Snow Eagle (17 page)

The next day, Gray Wolf bid farewell to everyone and left the village confident that his Mother was on her way to recovery and his Father was back in charge.

It was weeks before Little Fawn was strong enough to return home to her own house. Her stomach seemed unable to take solid foods, but Moon was conscientious in preparing watery gruel and broth for her. Snow Eagle was by her side every night and most of the day. Often she would wake, screaming in terror. He comforted her the best he could. Soon the dreams seemed to come less often for both of them. She began to take small morsels of solid food. He was consumed with guilt, but watching her improve made him feel better. He was indebted to Moon and determined to teach her everything he knew about medicine. The young woman was like a sponge, absorbing the information at an amazing rate. He had not forgotten Gray Wolf's words. He was determined to show his people he was back in charge.

One of the young village women was in labor. Moon had given the young woman Partridgeberry for several days before the delivery. This would ease the baby's journey into the world. Snow Eagle prepared a mixture of Licorice and Buckwheat, one to speed the expulsion of the placenta and the other to stop hemorrhaging. After several hours, the Tlingit welcomed a new male member into the world. Moon was tired but satisfied. She returned to her house for a much needed rest. Walks Tall Woman was preparing the meal.

“So you have decided to eat with us. I think we saw more of you when Little Fawn was in the medicine hut.” Moon just smiled at Walks Tall Woman and went to lie down. She would not give the other the satisfaction of an argument. It seemed that Walks Tall Woman was always prodding her, goading her into a discussion or an argument. Moon could not be bothered with her. “Well, you are talkative, as usual,” sneered Walks Tall Woman, who rolled her eyes. Moon was so frustrating.

Just then Charging Elk and Walks with Fire arrived home from a hunt. “Good evening, wife.” Charging Elk kissed her cheek. She pointed towards the sleeping area and Walks with Fire went to see Moon. She was asleep.

“It looks like Snow Eagle is tiring Moon out. She sleeps before supper.” Walks with Fire returned to the central fire, folding his long legs under himself. Charging Elk sniffed the aromas coming from the stew pot.

“Something smells delicious. We have had successful day hunting. I think this will be our last hunt before we go to the mountains. I for one will look forward to seeing mountains and valleys again.”

“I like the shore. It is warmer and the fishing is excellent.”

“After almost drowning, I don't know how you can enjoy fishing.” The two men laughed and chatted over their meal. Walks Tall Woman was pensive. “What is on your mind, wife?”

“I was wondering what would happen when we get to the valley. After all, Gray Wolf and Songbird will join the village, the Tagish will be united with the Tlingit and I wonder what will happen to the Elder council.” She looked from one man to the other. Neither spoke, waiting for her to make her point. “Think about it. When have two Tagish men, one with an Eyak wife and the other with a Haida wife ever been invited to sit on a council of the great Tlingit?” Neither man had considered it, not being as concerned with politics as Walks Tall Woman obviously was.

“Nothing will change. We are council members, the tribes have united and we are all one people.” Charging Elk took a large chunk of meat and stuffed it in his mouth.

“You do have a point, we are a strange bunch. Two Tagish, one Eyak and one Haida, living with the Tlingit.” Walks with Fire laughed. The conversation had woken Moon, who came to join them. “However, this Haida woman is going to be the new Shaman, so her position is secure.” He smiled up at Moon, who looked sleepily confused.

“Sit down love, you need some nourishment. How did the birth go?”

“Never mind the birth, this is a serious conversation. We might all be out on our ear when we reach the valley. There may be a great shuffle in the council.” Walks Tall Women pulled the attention back to herself.

Walks with Fire handed some food to his wife, who simply smiled and began eating. He was happy that she was a quiet, calm soul and not ‘all fire' like Walks Tall Woman.

“All of us have a secure place here with the Tlingit. You do not have to worry. Your new hat will remain on your head, wife.” Everyone laughed except Walks Tall Woman. She stared stubbornly into the fire. Charging Elk reached over and kissed her cheek. “I will talk to Snow Eagle tomorrow and put your mind at rest.”

The next morning brought sad news to the village. The runners returned without Brave Beaver but with some disturbing news. Everyone gathered around the fire to hear their stories. “When we arrived at the Haida camp just south of here, everyone was gone. The village was deserted.” Moon and Walks with Fire exchanged a worried look. These were the people that had saved Walks with Fire and they were Moon's family.

“Deserted? But the Haida do not move into the mountains as we do. Where did they go?” Snow Eagle was deeply disturbed by this news. The Haida village was generations old; something very bad must have driven them from their home.

