Snow Eagle (8 page)

Walks with Fire had spent many hours perfecting his rake. Black Rain informed him that come spring, or Crow Moon, herring would be harvested for their eggs and oil. A rake was needed to perform the task. Under Black Rain's direction, Walks with Fire prepared a long pole with one end flattened. He set sharp bones about an inch apart along one edge of the flat end. Black Rain explained that when the rake was plunged into the water, toothed end down, and drawn through a school of herring, many fish were caught on the teeth. Woven grass baskets, or dip baskets were used to scoop out the fish.

Little Fawn stopped to admire his handiwork. “You are becoming very proficient in the ways of the Tlingit, Walks with Fire. That is a fine rake.” He smiled at the compliment. He was feeling very at home with this clan and enjoyed learning new things.

“I will go with you Little Fawn, these old legs can not kneel much longer without a good walk.” Black Rain rose, nodded to Walks with Fire and walked away. Little Fawn and Black Rain strolled towards the river bank, “How long do you think Snow Eagle will be gone, Black Rain?” Little Fawn missed her husband and could not help but wonder if he and her son were safe.

“No one can tell. I only hope Giant Bear accepted them in peace. The Tagish and the Tlingit could form a great alliance. Walks with Fire has blended in very well with us. He is a fine young man.” Little Fawn agreed.

“It is as if he has taken the place of Brave Beaver. He has been gone a very long time and I still miss him. Walks with Fire reminds me of him a great deal.”

“Yes, Brave Beaver has been with the Haida for many moons, but you will see him at the Potlach. He will come with his family and their clan and it will be a great celebration of Buffalo Woman's life.” The Clan had sent runners to invite the closest clans to come for a great celebration of Buffalo Woman's life. Potlaches were customary for deaths, births, victory in war, and many other celebrations of the Tlingit.

“I hope the runner finds Brave Beaver and his family many miles south of here. It is a long way to their village.” Little Fawn stared into the water; her mind was on her oldest son. Brave Beaver had married Swift Otter four years ago and his family had not seen him since the day after the wedding ceremony. Swift Otter's family lived far to the south on the Queen Charlotte Islands.

“I think Red Hawk wants you to help her and Prairie Flower with the preparations, it will take your mind off of your family. I know it is hard with Snow Eagle, Gray Wolf and Brave Beaver all away from home but it is the way it must be. You will see all of them soon. Besides, only you can make sure everything is prepared to perfection.” He patted her on the shoulder and shuffled toward the plank houses on higher ground.

Little Fawn watched him go, and then turned her attention to several young men returning to camp. They had been hunting and in the fall of the year they used bows and arrows, snares and spears to hunt smaller animals. Porcupine, marmot, otter, mink, lynx and muskrats provided them with hearty meat for stews. Several deer had been killed days earlier and the meat would be prepared for the Potlach. The gathering would see more than two hundred people and the Tlingit would provide a great deal of food. Many carved items, beads made of shells, woven baskets and blankets would be given to the guests. There was much to do. Little Fawn knew it would take her mind off of Snow Eagle and her sons. A small boy proudly displayed his basket containing several small squirrels.

“I see you are becoming a great hunter like your father.” Little Fawn smiled at the youngster as he scurried by; anxious to show his catch to anyone that would look.

As Little Fawn passed the weaving hut, she was surprised to see Sunflower. Sunflower busied herself mixing the dyes that would be used for Buffalo Woman's totem. Vegetables, berries and bark were all used to make the red, black, white, green and yellow dyes. Slowly she mixed the blueberry dye to just the right color and texture. She acknowledged Little Fawn but quickly returned to her work, there was no friendship between them.

Women were busy weaving cedar bark and twined spruce root into blankets, mats, baskets and hats. One woman held an instrument, resembling a sword. She used it to beat the raw wool or the stringy cedar bark strips with white clay to remove all of the natural oil and dirt. Spindle Whorls were used to spin the wool into yarn. In the corner was a large roller loom, used to weave blankets and clothing. All would be given to the guests at the Potlach. It was important for a Clan to show it's wealth in the form of gifts and the Tlingit would throw a Potlach that would be remembered for many years. Little Fawn chatted with the women for a few minutes before leaving. Everyone seemed to take more care in her presence, weaving tighter or taking smaller stitches. Little Fawn's perfectionism was well known and she was very well respected.

