Snow Eagle (9 page)

Although plans for the Potlach continued, the mood was somber in the camp. There was still no sign of Salmon Catcher and Walks with Fire and it had been days.

The sea raged and the rain fell. Finally the clouds were breaking and a ray of sunshine filled the camp with hope. “We will take the canoes and go to search the islands.” Several of the young warriors pleaded with the council. Black Rain, Waving Pine, Clouds of Thunder, Red Hawk and Raging Bull had discussed the situation for hours. Everyone wanted to believe that that two young men would return but hope was waning.

“Let them go, what harm could it do?” Raging Bull turned to the other elders for verification. “Something has to be done, we feel useless just waiting.”

“Black Rain please let us do this.” Burning Branch begged the elders. He bore a large scar on his neck and shoulder from the night of White Fox's escape. “Salmon Catcher is my brother, I must look for him.” Finally the elders nodded and the young warriors went to their canoes.

“I just pray that we will not lose six more of our people today. The sea is calm now, but all of us have seen how quickly it can turn.” Waving Pine watched the young men go with trepidation.

More young men joined them and four large canoes were pushed out to sea. The women watched them go. Red Hawk turned to the totem. She had prayed to Whale to bring Salmon Catcher and Walks with Fire back to them, but to no avail. Again she sent up a silent prayer. Little Fawn was beside herself. She felt as if she had lost another son. Every morning she walked to the shore, waiting for Walks with Fire to appear. Her eyes were red and swollen. “I am so afraid the Kooshda will take Walks with Fire.” Little Fawn looked to Red Hawk for comfort.

“The Kooshda always save the drown ones. He will become Kooshdakhaa and live with the Kooshda. You know they can travel back to the land of the living to help the people when needed. If that is the case, we will see Walks with Fire again, but in the form of an otter. Let us pray that he returns in his human form.” Red Hawk and the other Tlingit believed that those that drown were saved by the Land Otter People, strange half otter, and half human beings. Those drowned and saved, were married to the land otters and could return to their human relations to assist them, usually helping them catch abundant seafood. She turned to Little Fawn, resting her head on the younger woman's shoulder. Together they prayed that Walks with Fire would come back in his human form. Red Hawk took Little Fawn's arm and they walked back to camp.

A group of youngsters gathered around the ceremonial headdresses and rattles. All were being repaired and dyed for the upcoming Potlach. A very small boy lifted the Raven Head and put it on his tiny head. The headdress fell over his shoulders and he stumbled blindly, much to the amusement of the other children. Overpowered by the large headpiece, he lost his balance and tumbled down a small hill. Red Hawk and Little Fawn, walking at the base of the hill, soon found a small boy in a Raven Head at their feet. Up on the ridge a large group had gathered. Laughter filled the air.

“What have we here?” Red Hawk lifted the large headdress from the tiny boy's shoulders. He was shaken but not hurt. “Will you dance at the Potlach?”

Shyly, the little boy looked at his feet. “No Red Hawk, I think I need more practice.” The two women laughed out loud. The rest of the children, giggling and surrounded by loud chatter, gathered around the boy. Soon they whisked him off on another adventure. The comedy provided the people with a lift from the dark mood.

“There goes the future of the Tlingit.” Red Hawk smiled after the boy, Little Fawn smiled, her worries forgotten for an instant.

Later that day, the warriors returned discouraged and disheartened. Many of the small islands were searched. They would try again tomorrow.

The next morning Little Fawn again returned to the shore. Now she needed Snow Eagle more than ever, why was it that he was never here when she really needed him? The young warriors returned to the sea to search once more. She waved to them from her perch. Sitting on a large piece of driftwood, Little Fawn sat, staring out to sea for what seemed like hours.

Suddenly out on the horizon, she saw movement. Was it a canoe? Could it be Walks with Fire and Salmon Catcher? Her heart pounded.

She soon realized that the markings on the very large canoe were those of another clan. Probably just traders, disappointed she thought to herself. More people joined her on the shore. Traders always brought not only much needed items for trade, but also stories and news of relatives and friends far away. The air was charged with excitement.

When the large canoe came ashore, Little Fawn realized that it was Chilkat Clan. The Chilkat and the Tlingit were close and many marriages had taken place between the two. Their language had melded into one over the years. The traders received a customary welcome. Food was prepared, items for barter were unloaded and a renewed joy and merriment filled the village.