“We found many burial sites, it looked as if many died at the same time and were buried. Perhaps there was a great sickness. There were many charred and burnt piles.” The villagers looked worried. Many faces began to show panic.

“Do not panic. If there were a sickness, we would have heard from traders. No one has been here in weeks.” Snow Eagle wanted calm and order.

“That is because they are all dead!” Someone in the crowd shouted and people all talked at once. The sound was deafening. Moon started to cry, Walks with Fire tightened his grip on her shoulders.

“We traveled further south in search of Brave Beaver's people but after we found the second and then the third village deserted, we decided to return. We were very careful to smudge ourselves with sage to ensure we did not bring disease back to the village. We did not touch anything from the villages.” The runners were trying to assure everyone that they were not infected. All of them seemed healthy but people began to distance themselves.

“We do not know that it was disease. Perhaps there is a war party that is invading the shore villages, or perhaps there is a great Potlach that the Haida have traveled to.” Snow Eagle was grasping at straws. What could have happened? “I suggest we begin to pack for the mountains. We were leaving at Grass moon, now we will leave early. Something has driven the Haida from their homes and we are not going to stay to find out what it is.” Snow Eagle turned to Charging Elk. “You and Walks with Fire spread the word to everyone, we will leave in four days. It will be a long journey. The villagers must prepare to travel now.”

Red Hawk, Black Rain and Raging Bull were deeply distressed by this news. All of them were dreading the journey back to valley; they were getting old. However, they would pack up their gear and move out with everyone else as they had for many years.

Snow Eagle directed the runners to the medicine hut. He would keep them isolated for the time being. He instructed Moon to put sage and other herbs on the fire and keep the hut filled with the cleansing smoke. Moon was trying to pay attention but her mind was on her people. Where did they go? She asked the men to describe what they had seen. Everything they told her made her think that a great sickness had spread through the village. She was heartbroken, but duty called and she pushed the tears away. Moon had work to do, these men needed tending and she would not neglect her duty. She wiped the tears that threatened to fall, inhaled deeply and went to prepare the fire.

Snow Eagle went to inform Little Fawn that they would be traveling. He hoped she would be strong enough to make the long journey. “I will be fine. I can ride part of the journey on the travois. You just go and do what you must to get the people ready.” Little Fawn was happy to be alive; she was ready to do whatever was necessary. “Poor Moon, she must be devastated. Her people might all be dead.” Her thoughts turned to Brave Beaver and Swift Otter. Silently she prayed for her son's safety.
When will this family have peace?

When Snow Eagle went to inform Raging Bull that they would be leaving shortly, he found the old man asleep. After trying to wake him, Snow Eagle realized that he was dead. The Tlingit would have to bury another of their people before leaving the seashore. Reverently he covered Raging Bull's head and went to find his parents. This would be difficult news to deliver.

The Tlingit moved out in an orderly fashion. The runners were released from the medicine hut, showing no ill effects. Snow Eagle was not convinced that a great sickness had killed the Haida, but something had driven them from their home and he would not take any chances with his people. The weather was unusually warm for Crow Moon, and he thanked Kah -shu-gon-yah for answering his prayers. Little Fawn seemed much stronger and the move to the valley would ensure his people were safe; he was feeling better than he had in weeks. They had held a burial ceremony for Raging Bull and although everyone was sad, it was expected. Many said that he was never the same after Sunflower's death. Red Hawk, Black Rain, Clouds of Thunder and Waving Pine sadly said goodbye to another old friend before moving out. A large totem, topped with the head of a bull stood proudly beside Buffalo woman's totem. “We will never forget you, dear friend.”

Many looked back at the deserted village before walking toward the mountains.

“I just want you to know that I think you have made the right decision, Snow Eagle,” He turned to see Walks Tall Woman approaching.

“It is comforting to know my people trust my decisions.”

“Oh, I am very happy that you are back in charge Snow Eagle, of course with the new council the people will have a much stronger leadership.” She smiled. Snow Eagle thought that she was being rather forward but he could see how important Charging Elk's new position was to her. It made him snicker to himself.

“Yes, the new council is very strong and able. I am sure we will all make the right decisions once we reach the valley.” With that, Walks Tall Woman seemed to be satisfied that her husband's position was safe and she moved off to walk with her sister. Snow Eagle laughed out loud.

“What is so funny, husband?” Little Fawn took his arm.