Little Fawn wandered past the women in the weaving hut to where a small group of men were gathered. Salmon Catcher worked his Bentwood Box into a beautiful piece of art. The box was made from a single plank of wood. The plank was steamed and bent into shape. Salmon Catcher pegged the sides together before adding the bottom and the lid. Once finished, it would be decorated with Buffalo Woman's crest. Salmon Catcher glanced up at Little Fawn and smiled, “Perhaps I will add shells to make the design even better.” She nodded, understanding that Buffalo Woman was held in high esteem and he wanted to show his respect in his handiwork.

Soon Little Fawn found Red Hawk. “What can I do to help you with the Potlach? Everyone is busy weaving, carving and hunting. I am afraid I feel rather guilty. I have been feeling sorry for myself. I miss Snow Eagle very much.” Red Hawk placed a wrinkled hand on the younger woman's shoulder.

“Snow Eagle is making peace with the Tagish, it will be a great day for our people when the two tribes unite. Here, come and help Prairie Flower prepare the fish for drying.” Red Hawk too was worried about Snow Eagle. She had no way of knowing how the meeting with the Tagish had gone. Soon both women were busy and thoughts of Snow Eagle and Gray Wolf were soon forgotten.

That night Red Hawk dreamt of water. She could feel the water choking the life from her; she awoke with a start. Perspiration beaded on her forehead, her hands were shaking. Black Rain rolled toward her.

“What troubles you?” He reached for her shaking hand.

“I dream of drowning. One of us will soon struggle against the sea. We must pray to our great Whale brother.” Black Rain sat up and still holding his wife's hand, he began a low mournful chant to brother Whale. Red Hawk sat wondering which of them, the sea would try to take.

A few days later Red Hawk stood on the shore watching the huge canoes head out to sea. The men would stay out all day fishing. She looked up to the Killer Whale that adorned the large totem to her left. Two prominent dorsal fins, a large head with mouth turned up at the covers and two spines over the eyes represented brother Whale. “Bring them all back safely. We have already lost one of our own, it is too soon to lose another.” She stayed on the shore until the canoes were out of sight. With a heavy heart she returned to her house.

The sea was calm most of the day. Walks with Fire was learning much from Salmon Catcher and the other men. The wind blew from the west and the calm sea soon started to develop a chop. “We should be getting back to camp.” Salmon Catcher began to pull in the lines, covered with many hooks. Walks with Fire helped him. Other canoes in the distance could be seen heading back to shore.

Several hours later, all of the fishermen gathered on the shore watching for the last canoe to appear. “Where could they be? I am sure they were right behind us.”

“I remember signaling to Salmon Catcher just before we turned to come back to shore. I don't know what happened to him after that.” The young man searched the horizon for any sign of the last canoe. “The sea is very rough. They will have a difficult time getting back now. Perhaps they stopped on one of the out islands for the night.”

“Salmon Catcher is a good sailor. He will be back by morning.” The men were trying to convince themselves that all was well but the rain had started and the sea became angry. All of them knew that the small islands were few and far between. Large white caps crowned the waves and the wind blew cold against their faces. They were not aware of Red Hawk, standing on higher ground beside the totem. She prayed to brother Whale, Keet gooshi.

Morning came, but there was no sign of Walks with Fire or Salmon Catcher. The sea still raged and the thunder rolled across the sky. Little Fawn sat with Red Hawk and both women were very worried. The entire Clan prayed and watched for their return.

Sunflower went to see her son. White Fox had been confined to a small plank house at the back of the camp. He was bound and only one hand was free to allow him to eat. He had lost weight and sat staring at the wall when she entered. Slowly he turned toward her. “Mother, when will I be released. I am tired of this confinement.”

Sunflower looked at him with great pity. “I do not know. The elders wait for the return of Snow Eagle before deciding your fate. You may find this is better than the alternative.”

“Untie me and I will disappear.” He pleaded with her. She stared into the eyes of her son. She loved him with all of her heart.

“There are guards all around and you know I can not do that. I am sorry White Fox but this time you must face your punishment like a man.” It broke her heart but she left the food and turned to walk away. He called after her, begging her to release him. With tears running down her face, she left him alone. She walked into the forest searching for relief for her aching heart, his voice growing fainter with each step. Sunflower had seen the evil in White Fox eyes and she would never forget it. It had frightened her. As much as she longed to let him go, she knew she must not. Slowly she walked amongst the trees, breathing in the fresh forest air. Her mind was in turmoil and her heart was breaking. She collapsed against a tall trunk and sobbed.