“Salmon Catcher and Walks with Fire have been missing for days. Have you heard anything of them?” Black Rain asked the traders, while they ate.

“No, I have heard nothing. This elk is very good. We thank you for your hospitality.”

“Wait, did you say two men. How long ago did they disappear?” Another trader spoke with his mouth full of food. He finished chewing his meat, before speaking again. “There are two injured men at the Haida camp just south of here.” Everyone became excited. Little Fawn moved closer.

“Do you think it is them?” Black Rain didn't want to get everyone's hopes up; other clans took in many injured men. “They are young, one of them is Tagish.” Little Fawn's heart leapt into her throat,
It was Walks with Fire
. She felt as a great weight had been lifted.

“I do not know but your warriors can go there. It is not far by sea, several days on foot.” The trader helped himself to fish and berries. “The Haida camp has many other Haida staying there, preparing for Buffalo Woman's Potlach. It is the talk of the shore. A great celebration by the Tlingit is always big news.”

Raging Bull and Black Rain excused themselves from the group. The two old men shuffled off to find Waving Pine and Clouds of Thunder. Red Hawk followed.

“We must send our best paddlers to the Haida camp. Watch for the warriors to return from the sea, we will send Burning Branch and three others tomorrow.”

“It might not be Salmon Catcher. You must not get your hopes up.” Clouds of Thunder was skeptical. “The Tagish was not an experienced paddler, the two may be lost at sea. We must face facts.”

“We have a Potlach next week, we may hear more news then.” Red Hawk interjected.

“We will not wait until next week, Burning Branch will go tomorrow.” Raging Bull and Black Rain nodded to each other in agreement. The others pondered the suggestion and then agreed.

The sun was rising over the distant mountains. Two canoes left the camp in a misty fog. They disappeared into the fog sending an eerie chill up the spines of those watching. Little Fawn and Red Hawk prayed that they would find the lost men. Suddenly a huge cheer was heard behind them. The two women turned back toward the camp. Several people were pointing to the trail leading into the village from the north. A band of travelers appeared. Little Fawn's heart beat loudly in her chest. Snow Eagle, Gray Wolf, at long last. She began to run, leaving the older Red Hawk behind.

Snow Eagle saw her running towards him; he broke into a run as well. She leapt into his arms. He held her tight. Charging Elk and Walks Tall Women watched the exchange with interest. Setting her down, Snow Eagle watched as her eyes searched for Gray Wolf. He waited.

“Where is Gray Wolf?” panic began to set in. “Snow Eagle where is my son?”

“He is fine, he stayed behind with Songbird and the Tagish. Do not worry; it is all right. I have much to tell you. Come we must call the elders to order.” He put his arm around her and the band of travelers walked into the village. Red Hawk finally met up with them, her old legs sore from trying to rush. She hugged her son and smiled when she saw Charging Elk and Walks Tall Women. A wink passed between the two women.

“Gray Wolf and Songbird did not return with you, my son?”

“No Mother, let us sit with the elders and we will explain.”

“First you must all eat and rest. I will call the elders together. Come and rest, all of you.” Red Hawk signaled for them to go into the longhouse. She hobbled off to find Black Rain and the others. People appeared from all corners of the village to welcome Snow Eagle and the others home.

“I will go and find Walks with Fire first, do you know where he is Little Fawn?”

Little Fawn looked up at Charging Elk with great sadness. “What is wrong? Where is he?” Little Fawn did not know where to begin.

“There has been a great sadness in the village. Salmon Catcher and Walks with Fire did not return from the sea with the others. It has been many days. We have warriors searching for them now.” Little Fawn looked over at Snow Eagle with great concern. He knew the news would not be good. His heart went out to Charging Elk; the two were very close.

“Where are these warriors, I will go with them now. I do not need to rest when my friend is missing.” Charging Elk was agitated. Walks Tall Women tried to calm him but he was beyond soothing.

“The warriors left early this morning, you must wait until they return. We have word that two men are at the Haida village. We do not know if it is them, but the traders told us of the two men and the warriors have gone to see.” Little Fawn tried to reassure him without giving him false hope. She herself was having difficulty not making assumptions. She wanted Walks with Fire to be alive very much.

