The Spirits of Nature

by Michelle Post

Philip cleared his throat and that brought her into the present.

  “This has been quite a shock,” he answered her question. His eyes became suddenly very sad.

  “First, I will let him know of the mother he had. What a wonderful woman she was and how I loved her so.”

  The Mourning Dove’s mood went from melancholy to hopeful. In just a short time Philip would have still another reason for living.

  “I am puzzled about something,” he said. “You have told me how you met John along your travels. I am very confused at how Andrew happened to be with you?”

  The Mourning Dove smiled. “Why don’t we leave that for the two of you to discuss in the morning. It will be a wonderful story and I am sure he would like to be the one to tell you.”

  “I need to ask you something Philip” She hesitated.

  Philip leaned forward as though there was nothing he would not do for her.

  “Did father ever forgive me?” she asked. She knew that he could not ever accept that she was living with and among the Indians.

  Philip hesitated. “I think so,” he said sincerely. “He died with the lock of your hair in his hand. You know he loved you so much.”

  The Mourning Dove nodded. The real pity here was that Jeremiah and Philip would never know the peace and tranquility she had lived.

  Philip appeared to be very tired. “I have to go up to bed, Rebecca,” he said as he stood and walked toward the stairs.

  Swift Fox Who Enters Quickly and Andrew had retired some time ago. The Mourning Dove had not seen John or Sparrow Song for a couple of hours.

  “I have to wait around for my daughter. She and John have disappeared… somewhere.”

  Philip could see that she was agitated. He pulled her close to him and kissed her on the forehead. “Why don’t you look in the servant’s quarters?” he whispered to her. He could not help but to tease her. He turned away with an impish grin. “I love you, Becca.”

  “Touché,” she replied knowing he had evened the score. “Good night, Philip.”

  He turned to her once more. “Thank you for bringing me my son. I had searched for years.” He hugged The Mourning Dove again. “I never thought I would see you again. What a miracle this is.”

  She loved his warm embrace. It was a gift to be reunited with her only sibling.

  “Just wait,” she said under her breath so that he could not hear. She thought about the fact that he still was going to experience another miracle.

  ~43~

  The Fated Swing of the Pendulum

  The Mourning Dove looked around the large sitting room that once was eventful during the days of her parent’s marriage. This house was once filled with joy. She took a deep breath. Maybe, with the reuniting of Molly and Philip, these walls would once again know joy and hope. Although Running Wolf had told her of her role in the prophecy she did not envision herself in this house again. She loved her life with Running Wolf and did not flirt with the possibility of returning to Hidden Meadows. She had carefully blocked it from her mind. It was too painful to think of leaving the life she held so sacred.

  Now, her children would be far away from their Indian heritage and live, as her father had wanted for her. The irony of the whole thing made The Mourning Dove realize how life runs in cycles.

  Philip had not done anything to update the room so she found that it was as though time stood still in these walls. She looked across to the foyer where her last memories were of a party. It was the night that Ross had made a bet with his friends in regard to deflowering her.

  She sighed. She looked above the fireplace to the portrait of her mother. She thought about Sparrow Song. She was certain she would live the life of a white woman. Would she be accepted? The Crow tribe had made her feel very welcome. She was sure that her daughter would not have the same advantage in the white world. Her heart ached at the thought of Sparrow Song having a difficult life. What kept her sane were the words of Rides With Fury before she had left. She thought all this as she slowly walked around the room.

  She had been fortunate to have Bright Star Over The Mountains in her life. She prayed that Molly would be there for her daughter as well. The Mourning Dove’s contemplation was interrupted when John and Sparrow Song entered the room.

  The Mourning Dove was upset with her daughter. That intensified when she could see that her hair and clothes were in disarray.

  “Where have you been?” Her tone was one of irritation and non-approval as she gazed upon her daughter.

  “The Mourning Dove, I was wondering if I could have a moment with you?” John asked his voice hesitant. He could see how upset she was.

  He was so polite and kind. He warmed The Mourning Dove’s heart. The Mourning Dove trusted him and remembered the new love she once had for Running Wolf. She began to soften.

  Sparrow Song backed away and left the room.

  The Mourning Dove nodded, knowing what was next.

  “What is it John?” She was still stern.

  John began to speak with hesitation, not sure what would be her reaction.

  “I love your daughter, and I know we have not known each other very long, but I will make her happy. I am a simple man and a hard working one at that. I promise to take good care of her.”

  “Are you aware that most will not accept you together?” she questioned him.

  “I don’t care about the minds of small people,” John quickly replied. “I plan to return to my parents’ home. We have a farm that is isolated. She will be safe there.” He tried to assure The Mourning Dove. “I will protect her … always.”

  The Mourning Dove was secure in what he had to say. He was a young man who was an old soul. She could see her daughter in the hall.

  “Young man, have you asked my daughter what she wants?”

