uncle, I can see red, orange, yellow, and blue.”

  “Those are the ones anyone could see.” Red Sky Man did not mask his disappointment. “Today you will tend the fire and see what colours are revealed. Often, certain colours can only be seen at certain times of day or night, or only when the fire is big or small. You will experiment with the fire and afterwards you will replace all of the wood you have used in your lessons.”

  “Tapwe, Uncle!” said Little Grey Bear Boy, lowering his eyes.

  “Then I will leave you to it. I will come back later to see how you have done, ekosi.”

  Red Sky Man got up and left the Eagle medicine lodge. He muttered some instructions to Soaring Spear Man, who stood outside the lodge.

  Little Grey Bear Boy stared into the fire. It was a hot summer day and the Eagle medicine lodge was sweltering. He let the fire burn down for a while, hoping it would be less hot with a smaller fire. Little Grey Bear Boy became thirsty and looked around the lodge for a water skin but couldn’t find one. He waited for a time for Red Sky Man to come check up on him and then decided he should go find some water. He poked his head out of the Eagle medicine lodge.

  “What are the seven colours of the fire?” Soaring Spear Man asked him.

  “What?”

  “What are the seven colours of the fire?” the helper repeated.

  “I only know four,” admitted Little Grey Bear Boy.

  “Our teacher said you must remain in the Eagle medicine lodge until you have found all seven colours.”

  “I understand,” said Little Grey Bear Boy. “It is very hot in there, and I am thirsty. Is there any water? I need to have a drink.”

  The two stared at each other for a time, then the helper spoke again. “You cannot leave the medicine lodge until you have found all seven colours.”

  “I see…” His grey eyes narrowed at Soaring Spear Man.

  Little Grey Bear Boy went back into the lodge and again sat near the fire. He continued to stare into it, keeping it burning very low in an effort to keep the lodge cool, but without success. He took off his shirt and leggings. He was sweating now. If this was a test, he would prove himself to Red Sky Man. As he looked into the low fire, he began to notice the odd bit of green flame licking the coals. He now knew five of the seven colours of the fire.

  He thought to himself for a moment, then decided to build up the
fire again. He built it bigger and bigger, remembering he would have to replace the wood he used. Grandfather Sun made his journey across Father Sky and Little Grey Bear Boy felt as though he were in an all-day sweat lodge. He looked hard into the fire but could not find any new colours.

  As Grandfather Sun began to set, Little Grey Bear Boy heard his mother’s voice outside the Eagle medicine lodge.

  “I do not care what you were told. I am his mother! I say it is time for him to come and eat with his family!”

  “I am sorry, Auntie, I am only doing what I was told.” Soaring Spear Man sounded frightened.

  “Tapwe! Now you are being told differently by me!”

  “What is the matter?” said Red Sky Man, suddenly.

  “I am here for my son!” commanded White Willow Woman.

  “Well, of course,” chuckled Red Sky Man. “Our Grandfather Sun has begun to set. I would have thought he would have returned to you by now.”

  Little Grey Bear Boy emerged then from the lodge, fully clothed and exhausted. The evening wind bathed him in cool water. His hair was sweat soaked and he was covered in ash.

  “I am sorry, Uncle. I only found five.”

  “Five!” exclaimed Red Sky Man with mock enthusiasm. “That is very impressive for your first day. Come back tomorrow and you will find the rest. Do not ask anyone for help. It is for you to learn on your own.”

  “Tapwe, Uncle. Thank you for your teachings.”

  “Ekosi.” Red Sky Man patted his pupil on the head like a loving father and smiled at White Willow Woman.

  Little Grey Bear Boy brushed himself off and walked to his mother’s side, trying to look strong. He may have been able to fool a lot of the Nehiyawak with this effort, but not his own mother. As they left, she scowled disapprovingly at the medicine carrier and his helper.

  Red Sky Man only smiled.

  42

  nīmitanaw nīsosāp

  When Little Grey Bear Boy and his mother neared the Bear lodge, the boy ran ahead and inside. He grabbed the water skin out of Yellow Hawk Girl’s hands and began to drink, letting the water splash across his cheeks and down his chin.