“Please, Charging Elk, let us rest and eat. Our warriors know where to go and they will return tonight with news.” Snow Eagle took charge of the situation, “Take Walks Tall Woman into the longhouse for food and rest, she is tired.” Snow Eagle looked at Walks Tall Woman. Understanding that Snow Eagle only wanted what was best, she leaned against Charging Elk. His arm went around her protectively. Against his own desire to go and search, he escorted her to the house where she could rest. The other warriors went to join their families. Snow Eagle ushered Charging Elk and Walks Tall Women into the small doorway. Little Fawn followed, she was anxious to know about Gray Wolf. She had been looking forward to having her son home with her.

Far down the shore, giant totems stood proudly guarding the village; totems of whale, salmon, bear and turtle. Although not as colorful as the totems of the Tlingit, they were larger and intricately carved. A Shaman danced around a large fire. He prayed to Sin, Sky Father for guidance and healing power. He asked Tax'et and Tia, the Gods of Death to stay away from the village. On his head he wore the mask of the Sea Shaman. Whale's face was painted with large turquoise eyes. Above the eyes, wave like designs represented the sea. Horsehair hung from the mask in long tendrils. On his powerful chest was a large tattoo of the Whale representing the crest of this clan. A smaller whale tattoo, visible beneath his long dark braid, covered the back of his neck. Other than the mask, he was completely naked. He wore a necklace of bone and teeth and in his hand was a hollow bone tube. The other hand held a large rattle. Drummers beat out a steady rhythm beside the circle, the Shaman danced around and around.

The village was anxiously awaiting the upcoming Tlingit Potlach. However, daily chores had to be done. Women work on their long cylindrical baskets with bands of darkly dyed wefts. Made from twined spruce roots, women added tiny shells to the baskets. Some women wove intricate hats. The back of each woman's hand was tattooed; this distinguished the women of the Haida from other tribes. As they work, one woman's eyes were constantly drawn to the Shaman. Swift Otter watched her husband's powerful body gyrate; she was enthralled by the dance. The other women teased her. “You should not lust after the Shaman, you have work to do.” They all giggled girlishly.

Elsewhere in the village women wove the famous Haida button blankets. Button blankets were unique to the Haida. Blankets used not for sleeping but for ceremonial dress. The blankets were worn about the shoulders. Each blanket covered in button like Abalone shells and feathers depicting the body of a human or animal. The blanket and its shiny buttons told the history of the clan. These blankets would be worn during the Haida dance at the upcoming Potlach. No gifts were given to the host clan. Only guests would receive gifts, as was the tradition. The women gossiped and laughed as they worked. Many Haida villages had come together here for the great Potlach. The Haida looked forward to the great celebration and the wonderful gifts they would receive.

In a plank house filled with smoke lay two men. The fire burned brightly and herbs and plants were added to produce the healing smoke. Both men were unconscious.

The Haida Shaman danced until his body grew weak with fatigue. Carrying his hollow bone tube he entered the plank house where the two men lay. Slowly he approached them, the smoke was almost blinding in the small building. The smell of herbs was strong and thick. A clamshell filled with oolachan oil burned in the corner casting an eerie glow.

He came close to the first man, slowly pointing the hollow tube at the man's chest he blew through the tube several times. Chanting, he moved to the second man. Again he blew through the tube at the man's chest. For several minutes he sat beside them, chanting and calling Sin, Sky Father to bring these two warriors back to the land of the living.

The man closest to him, coughed loudly. Over and over, his chest was racked with coughing, his eyes opened. Brave Beaver leaned over the man. “So you come back to the land of the living my brother. You have been with the spirits for many days.” The man tried to sit up but fell weakly back on the mat. “Rest, you need food and water. I will be back.”

Soon two young women appeared carrying bowls of steaming liquid. One woman lifted Walks with Fire's head, spooning the steamy liquid into his mouth. It tasted good; he relished every spoonful. She smiled at him. “I will stay with you until you finish this bowl.” Turning to the other woman she instructed, “You return to the children, I will take care of him.” The second woman, older than the first, smiled and left the house. Soon the Shaman returned.

“I see you have him eating. How is the other one?” The woman shook her head. This time he spoke to Walks with Fire. “What do they call you?”

Racked with another coughing spell, it took a few seconds before he could answer. “Walks with Fire, I am Tagish.” His voice was barely a whisper.

“Tagish? You are far from home, my friend.”