  Sparrow Song entered the room. She moved into the arms of John and they faced The Mourning Dove together.

  “I love him mother. I love him the way that you loved my father.”

  The thought of a love that deep caused her to pause. She could not wish any more happiness for her daughter. She prayed that the world they chose would not kill that love.

  “Could I have a moment with my daughter?” she asked of John.

  He quickly left the room.

  The Mourning Dove looked into the eyes of her daughter. She knew that Sparrow Song could not begin to realize the challenges of living your life in a different culture.

  “Sparrow Song it is our tradition for the man to join the clan of his wife.”

  “I know that mother, but that is not what you did. You left the white man’s world to live among us.” She hesitated. “Times are changing.”

  The Mourning Dove could feel her heart breaking. What Sparrow Song was saying was true. That change was the reason she had returned to the home of her birth.

  Sparrow Song could see the pain in her mother’s eyes. She wanted to help her mother understand. Sparrow Song was so full of life. She was strong and she felt she could face any challenge with the man she loved.

  “I know I have a lot to learn. You did it!” she exclaimed with wide-eyed excitement. She tried to reassure her mother. “I will not ever forget the ways of our people.” She smiled. “I promise that I will carry my child on my back in a cradleboard.”

  The Mourning Dove was only mildly relieved. She saw her daughter’s Indian heritage becoming a thing of the past and that pained her. She had not thought about all the consequences of this journey.

  If there was one thing that The Mourning Dove had learned from the Crow is that there was a season for everything. So be it. She had to let go. She was not in control and things were taking place as they should. There was a much stronger source that would guide them in the direction they needed to follow.

  Sparrow Song continued to explain. She did not want to disappoint her mother. “I will do whatever it takes to have the kind of love I saw with you and my father.”

  The Mourning Dove’s heart stopped for a moment. It was not until
then that she realized that this little girl had the feelings of a woman. The Mourning Dove held her daughter close to her.

  “Then, don’t let the outside forces destroy the world you build with the man you love. Honor him, and you will find in return a man who is devoted to only you. Then, you will have a rich life, no matter where you live.”

  She pulled back and looked at the child who had become a woman. “You have my blessing, if that is what you are looking for.”

  Elated, Sparrow Song hugged her mother and left the house into the night to find John.

  The Mourning Dove’s thoughts turned to Molly. She should have made her appearance to Philip by now. It was their time. It was coming later but never the less it would be theirs to cherish. She marveled at the miracles of life.

  ~44~

  A Prophecy Fulfilled

  Philip saw a light in his room. He knew he had not been in his room since the arrival of Rebecca earlier that day. He cautiously entered and moved about the room. The candle on the table next to his bed was lit. There was definitely something unusual happening. He was confused and cautious.

  Even after all the years there were many times he could still feel the presence of Molly in this room. He saw that his bed had been turned down. This was not done since Molly had been there. This triggered the thought of his first night with Molly in this room. It was the night that Andrew was conceived. A chill came over his body as he thought about Molly.

  When he moved closer to the bed he saw the bouquet that he had placed on the grave of his beloved earlier.

  The day had brought on many changes and visits from ghosts he thought long gone. This was too much and he thought he might be going mad.

  Molly could see him from behind the drapes. She thought back to the first night she had come to this room. She studied every move Philip was making. She thought about how they had grown older; apart from each other. Her heart broke as she remembered the young and healthy man she had made love to so long ago, in this very room. His movements were so much slower and with more care.

  It did not matter. All the years of separation could not change her heart. She had begun sobbing. All those years would be erased tonight.

  Philip could sense movement in the room. He instinctively looked to the drapes. It was as though he was reliving the night of passion he had shared with Molly so many years ago. He walked over to the drape and carefully pulled it back. Molly was standing behind the curtain as she had over thirty years ago. When she saw him she was overcome with emotion. She was crying uncontrollably.

  When he saw her he gasped for air. Had he not held her, he would have probably fallen to the floor.

  She tried to speak. She wanted to explain so many things to him. She cried even as he held her to his chest and put his hand through her hair. All the years of longing had finally come to an end, or rather a beginning.

  ~

  The Mourning Dove walked through the double doors of the sitting room out to the porch that wrapped around the house. Although it was getting dark she could see the lake in the distance. The night air was cool and still.

  She saw her daughter and her intended running like children at play. She smiled at the springtime of newfound love.

  It was a beautiful night with just a hint of fall in the air. The Mourning Dove took a deep breath and reached into her pocket. She pulled out the braided strand of hair that she had taken from Running Wolf when he was killed. She put it to her lips and kissed it.

  The wind suddenly became stronger. She looked around sensing his presence.

  She had completed her task and fulfilled her promise to her husband. She was ready to join him. She looked to her side and a few feet away she saw the spirit of Running Wolf.

