by D. J. Holmes
* * *
As soon as Blue Cloud and Black Bear walk into his tipi, Chief Joseph begins to talk to them, “As you know, it is the tradition of our tribe to make long trade expeditions on the traditional trade routes that our fathers have used for thousands of years. Our trade with other tribes, and people along the way, help us gain the necessary items that our village needs to survive.”
He continues, “Blue Cloud I have chosen you and Black Bear to go on this expedition.”
Blue Cloud speaks out. “Father, I am grateful for this great calling from my noble Chief, but what about my older brother, Flying Eagle? You know that he will be mad that I am going and that he will not.”
“You have earned this privilege, my Son. Your older brother has not!”
“Father, this will give him another excuse to be angry with me. I have never been anything but kind to him. Why is he always mad at me?” a confused Blue Cloud asks.
Chief Joseph tries to console Blue Cloud. “My son, Flying Eagle has been jealous of you all of his life. Because of his jealousy, he does mean things to you, when he sees you. And because of the mean things that he does to you, you become a constant reminder of all of his bad behavior. So, he can never forget the poor choices that he has made.”
“You see, my Son, it is not you. It is your brother’s guilty conscience, and his anger with himself. If he would apologize to you, for the things that he has done against you, as you were both growing up, he would be able to look at you, and not feel guilty any longer. Until he apologizes, he will have hatred in his heart for you.”
Black Bear reinforces what has just been said, “What Chief Joseph has said is very true, Blue Cloud.”
“Thank you, Black Bear. Now go, my Sons, Blue Cloud and Black Bear. Get ready to go on your journey, you leave tomorrow.”
As the sun rises, the whole tribe can be seen loading the articles that they have made, onto the pack horses to be traded along the way.
All of the other chosen braves have said good-bye to their own families, and are waiting outside Chief Joseph’s tipi. In his tipi, Chief Joseph talks personally to his own son, Blue Cloud. “Live your life well, my Son. Know that your mother and I will be with you always. Go in greatness.”
“Thank you, my Father.”
“Come, we must talk to the rest of the braves chosen for this trip.”
As he walks out of his tipi, Chief Joseph looks at all of his tribal sons. “We place great faith in all of you. Remember the honor of your tribe. Don’t do anything that would embarrass you, or your tribe. Make sure that your actions always reflect the ways that you have been taught, my Sons.”
“There is one other thing that I would like to talk to all of you about. Because of the things that we need, this trade route will go further than we have gone in the last several years. Because of the length of your travel, and the seasonal changes you will be gone for two years.”
“During that time there will be moments when there will be conflict which will arise within your group. This is only normal. I would ask that you do not create loyalties to specific braves, even if they are your brother, cousin or best friend. Do not side with them just because they are family. Be loyal only to what is right. In this way, rather than small groups warring against each other, you will become one. Each brave will know that if they do what is right, that their brothers will be there to support them. They also know, that if they do something wrong, they stand alone, and will have to suffer the consequences.”
“Remember, my sons. You represent your tribe. Be the best that you can be and make us all proud. Go now. We look forward to your safe return.”
As Blue Cloud, Black Bear and the other braves leave, Chief Joseph, Mother Willow, Snow Flower and her family, along with the rest of the tribe, wish them a safe journey.
As the chosen braves leave for their journey, Flying Eagle and his friends leave in a jealous rage.
* * *
The scene on the monitor changes again. A tall, very strong Blue Cloud returns from the two year long trade route.
He has matured physically, and gained a great deal of confidence from the strenuous travel and responsibilities he has experienced while he was away. Black Bear has also matured in the same way, as have all of the other braves that went on this journey.