Snow Eagle (15 page)

Snow Eagle and Charging Elk tied Sunflower to a dead tree trunk. Carefully they looked for tracks leading out of the cave. “She must have Little Fawn somewhere else. Be careful where you step. We must track her steps.” Snow Eagle stepped back and let Charging Elk take the lead. He was no good at tracking and his mind was on Little Fawn. He had to find her. He turned to glare at Sunflower. The mad woman was singing to herself. It seemed like hours, as Charging Elk searched every square inch of ground and the madwoman sang and screeched. Snow Eagle thought he would go mad himself if he could not go and search soon.

As Charging Elk inspected the ground, small pebbles fell on his back and head. It drew his attention upward. More small pebbles fell, as if something was kicking them from a ledge up on the cliff. “Snow Eagle, go back over there and look up above me. Something is making these pebbles fall. See if you can see anything.” Snow Eagle moved as if in a daze. Slowly his eyes rose up the cliff above Charging Elk. He screamed.

“Someone is there, I can see someone lying on the ledge. Hurry it must be Little Fawn.” Snow Eagle ran towards the cliff searching for a trail.

“Over here, there is a narrow trail here.” Charging Elk and Snow Eagle ran up the narrow cliff path. There, high above where Sunflower was tied, they found the opening to another cave. In the mouth of the cave lay Little Fawn. She was still bound; her thin body was covered in blood. Blood soaked tracks in the sand revealed how her bound legs had swept the ground, sending the pebbles falling. Charging Elk was amazed. Snow Eagle ran to her. He lifted her lifeless body hugging her close. His tears fell on her face. Slowly she opened her eyes.
Was she dreaming? Was Snow Eagle here holding her close?
Once again she lost consciousness. “Are we in time? Is she alive?” Charging Elk moved closer. Snow Eagle nodded, tears ran down his face.

“Sunflower must have kept her here, somehow she made her way to the opening. I am sure she heard us below. It was ingenious to knock pebbles from the ledge. Little Fawn is an amazing woman. We must get her back to the village.”

Charging Elk led the way down the narrow path, much slower than before. He realized now just how narrow the path was. They had taken a great risk moving at such speed but neither one of them had been thinking of their own safety. Snow Eagle followed carrying Little Fawn. He spoke to her gently, calling her back to him.

They wanted to get back to the village as quickly as possible. Snow Eagle checked Little Fawn's nose for breath. She was breathing but it was shallow. “Let's hurry.” His grip tightened on her bony body.

Charging Elk, untied Sunflower from the tree. She screeched at Little Fawn. “You are dead, you killed my son and now you are dead.” Snow Eagle wanted to hit her.

Charging Elk pushed Sunflower ahead of him down the trail, he tied a long tether of rope to her waist to ensure she did not run away. It was a great relief to have found Little Fawn alive but she did not look good. Charging Elk was very worried. Night was falling and it would be a long walk through the dark forest.

They came to a cool mountain stream. Charging Elk tied Sunflower to a tree and helped Snow Eagle lay Little Fawn on a soft mossy knoll. Snow Eagle carried water and tried to get her to drink. She was unconscious but her starved body reacted and her mouth opened for the water. Slowly he washed her face. One eye was swollen shut. He began to wash the caked blood from her bruised arms. Gently he held her and with each stroke, he realized how thin she was. He looked over at Charging Elk, who could not miss the concern on his face.

“She will live. Once we get back to the village, you can take care of her. She is strong.” Charging Elk tried to reassure his friend but in his heart he did not think Little Fawn would live through the night. The temperature was dropping quickly. “We must build a fire to keep her warm. I will gather wood.” He moved away wanting to do something useful. Snow Eagle prayed with all of his strength for spirit to keep her alive. He pulled his long fur coat over her, with no regard for his own warmth. Soon, he lay beside her, pulling the coat over both of them, willing her to live.