  He looked strong as he held his hand out for her. His face held a peace she had known when they first met. He looked at her as he did that day in the stream so many years ago. It was the day she decided to become his wife. In death he had found the peace that had been lost in the final years of his chieftain.

  The Mourning Dove could feel his pride in her as she had completed the mission he had asked of her. She looked at the spirit of her fallen warrior. Seeing him made her realize just how much she missed him. She could feel her body becoming weak at the thought of having him close to her again.

  She could feel a distinct difference in her body. The Mourning Dove looked down at her hands. They were once again whole!

  She uttered the words. “My love, my dearest, love.”

  She could feel her heart pounding. At first she thought it was from excitement. In a moment she knew it was different than merely fluttering. It began to beat quicker causing pain. The hurt became unbearable and she put her hand to her chest. The throbbing traveled up her neck until she could feel the pain in her ears as well. It was powerful and took away all her strength. She did not resist. She surrendered allowing death to take her as its captive. Death, her sweet reward.

  She smiled welcoming him as he moved toward her. She was dressed in the cloths that had been selected for her the day he took her as his wife. She extended her hand to him allowing her earthly body to remain on the porch. Her rejoicing spirit joined his.

  The youth they once shared was restored. They were together again, living the serene life of the Plaines, bonded forever

  ~45~

  Tiponi’s Final Gift

  I was crying as I finished the manuscript. It was past 4 a.m. Jack could not stay awake and was sleeping. I was grateful for that. He was really at a loss when I became emotional over my work. He never knew what to do.

  It was finished.

  I thought about Tiponi. I still had some unfinished business with my wise old friend. He had never told me the meaning of his name.

  I would ask him in the morning. It would be daybreak soon. We would be leaving later that night. I knew it would not be forever, I would have to return to this spirit filled place. I still wanted more from Lilly. The people here deserved to have something from me as well. How unenlightened I had been to think that I would pass through this place and complete my work in just two weeks. I had come here hoping to end my search for my lineage. I found only a beginning.

  My poignant moment came to a halt when there was a knock on the door. It woke Jack. He looked around and knew it was not an hour for visitors.

  “Don’t these people have any concept of time?” he said frustrated. He answered the door while I wiped away the tears.

  It was Lilly.

  “I have come to give this to you.” She handed Jack a large envelope. “I wanted to let you know that Tiponi passed away tonight.”

  I rose from my chair. Lilly could see I was obviously shaken.

  “Please don’t be upset, it was his time and he died very peacefully after a very long and eventful life.” She paused. “He has one final request.”

  I was confused and trying to accept that my trusted ally was gone. I would not ever again have those wonderful conversations with him.

  “Darcy?” Lilly asked knowing that I was deep in thought.

  “Oh, I am sorry.” I said not ashamed of the tears I was shedding.

  Jack put his arm around me.

  “Of course, I will do anything for him.” I answered her request.

  “He wants you to open that package in the place that you have made your own in the mountains.”

  ~

  Jack and I were standing on the mountain. It was warm and the moon was full and directly over our heads. It was holding on to the night. The new day would soon be here. From this vantage point we could barely make out the array of tipis that graced the Crow agency for the fair. For a moment I thought that this is how it must have looked when the Indians still freely roamed this area. It was very quiet. The stillness was eerie.

  I looked at Jack and came back into the present. He was holding the package that Lilly had given to me.

  “Please open it for me, Jack.” I could feel myself becoming very emotional again.

  He ope
ned it and began to read a letter. I could hear Tiponi’s voice as if he were talking to me in the confines of his house.

  My Dear Darcy,

  When you receive this package I will have joined Running Wolf and The Mourning Dove in the spirit world. Do not let your heart be sad. I will be with you again, in this spirit filled place.

  First of all, I did not forget your unanswered question. My name means ‘important one.’ I was given that name for this purpose, just as all in life has a purpose. I was born to tell the prophecy to you, the great storyteller. Now, you are asked to share the stories of those who sacrificed so much in fulfilling their part.

  As you have probably learned by now we are related. I am from the clan of The Mourning Dove; you know we always go by our mothers’ clan. She was my great, great- grandmother. You are from the clan of Mary Butler, wife of Andrew Butler. She would have been your great-grandmothers, great-grandmother.

  Together we have designed the tapestry known as our heritage. It is rich and you needed to come here to learn about it. Darcy, you have the power to share the story with all who will listen. This is a great honor bestowed upon you. Then, prophecy will be fulfilled.

  I wanted you to come to this place because it is sacred. Once you see what else I have left in this package I want you and Jack to be aware of something. It will take the faith that you have accepted into your hearts to see what is here, in the place that you have made your own. The spirits here are very strong, but only if you are open to them.

  Let them enter your soul and the spirit will live within you. You can carry them in your hearts until you return to the earth.

  And the prophecy lives on.

  May the Great Spirit be with you always.

  Tiponi

  Jack reached inside the bag. He pulled out a book. It looked to be very old and extremely fragile.