“Walks Tall Woman, she is more concerned with the council than Charging Elk. Perhaps we should have chosen her instead.” They both laughed. It felt good to laugh again.

“Walks Tall Woman is a proud young woman, she is very anxious to fit in. I am glad she and Charging Elk are Tlingit now. Of course, nothing has to be said about Walks with Fire and Moon. I do not know what I would have done without her and I am sure you feel the same.” He looked at her face. His heart filled with love for this beautiful woman. He pulled her close. Finally the Great Spirit had answered his prayers, he felt complete. Together they walked into the forest, following their people.

The journey was uneventful and the weather was good for the entire time. After several days they met up with a small band of Haida. Although they did not recognize any of them, the Haida confirmed that a great sickness had descended over their villages. Apparently it spread quickly and many died. The few remaining were traveling to another village far to the north. The Tlingit gave them food and gifts and wished them well. Everyone was very sad to learn that several Haida villages had been deserted and many dead. The mood of the people was somber as they continued on, however they knew that the decision to leave the coast was the right one. Little Fawn and Snow Eagle both wondered if Brave Beaver's village was safe.

It was several weeks before the Tlingit arrived in the valley. The older Tlingit were very relieved to see the summer home. It had been a long journey for them. There were still small mounds of snow here and there. The valley was much cooler than they remembered, but the huts were soon erected and the villagers settled in.

Charging Elk and Walks with Fire were ordered to leave the village to travel inland to the Tagish village. It was their duty to inform the Tagish that the Tlingit were now in the valley. Walks Tall Woman was upset that she was not included. “But why can't I go with you?”

“Snow Eagle has chosen Walks with Fire and I to go to Giant Bear. I will return within a few days.” He could see that he wasn't satisfying her. “If there is a council meeting while we are away, you can sit in my place.” This seemed to change her mood completely.

“Yes, I see that you must go. I will take care of everything here, Charging Elk. Do not worry about a thing.” She busied herself putting her things away in the new hut, smiling widely. He smiled, pulling her close to give her a proper goodbye. Charging Elk was anxious to see his people again.

As the valley began to come alive with life, Walks with Fire and Charging Elk started their journey to the home they had not seen in many moons. “I am anxious to see everyone, it has been a long time.” Walks with Fire looked back to the valley, “But I will miss our new family while we are gone.” Charging Elk agreed. The Tlingit were their family now. Both were happy with their new wives and anxious to start a family of their own. However, it felt good to be together on the trail, just the two of them and they would enjoy the next few days. They started the adventure with great anticipation and vigor.

The village seemed deserted when Charging Elk and Walks with Fire arrived. The men exchanged a look of concern. Charging Elk shouted a greeting. Finally a young woman appeared from one of the houses. “Everyone is at the meeting house, Songbird is giving birth. It is a very exciting time.” Charging Elk and Walks with Fire turned toward the large plank house at the far end of the village. Many people were gathered outside.

Suddenly the earth beneath their feet began to shake, both men were knocked to the ground. Many people screamed and several ran past the two as they struggled to get to their feet. Racks of meat fell over, pots crashed to the ground from their perches, terrified people ran in all directions. At the edge of the village several large trees fell violently to the ground. Terror and confusion mixed with loud screams turned the village into a nightmare.

Then as suddenly as it had started, all was calm. No shaking, no moving earth, just calm silence. Not a whisper could be heard. Slowly people began to appear, confused and frightened. Many moved to the fallen trees where a large fissure had appeared in the earth. The pit was at least ten feet across and a hundred feet long. Huge, broken, trees were engulfed by the huge hole. Charging Elk and Walks with Fire were stunned. No one had ever seen such a sight. Mothers pulled their curious offspring away from the edge. People began to chant, sending prayers skyward.

Moments later, another loud shout was heard. Everyone turned towards the long house, where Gray Wolf and Giant Bear stood. It was Gray Wolf that was shouting, in his arms was a small bundle. “It is a boy!” The entire village cheered, soon forgetting the earth-shattering nightmare of only a few moments ago. Charging Elk and Walks with Fire were the first to reach Gray Wolf.

“A boy, you must be very proud my friend although I have never experienced a birth the shook the earth like this one has.” Gray Wolf looked around the village, startled to see the disarray and the huge fissure.

“Welcome my brothers, it is good to see you. We felt the earth shaking but we could not leave Songbird. Is anyone hurt?” Gray Wolf handed the child to Giant Bear who looked very uncomfortable holding the tiny infant. His huge hands engulfing the child like the newly open pit engulfed the trees.