Within minutes, Charging Elk had a fire burning. He moved Sunflower closer to the flame. He did not want her freezing to death, although at the moment, he could easily have killed her with his bare hands. She seemed to be far away in another world, totally unaware of the forest or the cold. It would be a long night. Even a brave warrior like Charging Elk was nervous of the forest at night. It was thought to be where evil lived. Nervously, he peered into the darkness.

The village was quiet. Almost everyone was asleep. Walks Tall Woman lay awake, wondering where Charging Elk was. She prayed to Kah-shu-gon-yah to bring her husband back to her safe and sound. In another house, Gray Wolf lay sending his own message skyward. His mother had been kidnapped and now his father was somewhere in the forest looking for her. Gray Wolf prayed more than he ever had for their safe return. He asked Great Spirit to help him be the man he needed to be, a leader of his people. He thought of Songbird, missing her body close to his. That night he felt very alone.

Charging Elk and Snow Eagle were awakened by Sunflower's screams. She shouted her son's name over and over, staring blankly into the forest. It was as if she could see him. “Untie her.” Charging Elk stared at Snow Eagle in surprise.

“Untie her? This woman is mad. She is a danger to herself and to us. I don't think we should untie her.” Charging Elk was very confused by Snow Eagle's attitude.

“I said untie her. She sees her son's spirit. He calls to her. Let her go.”

Hesitantly, Charging Elk cut the bindings on Sunflower's hands and feet. She jumped up and ran into the forest. “Follow her.” Snow Eagle instructed, rising to his feet.

He pulled the coat over Little Fawn and started after Sunflower with Charging Elk close behind. Sunflower ran only a short distance through the forest and then veered sharply to the right. “She is heading for the cliff.” Snow Eagle increased his speed. Charging Elk and Snow Eagle cleared the trees just in time to watch Sunflower, screaming her son's name, run to the edge. She did not stop. The speed of her body propelled her over the cliff, suspending in midair for a few seconds and then falling to the rocks below. When the two men reached the edge of the cliff, they saw her crumpled body at the stony bottom.

“Snow Eagle, how could this happen? What have I done?” Charging Elk was beside himself.

“You did not let this happen. I told you to untie her. The spirits were calling her to the other side. It is done.” Snow Eagle turned and slowly walked away, head down. Charging Elk did not know what to make of what had just happened. His mind was in turmoil. He could understand that Snow Eagle was not sorry to see Sunflower dead but was this really how it should have ended? Did he know what she was about to do? Charging Elk sat on a large log to gather his thoughts. Never in his life had he experienced anything like this.

Snow Eagle returned to Little Fawn. As he sat beside her still body, he prayed that he had done the right thing. He wanted Sunflower dead. He knew that she was seeing spirits and that she would try to kill herself. He did nothing to stop her. Did he deserve to lead his people, after this? Many thoughts filled his mind; he did not notice that Charging Elk was not behind him. Both men had much to think about as the sun rose in the sky.

Back in the village a meeting of the Elder Council was taking place. “We will ask Walks with Fire and Charging Elk to sit on the council. Our tribes are uniting and this will help to soothe things with Giant Bear and the Tagish. Both are good men who have proven themselves to the Tlingit. Do we all agree?” Black Rain looked at Red Hawk and the others, everyone including Gray Wolf nodded in agreement. “Our new Elder Council will sit in a few days, we will take our place in the second circle to guide and advise but it will be up to you young people now. Do not take your responsibility lightly.”

Gray Wolf, Prairie Flower, Burning Branch, and Walks with Fire all sat silently. This was a very big responsibility. Gray Wolf wondered how his Father would feel about this decision. It was obvious that Snow Eagle would remain on the council, which meant that at least one of the Elders was still in charge. Sunflower was also still a member of the Elder council, however the speculation that she had something to do with Little Fawn's disappearance may change things.
Where was his Father? Had he found his Mother and was she alive?
Gray Wolf's mind wandered. In his heart he knew that this was not his calling, he was a warrior, a protector of the people. Sitting on the council making decisions was his Father's purpose, not his. He should be out looking for them, not sitting here with women and old men. He was not the only one thinking of Snow Eagle, Charging Elk, Sunflower and Little Fawn.