“I stay with the Tlingit, this is Salmon Catcher of the Tlingit clan. We stay in the winter camp.” He paused to catch his breath. “How did I get here and who are you?”

“I am Brave Beaver, Shaman of the Haida. You are in the Haida camp. The people you speak of are my people. I came to the Haida village far to the south after I married Swift Otter.” He turned toward the unconscious man, “Salmon Catcher! I can't believe it. When I left he was just a boy.” Brave Beaver looked at the other man trying to recognize him.

“Salmon Catcher is a brave warrior. Is he going to be alright?” Walks with Fire strained to turn his head so he could see him. “These people have been very good to me. Little Fawn is like a mother to me.”

“Little Fawn! She is my mother. How is she? I miss her very much.” Walks with Fire looked at the Shaman in surprise.

“She is a good woman, strong and healthy. I did not know she had another son. Gray Wolf travels with Snow Eagle to the Tagish.” His voice grew weak.

“You are tired, rest and we will talk later.” Brave Beaver smiled at the young woman. “Moon will take very good care of you.” The Shaman checked Salmon Catcher before leaving. He lay very still. “This one is not yet back from the spirit world.”

Moon fussed over Walks with Fire until he fell asleep. She did not leave. Sitting against the wall near his mat, she watched him sleep for hours. He was very handsome. Moon was of marrying age but was promised to another warrior. She did not want to marry him. “Walks with Fire” she repeated his name. She liked the sound of it.

Brave Beaver walked through the camp, past the huge totem poles that surrounded the village. He and his people were guests here. Their settlement was much farther south. They had arrived more than a week ago in preparation for the great Potlach at the Tlingit camp. He entered the plank house that had been provided by this Haida clan for his use. The smell of roasting fish greeted him. He placed his bundle in the corner. “Swift Otter, one of the men has woken up. He lives with my family up the shore. He is Tagish.” She smiled at her husband. Slowly she filled his bowl with food.

“You have been successful in bringing him back to the land of the living, my husband.” Swift Otter was proud of Brave Beaver. He was a good provider and a great healer. “How is the second man?”

“That man is Salmon Catcher. He and my brother Gray Wolf played together as boys. I did not recognize him now that he has grown. I look forward to seeing my family again. This has brought them even closer to me.” He filled his mouth with the steaming fish.

“The Potlach is in a few days my husband. You will be with your people soon.”

Outside the house, several shouts were heard. Brave Beaver went to the door to look out. “Canoes approach. Traders,” someone shouted. Brave Beaver and Swift Otter followed the others to the shore. Two canoes bearing the sign of the Tlingit were pulled ashore. The Haida elders greeted them. Welcoming shouts were heard. The warriors were pleased to be ashore. Brave Beaver made his way through the crowd.

“Greeting my brothers.” Brave Beaver greeted the warriors, some he recognized from years ago.

“Brave Beaver! We did not know you were here with the Haida, but of course you have come for the Potlach.” Shoulders were clapped, greetings made. The men were taken to the central fire and food was offered.

“We are searching for two men.” The lead warrior, Burning Branch wanted to let the people know they were not here to trade.

“Yes they are here. Salmon Catcher and the Tagish, Walks with Fire. You may see them after you eat.” Brave Beaver reassured the men.

“Do they live?”

“Yes, but only one is back from the spirit world.”

After partaking of meat and fish, the warriors were taken to the plank house where the men lay. Moon opened the door and stepped aside as they entered. Walks with Fire awoke with a start. “So you found us at last. I was beginning to think the Tlingit were not the great warriors I was led to believe they were.” Everyone laughed.

“How is Salmon Catcher?” The men looked at their fallen comrade. He lay very still on his mat.

“Salmon Catcher is strong, he will return from spirit world just as I did.” Brave Beaver moved toward the man on the mat. Again he checked him over, and then nodded his head. There was no change.

“You will both come back with us tonight.”

“I am afraid these men are not ready to travel. Walks with Fire has only come back from spirit world today. We will bring them back to the village for the Potlach in a few days. Walks with Fire needs to gain his strength and Salmon Catcher must return. Please, let us bring them home.” Brave Beaver did not think either man should go in a canoe in the cold night air but the Tlingit were within their rights to insist. He would bow to their decision.