“Everyone come to see my grandson!” He was a very proud grandfather. People rushed around him admiring the child.

“I think we must call him Yoo aan ka a', or Earthquake since he entered this world in such an earth shattering way.” Gray Wolf declared. The people sent up a great cheer.

Giant Bear laughed, “I think you must ask Songbird first, we all know who the great warrior is in your house.” The men laughed. The people were overjoyed; much laughter filled the air. They immediately began to plan a celebration.

Charging Elk and Walks with Fire accompanied Gray Wolf to his house. Songbird would need to rest and the midwife was taking very good care of her. The young men had much to tell Gray Wolf who was curious as to why they were here in the village. Once settled, they explained how the entire Tlingit village had traveled to the valley earlier than planned. Gray Wolf was elated to hear the news.

“The timing seems to be perfect, Kah -shu-gon-yah has arranged everything very well. Now Mother and Father will meet Yoo aan Ka a' sooner than we expected. Now tell me what happened while he was being born. As I said, we were waiting for the child and suddenly the entire house shook. We did not know what was happening outside. I could not leave Songbird and it was over as quickly as it began.” The men explained what they had experienced, although no one really knew what had happened.

Tired but elated, Songbird held her son in her arms. He was so tiny. She whistled softly as she rocked him. Her father explained the earthquake to her. She agreed that Kah-shu-gon-yah had given them a sign. In her arms she held the leader of the new nation, his name would be Yoo ann Ka a', Earthquake. Never in her life had she felt so content and happy.

A week later, the entire Tlingit village arrived in the mountain village of the Tagish. A great Potlach was taking place and everyone was excited.

Giant Bear and Snow Eagle stood proudly overseeing the newly united nation before them. Songbird and Gray Wolf mingled in the huge crowd, proudly showing their beautiful son, Quake to anyone and everyone. Little Fawn was beaming with pleasure at her new grandson. At last life was settling down and their lives were filled with peace and happiness.

Snow Eagle now understood his dream, the earthquake signified the birth of his grandson Earthquake; the birth of a nation. He was very happy and content. He felt that the future was secure. Red Hawk, Black Rain, Clouds of Thunder and Waving Pine stood proudly, confident that their people would survive and their stories would be told for generations.

As the ceremonies began, Snow Eagle and Giant Bear welcomed everyone. “We have a new future leader of the Tlingit/Tagish people. Yoo aan ka a', Earthquake will lead future generations of our united tribes. This is a great day for all of us.” Giant Bear stood to the side when he finished so that Snow Eagle could bless the child and the united peoples.

“Today I stand before you as your Shaman. My people, I am humbled in your presence. Kah -shu-gon-yah has brought together, not only the Tagish and the Tlingit but also a brave, high-spirited woman of the Eyak tribe, Walks Tall Woman and Moon, of the Haida, who I have chosen as my successor. Kah-shu-gon-yah has created us all and we are all one under the skin. We are united in spirit with each other. Together we will grow and thrive as the great nation should be.” He paused to look over his people before beginning his prayer, “All my relations. I honor you in this circle of life with me today. I am grateful for this opportunity to acknowledge you in this prayer….

To the Creator, for the ultimate gift of life, I thank you.

To the mineral nation that has built and maintained my bones and all foundations of life experience, I thank you. To the plant nation that sustains my organs and body and gives me healing herbs for sickness, I thank you.

To the animal nation that feeds me from your own flesh and offers your loyal companionship in this walk of life, I thank you.

To the human nation that shares my path as a soul upon the sacred wheel of Earthly life, I thank you.

To the Spirit nation that guides me invisibly through the ups and downs of life and for carrying the torch of light through the Ages. I thank you.

To the Four Winds of Change and Growth, I thank you.

You are all my relations, my relatives, without whom I would not live. We are in the circle of life together, coexisting, co-dependent, co-creating our destiny. One, not more important than the other. One nation evolving from the other and yet each dependent upon the one above and the one below. All of us a part of the Great Mystery. Thank you for this Life.

A huge cheer erupted from the crowd. Walks Tall Woman seemed to grow at least three inches with pride. Humble, Moon blushed at Snow Eagle's words. Little Fawn smiled at her people, she sent up a silent prayer asking that this happiness would last. Tlingit and Tagish mingled as one. Music, food and story telling would fill the next few days.

They had survived war, natural disasters, sickness, animal attacks and human threats of jealousy, hatred and fear. The Tlingit and their stories would live on in the great wild wilderness of the north for many generations.

THE END