Walks with Fire returned to tell Moon of his news. “This is a great honor, which you must take very seriously.” Moon was thrilled for him but she could see the doubt beginning to form on his face. “You are deserving of this honor, my husband. You will do a good job.” Walks with Fire took her in his arms. He was pleased that she had such confidence in him.

“I will only agree if Charging Elk agrees. He is not here and we do not know his reaction. We will not celebrate yet.” He hugged her tightly, wondering just how long it would be before he saw his friend again.

Later that afternoon, children ran from the meadow shouting that someone was coming. The villagers watched the meadow to see who approached. When they realized it was Snow Eagle and Charging Elk, many ran to greet them. Everyone stopped, very still, when they realized Snow Eagle was carrying someone. Quiet whispers of speculation filled the air.
Was it Little Fawn? Was it Sunflower? What happened?

Walks with Fire and Gray Wolf ran to the two men. Gray Wolf stared at the lifeless body of his Mother in shock. Slowly he lifted her from Snow Eagle's tired arms. “Is she dead?”

“No, she lives, but barely. We must get her to the medicine hut, quickly.” Exhausted, Snow Eagle clapped his son's shoulder, relieved to see him. Walks with Fire put his arm around Charging Elk's shoulder, “Where is Sunflower? Did you not follow her? Is that not how you found Little Fawn?” Charging Elk smiled at his friend, always asking more than one question at one time and expecting a quick answer. He was glad to be home.

The grave matters at hand, soon erased his smile. “Sunflower is dead. Come we will help Snow Eagle get Little Fawn settled and then I will tell you how it happened. It is a very distressing story, my friend.” The two men walked silently, Charging Elk taking great solace in his friend's presence.

For three days, Snow Eagle stayed by Little Fawn's side. She was still unconscious. Moon prepared Dogwood tea to bring down the fever. Knowing that Little Fawn needed nourishment, Moon soaked rags in water and squeezed them into Little Fawn's mouth to help keep her hydrated. Sometimes she would use broth to provide some much needed nourishment. Moon was very worried about Little Fawn, but she was most disturbed at Snow Eagle's lack of response. Moon asked him about feeding Little Fawn, but received no answer. He was far away in another world with spirit. She soaked the cloth again, bringing it to Little Fawn's mouth. Moon lifted the lifeless head. She was very careful not to allow Little Fawn to choke.

Seated, with his eyes closed Snow Eagle felt helpless. He had not eaten. Hour after hour he prayed for Little Fawn's life. He smoked his pipe and let the herbs take him away to Spirit, but there were no answers forthcoming. He could not bear to lose her.

People came to visit bringing totems for good luck, herbs to burn in the medicine fire and food that remained uneaten. The entire village was sad and worried.

“Something has to be done. Snow Eagle is not himself and Moon can only do so much.” Gray Wolf addressed the Elder council. “We must send for Brave Beaver. We need a healer right now.” The others looked at each other for answers. No one wanted to bring Brave Beaver in to take Snow Eagle's place as Shaman, but Little Fawn's life depended on it. Snow Eagle was unreachable. The Hawk's wing was passed to Prairie Flower. She was growing more confident every day in her new position.

“Send runners to bring Brave Beaver here. It will take many days to reach his village in the south and many more for them to return. I only pray he will arrive in time.” Prairie Flower handed the Hawk's wing to Burning Branch. He weighed his words carefully before speaking.

“Little Fawn is growing weaker by the day. Something must be done but I too wonder if we have time to wait for Brave Beaver.” Burning Branch's face showed his distress. Walks with Fire wanted to remind them that his wife, Moon was taking care of Little Fawn and had been taught by Brave Beaver, but he did not yet feel confident enough in his position on the council. He remained silent.

