Snow Eagle

by Shirley A. Roe

  “Speak woman.” Charging Elk's eyes traveled from her head to her toes and back again until he stared into her eyes. He realized that she was almost as tall as he was. Her black hair was braided and she wore the unadorned clothing of a slave. Her cheekbones were high and prominent, unlike the Tagish women.

  “How many moons will it take to arrive at your village?” Walks Tall Woman held her head high. Although she was a captive, she was a proud woman and not easily intimidated. She liked the way Charging Elk's eyes moved over her body. Her gaze took in his muscular shoulders and chest. He was a handsome man and if she was to be a slave to him, she would not complain. Of course, being his squaw would be much more advantageous. She moved her hips provocatively as his eyes rested on her body. Walks Tall Woman knew how men thought and although she was young, she was very shrewd.

  Charging Elk gave his head the slightest shake and regained his composure. “We will arrive after Beaver Moon. You and your friends have nothing to fear from us. Snow Eagle and Gray Wolf will travel with us. You will watch over Songbird and care for her needs. Where do you come from?”

  Walks Tall Woman, turned and looked coyly over her shoulder. “I am Eyak. My people live far north of here.” She stared deep into Charging Elk's eyes and walked slowly away. Each step of her long muscular legs brought a swing to her hips, as she felt his eyes upon her. Walks Tall Woman was growing confident that this was going to be a very good trip.

  Little Fawn was preparing Snow Eagle's bundle. Once again they would be separated but she realized the urgency of this trip. Her husband and her son would both be gone for many weeks, she prayed to the Great Spirit to watch over them and bring them safely back to her. She had offered to go with them but knew he would not allow it. Her place was with her people on their trek to the fertile shores, where food was plentiful and the weather less harsh. She added several intricately carved animals to the bundle, which would serve as trading goods for their trip back. When traveling, tribe members stopped at other tribal camps. They would trade for food and other items that they needed. The Tlingit art was highly valued and would serve Snow Eagle and Gray Wolf well.

  Songbird and Gray Wolf joined the others. Around her neck, a thin strip of leather was adorned with the small, carved deer that Gray Wolf had given her and a newly added carved bird. Songbird had made her choice and in her heart she knew she had saved her people from death, both Tlingit and Tagish. She straightened her back and with pride moved to stand with her husband. Songbird, no longer Frightened Deer, would now follow her destiny as the one responsible for uniting Tagish and Tlingit. She looked from Charging Elk to Gray Wolf and knew she had made the right decision.

  Walks with Fire had chosen to stay with the Tlingits and accompany them to the sea. He was an adventurous spirit and wanted to be sure that White Fox was dealt with. He and Charging Elk stood with one hand on each other's shoulder. “Travel safely my brother, I will see you when the snow begins to melt.” The two had been the best of friends all of their lives and were more like brothers than friends. It was difficult for one to leave the other behind. Charging Elk turned and walked towards the others but not without looking back at his friend and waving goodbye. The small group started off back across the ice. The remaining tribe stood and watched them go, hopeful that a new united tribe was soon to be.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The long descent went smoothly and the clan's people arrived at their camp near the sea, just as Beaver Moon rose in the sky. Shelters from the year before were repaired and prepared for habitation. The winter village consisted of a single row of wooden plank longhouses with the front facing the river, back to the mountains. Rivers provided fresh water for drinking, plenty of fish and a place for the canoes to be launched. The sea was only a short distance from their camp. Houses were large and made from cedar; spruce and hemlock beams with cedar bark roofs. Everyone busied themselves with the repairs and the unpacking.

  Little Fawn replaced some of the cedar bark on the roof with the help of Walks with Fire. He had become a surrogate son these past weeks and she was very fond of this good humored and helpful young man. “Almost done, pass me two more pieces of bark and the roof will keep out the rain and wind.” Walks with Fire secured the bark in place and jumped to the ground. “Is there any chance of some food now?” he chuckled.

  “I am sure the women have a great feast planned for celebration. It is always a happy time when we return to the sea. I see you are admiring the totem poles. They tell the story of our Clan.” Little Fawn walked towards the towering totems and began to tell Walks with Fire of their meaning. “An Eagle or Wolf head sits proudly on the top, to signify that the people of this house are people of the Wolf. As you will see, a raven tops the one in front of the house further down, announcing a ‘House of Raven.' Walks with Fire's people did not build totem poles and he was mesmerized by their size and colors. This was the first time he had been out of the mountains. He found the more temperate coast to be most agreeable.

  “Our brothers, the Kaigani to the south have totem poles that are twice the size of these with killer whales as their totem. Some day you may journey there to see them. I have only been there once as a child to attend a Potlach, but there are many beautiful things to see there.”

  “I have heard that the trees are so high they disappear into the sky.” Walks with Fire looked excitedly at her. “One day I shall travel to the south and see them for myself.” Little Fawn had no doubt that he would do just that. Together they moved toward the huge fire that was lit in the center of the village. People were beginning to gather and food appeared like magic. Smoked salmon, tiny smelt-like fish called oolachan, clams, berries, seaweed and an abundance of greens appeared in overflowing baskets. Clam shells filled with seal oil, or ‘Fire lights” as they were known, were lit in the houses and the village came to life. Everyone was happy and tired but pleased to finally be back at the sea, their winter home.