The snow had begun to fall in the mountains. Snow Eagle, Charging Elk, Walks Tall Woman and the others stopped for shelter in a mountain cave. A fire provided warmth and the smell of roasting rabbit filled the cave. Hungry stomachs growled; mouths salivated in anticipation.

Snow Eagle moved to the back of the cave, calmly communing with spirit. He was anxious to reach the sea and Little Fawn once more. He prayed that his clan was safe. Little Fawn would be upset when she learned that Gray Wolf and Songbird had remained with the Tagish. She missed Brave Beaver very much and now her other son was not coming home until they returned to the valley. Snow Eagle was satisfied with his meeting with Giant Bear. Now the Tlingit and Tagish would form a strong alliance. A new clan would be born with all of the memories of both ancient societies. The Tlingit believed that each person held the memories of all that had come before. Nothing was ever forgotten through the generations and the folklore and songs reinforced those memories. Although the Tlingit were much more powerful, the Tagish would contribute greatly to their prestige and power.

Charging Elk and Walks Tall Women sat side by side. “My people, the Eyak hunt many seals and sea lions. I have not seen my clan in more than a year.” Walks Tall Women stared at the opening to the cave, a far away look in her dark eyes. Charging Elk reached up and traced the high cheekbones with his finger. Gently he turned her head towards him.

“I will take you to see them when we reach the sea, if it is your wish. You are no longer a Tlingit slave, but a Tagish squaw, my squaw. I want you to be happy.” She looked into his eyes and believed every word he said. He was a kind and gentle lover, a good man. She was very fond of him and happy with her new place in the Tlingit society. Walks Tall Woman had done her best to get his attention and she was happy that her plan had worked. She wanted more from her life. Although the Tlingit did not mistreat their slaves, she had been a slave nonetheless. Now she was their equal and her new husband would be a leader in the newly united tribe. Slowly she leaned her head on his shoulder. She felt safe with him.

Snow Eagle watched the two young lovers. Yes, our clans will unite; the Tlingit will be stronger than ever, he thought. These to youngsters were very strong, physically tall and would breed good strong children. They also displayed a calm, peaceful temperament that would be important in years to come. Hot heads like White Fox were a huge disadvantage to the Tlingit. He would have to be dealt with swiftly, upon their return. Snow Eagle had promised Giant Bear that White Fox would die. He was a man of his word.

The next morning the small hunting party returned to the cave. All were agitated, talking at once. “A huge bear attacked us. We scoured the forest for small game. I heard Black Wolf scream. All of us ran to him as quickly as we could. It was a horrible sight. The giant held him by his head, shaking him like a blanket. Blood was flying everywhere. Before we could move, the bear dropped the body, his huge head ripping into the flesh, bones crunched. It was terrifying. We shot several arrows into the huge bulk but nothing could be done. The bear stood almost to the sky. He pounded the earth. We felt it shake beneath our feet. Huge paws swiped at us, many were injured. We had to run to save ourselves. We are thankful that the spirits helped us to escape.” Snow Eagle instructed the men to sit by the fire to warm themselves. Another had lost his life. It was a cruel ending for a fine young warrior; he began to chant. Sadly the others joined him, asking Kah-shu-gon-yah, the Great Spirit to take Black Wolf to be with him. When the men returned to the Tagish village, a ceremony would be held for him. There was no body to burn; the bear had devoured him.

Snow Eagle tended to the wounds on the brave men that had tried to save their friend. Large gashes on arms and legs; some with flesh that had to be sewn; others cauterized with fire, there were many injuries. Walks Tall Women helped Snow Eagle, doing what she could. As he applied the paste to the freshly sewn flesh, he knew that they would have to watch for the bear as they traveled. Once the creature had tasted blood, it would want for more. The journey just became even more treacherous.

Walks Tall Woman stood at the entrance to the cave. Treating the men had been a grueling experience. The screams of the men echoed in her ears, the smell of burning flesh nauseated her. The thought of being eaten alive sent shivers down her spine. She was thinking of another bear years ago when she was a child. Charging Elk put his arm around Walks Tall Woman, he would protect her with his life. She looked at him, knowing what he was thinking. She felt protected but still frightened. All of the native people knew that many lives were lost to the giant bears of Alaska.