“We have to do something, I say send the runners now. Snow Eagle is my father, I do not want to see anyone replace him, but right now he is not performing as Shaman. He is a man grieving for his sick wife.” Gray Wolf was trying to keep his emotions in check. The older members of the council sat silently observing.

“Send the men.” Charging Elk and Walks with Fire, who had been silent until now, both agreed. A decision was reached and one of the men went to send the party on their way to the Haida village far in the south. Gray Wolf stood, signaling the end of the meeting and walked sadly from the council hut. The others remained seated watching him go.

“It is a difficult decision for Gray Wolf. I honestly think it is too late.” Burning Branch shook his head sadly. The others prayed under their breath that Little Fawn would live. Red Hawk and Black Rain were silent. The young people were in charge now. Behind the elders, Walks Tall Woman sat wearing her newly woven hat. The hat was banded and bore the crest of the Tlingit hierarchy. How she had relished the chore of weaving it, once Charging Elk was put on the council. It was not that she had ever been treated badly by the Tlingit, but the stigma of once being a slave to this village still burned in her. Now she had gone from the lowest of the low, to someone demanding respect. She was enjoying her newfound status.

Gray Wolf walked slowly towards the medicine hut. Moon was trying to explain something to Snow Eagle when he arrived. She had prepared Horsemint for Little Fawn, trying desperately to reduce fever and chills. Moon was at her wits end. Frustrated, she turned toward him, “I can't get through to him. I need his advice.” Tears began to roll down her face. Gray Wolf put his hand on her shoulder.

“We all understand Moon. You are doing a very good job and we appreciate it. My father is not himself right now.” Gray Wolf sat beside Snow Eagle, who didn't appear to know he was there. Gray Wolf took his mother's hand. His family was in turmoil. Gray Wolf missed Songbird. The Tlingit had called him back to take charge; he felt helpless. Moon took the opportunity to leave the hut for a few minutes. As she reached the doorway, she turned and looked at the forlorn pair. Her heart went out to these two brave, strong men. She wiped her tears and stepped out into the cool, damp air. Taking a few deep breathes; she came to a conclusion. It was time to act.

Moon headed for the shore, where she knew she would find Dove and the other slave women, gathering seaweed. It wasn't long before she found her. Motioning Dove to her so they could speak in private, Moon hesitated before she began. “Dove, I need your help.” The short, stocky woman looked at her curiously.

“What can I do?”

“Little Fawn is not getting better. I know she showed you where the herbs and plants grow in the meadows.” Dove nodded, waiting patiently. “I need you to take me there so I can find a special plant.” Dove was about to ask about the plant, but decided it was not her business. As a lowly slave, she had no right to question. Moon was married to a council member and considered elevated in Tlingit society. Dove's mind wandered to her sister, Walks Tall Woman. Ever since Charging Elk was sworn in on the Elder council, her sister walked proudly and almost defiantly amongst the people. Walks Tall Woman always said that getting Moon to talk was like getting milk from a dog. But Dove was fond of this quiet, pensive woman, who was unaffected by her own husband's promotion. Moon was a selfless, healer. Dove wanted to help in any way she could. Little Fawn was her friend; she missed her.

“Come, I will show you. Anything to help Little Fawn, I still feel very guilty that I could not help her that day in the forest.” Dove's face was overcome with sadness. Moon put her arm around her shoulder in comfort.

“It was not your fault. Sunflower was out of her mind and determined to capture Little Fawn. Right now we must concentrate on getting her better. How is your head today?” Dove still suffered terrible headaches.

“Not bad, thank you. The Pennyroyal tea that you gave me helps.” The two women headed for the meadow.

Charging Elk and Walks with Fire strolled through the village. “I am very concerned that the runners will not find Brave Beaver. Or that he will refuse to come, after all he is the Haida Shaman and cannot just leave his people without a healer. This is a very serious situation. If only we could reach Snow Eagle. He seems to have gone over to Spirit World far from reality.”

“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.