“We will return and tell the people that we have found them. You may bring them to the Potlach. It will add to the celebration. We thank you Brave Beaver and all the Haida for taking care of them.” Moon gave a sigh of relief. She held her breath when the warrior said he would take them now. She did not want Walks with Fire to leave. The warriors returned to their canoes, bid goodbye and paddled out into the night sea.

There was a great rejoicing in the Tlingit camp when they returned with the news.

Little Fawn and Snow Eagle were very pleased to hear that Brave Beaver and Swift Otter were close by and would be at the Potlach. Sitting at the fire, Snow Eagle thought back to the earlier elder council meeting. He had told the elder council and people of their journey to the Tagish. Black Rain, Clouds of Thunder, Red Hawk and Sunflower were pleased to hear the two tribes would unite. Waving Pine asked why Gray Wolf and the young woman had not returned with Snow Eagle. Upon learning of the decision to leave Gray Wolf with the Tagish, the elders felt confident that there would be a peaceful ending to the situation. Raging Bull congratulated Snow Eagle on bringing a peaceful conclusion to what could have been a bloody war.

“There is only one other matter. What is to be done with White Fox?” Red Hawk had asked the question; a somber mood descended over the meeting. It was decided that a decision would be reached before the Potlach. This situation had to come to a conclusion. Charging Elk was insisting that White Fox be put to death immediately. Sunflower was beside herself. She glared at Snow Eagle. The look in her eyes sent shivers down his spine.

Snow Eagle's thoughts were brought back to the fire. Many people were dancing and drums beat loudly. The Tlingit had much to celebrate. He raised a loud prayer to the spirit Gods thanking them for returning the men to them. Charging Elk was anxious to see his friend again. A great weight had been lifted from his shoulders when the warriors returned, announcing that the men were alive. He smiled at Walks Tall Woman who was swaying to the rhythm of the music. His thoughts turned to her. When she felt his eyes on her, her movements became more exaggerated. She loved her husband and enjoyed teasing him with her young body.

Little Fawn was not thrilled to hear that her son, Gray Wolf would not be returning to the clan until spring. Now the news of Brave Beaver lifted her spirits and she was very pleased to learn that Walks with Fire was alive. She glanced at Snow Eagle; his eyes were closed as he looked to the star filled sky. She sent up a silent thank you.

Red Hawk thanked Whale spirit, Keet gooshi, for saving the two men's lives. She knew that it was no coincidence that the Sea Shaman, Brave Beaver, whose totem was Whale had saved the men. Reverently she looked upon the Whale totem thanking, Keet gooshi, and her grandson, Brave Beaver. She asked that Salmon Catcher would also come back alive and well. The mood was spiritual and festive at the same time.

The next morning once again, a dark mood descended over the village. A decision had been made about White Fox. The fate of one of the clan, no matter what the reason, was one of great importance and heartfelt emotion. Whatever happened to one of the clan, happened to them all. Their spirits were all connected. People went about their chores but hearts were heavy. Sunflower walked in the forest, her mind was in turmoil and her heart was tormented. She did not want her son to die. Her lifelong allegiance to the clan and her position as one of the elders felt heavy on her shoulders. Raging Bull, her father, had trained her well. As a young child she learned the way of the elders. Her entire life had prepared her for her position. The clan must come first, the safety and welfare of the people were utmost in an elder's mind. The position was highly honored and held great responsibility. It was especially significant for her as her mother had been a white woman. It was her chance to show that only Tlingit spirit flood through her body. Sunflower brushed a leaf from her arm. The tattoo of the thunderbird seemed to glow. She stared at it, mesmerized. Remembering back to when she was a young girl, barely a woman. The tattoo was a symbol of her rank in the clan; she remembered the feeling of great excitement as she watched the Shaman tattoo her arm. There was pain but it was dulled by sheer excitement. The Shaman, Snow Eagle's uncle was gentle with her. Painstakingly applying the dyes until the beautiful figure of the Thunderbird appeared. Sunflower remembered staring at it for hours, her eyes constantly returning to her arm no matter what she was doing. In those days Sunflower was very much in love with the young man, Snow Eagle. She dreamed of the day they would be united in marriage. A frown crossed her face as she remembered how Little Fawn had stolen him from her. Jealous anger still festered after all these years. Although Sunflower had been later wed to another, he was not a good man. Before he was killed, he beat her many times. He died taking another man's woman. He was evil and now her son showed the same look of evil in his eyes.