The travelers waited until the snow stopped before continuing on their journey to the sea. Bundles were packed, stomachs filled and warm furs pulled tight around them for warmth. With each step, their eyes searched the landscape for any sign of the bear. The small band of warriors shook as they remembered the terror. It would be a long day.

The trail grew steep as they crossed the mountains that would lead them to their people. Legs grew weary and bundles heavy but they persevered, anxious to reach the others. Miles and miles they traveled, camping at night and walking by day, ever watchful for danger. Wounds were checked and new wraps applied were necessary, the men were brave and endured the pain without complaint. Snow Eagle was proud of his people. One of the men collapsed, his injured leg prohibited him from walking any further. A travois was made where he could rest and the others pulled him, mile after mile. No one was left behind. Soon the small band of warriors left them to return to the Tagish village. Snow Eagle and Charging Elk watched as the men disappeared in the distance.

Walking side- by -side, Charging Elk and Snow Eagle discussed the many similarities of the two tribes. “Your men are brave, they tried to save their brother without thought for their own safety. This speaks highly for the Tagish.”

“I am sure the Tlingit would do the same for their own. Your son, Gray Wolf is a wise and brave warrior, he will teach my people well. We are in need of a leader and Gray Wolf will be the one.”

“I know that you were hoping Giant Bear would give you Songbird, I am sorry that you were disappointed.” Snow Eagle watched Charging Elk's face. There was no jealousy or malice there. Snow Eagle's respect for Charging Elk was growing by the day.

“I have Walks Tall Woman and she is much better for me. Kah-shu-gon-yah knows who should be together; it has all worked out for the best. You know better than I of the ways of Kah-shu-gon-yah.” Charging Elk loosened the leather tie securing the skins around his neck; the weather was warming. A mild breeze blew in the air, a signal that they were nearing the sea. The travelers had reached the long sloping meadows. “Do you think we will reach the sea soon? I have never taken such a journey before. The Tagish are happy to stay on the banks of the lake.”

“Two days journey if we can keep up the pace and we will arrive at the sea camp. The people will be overjoyed to see us. We will then have serious business to take care of.”

“Yes, White Fox must die.” Charging Elk looked straight ahead. “I am anxious to see Walks with Fire, he is my friend and my brother. We have been through much together. I know that he will not let White Fox escape again. My promise to Giant Bear must be fulfilled.” Snow Eagle nodded. It would be a busy time and a difficult one for his people. He knew that they were anxiously waiting for him and news of the Tagish and Tlingit future. Again his thoughts returned to Little Fawn. She would be looking for Gray Wolf when the group arrived in camp. She would have to accept that another of her sons was not coming home for a long time. Brave Beaver was a quiet man; he wanted nothing to do with being a warrior. As the oldest son, this had caused a great stir with the people. Brave Beaver refused to lead the men; he wanted instead to learn the healing ways of his father. His younger brother, Gray Wolf was happy to step in. Gray Wolf had always outshone Brave Beaver in the games. When Brave Beaver and Swift Otter were married, it was natural that he would leave to live with her people, the Haida. Brave Beaver had been much needed as a healer. The Haida Shaman had died of white man's disease and Brave Beaver was pleased to take his place. Snow Eagle looked forward to seeing his eldest son at the Potlach, that he was sure was being planned.

“You look very pleased with your thoughts. Do you think of your wife?”

“Actually I was thinking of my son, Brave Beaver. He is the Shaman of the Haida people. You will meet him at the Potlach.”

“A Shaman? Is he your youngest son?”

“No, he is the eldest, but not a warrior like his brother. Brave Beaver is a healer like myself. The Haida are very lucky to have him.”

“It seems the Tlingit are uniting with many tribes. Soon you will be the biggest and strongest of all of the people. Is this the desire of the Tlingit?”

“The desire of the Tlingit is to live in peace and harmony with all peoples. We are not united with the Haida, but do live peacefully, trading with them on a regular basis.”

“I see I have much to learn.” Charging Elk smiled at Snow Eagle. “I will try to be a good student.” The two men laughed, a special bond was forming between them.