  The village was large, more than a dozen houses sat facing the river. There were small open shelters to the outside of the village. These shelters were work rooms used to make baskets and held weaving looms where clothing and blankets were made. Along the shore of the river, several large canoes glimmered in the moonlight. They would provide transportation for trade and fishing over the winter months. Each canoe was long, narrow and had a high pointed front and back. The canoes were decorated with animal symbols in bright colors. Racks for drying fish lined the rocky shore. Nets hung haphazardly on the racks. Everything the people needed to survive was plentiful at the coastal village. Walks with Fire was impressed.

  Well fed and happy to be in their coastal home, the people began to retire for the night. “Come and I will get you a bedroll, Walks with Fire.” Little Fawn led him to her longhouse. One tiny door allowed access, there were no windows. Inside the home was brightly lit with tiny oil lights.

  “I have never seen fire lights like this, where did they come from?” Walks with Fire was curious about everything and Little Fawn was anxious to share her knowledge.

  “Our brothers, the Eyak who live to the north are the makers of the fire lights. We trade many things with our brothers at the coast.” She explained how the clamshells were filled with seal oil and the lump of fat was used as a wick. The lights spread a warm glow over the inside of the house, which was large enough for their entire family. Individual families or ‘houses' shared one large home at the winter village. A woven mat, hanging from the rafters, divided the sections or rooms. Black Rain, Red Hawk, Gray Wolf and Songbird, and Little Fawn and Snow Eagle as well as any slaves they had captured, would stay in this house when they were reunited. The two Elders slept at the far end of the room; loud snoring echoing off the walls. Little Fawn chuckled fondly as Black Rain's snoring became extremely loud. Hopefully she would get a few hours sleep. Walks with Fire prepared his bedroll and went to join the other warriors at the central fire.

  As the sun rose, everyone was settling in and the mood was light and lively. Little c
hildren ran and played on the riverbank, gathering shells and enjoying the milder weather. Red Hawk watched them as she sat perched high on the rocks. She was thinking about Snow Eagle. How was their journey going? Had they reached the Caribou Hunters camp and what of the woman, Songbird? Was she really with child?

  Little Fawn joined her. “What gives you this far away look Red Hawk?” The younger woman settled herself on the boulders. The warm sun felt good on her aching muscles after the long journey.

  “I was thinking of Snow Eagle and Gray Wolf. Hopefully they have arrived at the village of the Caribou Hunters and negotiations are going well.”

  “Yes, I too hope they will return safely. I miss Snow Eagle very much. Do you think the Tagish will agree to unite with us? If Songbird is with child, it will be a great incentive for them.” Little Fawn looked at Red Hawk. “You do not know for certain that she is, do you?” Red Hawk shook her head.

  “We shall have to wait and see.”

  Several of the men gathered around the large log that had been dragged into the village. Busily they set to the task of removing the bark, which would be used for the roof of their houses. The women carried the pieces of bark and outer layers away. The inside of the bark was shredded and woven into clothing, diapers, and towels. It was piled outside the workhouse where the large roller loom sat. The large planks would be used for the walls of the houses and the huge log that remained would become a canoe; every part of the trunk was used and revered by these people, nothing went to waste.

  Black Rain explained the process to Walks with Fire. “Once the log is hollowed out, it will be filled with water and heated by large stones. This will soften the wood. The men will then widen the cavity until it is the desired size.” Walks with Fire was fascinated. Canoes of this magnitude were not common amongst his people who lived inland. Black Rain continued explaining each procedure with great pride, happy to have found such a captive audience.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Far inland, a cold wind blew across the valley as the small band approached the Tagish territory. The Tagish lived between two glacial lakes, Marsh Lake and Tagish Lake. The journey had been difficult and all were relieved to see the village ahead. The warriors were happy to see their home once again. Snow Eagle and Gray Wolf approached nervously. Once inside the village, the Tagish could turn on them. Nothing was for certain. Father and son gave each other a tenuous look. Snow Eagle sent up a silent prayer. Gray Wolf's fingers rubbed the butt of his knife. He would fight to the death, if necessary.

  The women especially looked forward to ending this grueling journey. Songbird, Walks Tall Woman, Bright Star and She Wolf were exhausted. The village was a welcome sight. Songbird was anxious to see her father again. The three slaves were nervous at the thought of their new home. The Tlingit had treated them well; they did not know this clan of Tagish. Some slaves were very badly treated, even maimed or killed. The tension was palpable.

  “When we reach the village, you must let me do the talking.” Charging Elk's voice was authorative and both Snow Eagle and Gray Wolf nodded in the affirmative. The last thing they wanted was an uprising. They came in peace.

  Snow Eagle watched Charging Elk; the journey had given him great insight into this brave warrior. The Tagish were not a violent people but they were filled with pride. Snow Eagle would make sure they were not insulted in anyway, but a peaceful solution had to be reached. Songbird and Gray Wolf had grown much closer during the journey. He did not want his son to lose this beautiful young woman. He had thought much about how the two clans could unite and become stronger. If there was a child, this could be the beginning of a new and better clan. Their steps slowed as they approached the village. Songbird moved to walk with Charging Elk, as would be expected. Gray Wolf was not pleased but remained silent.

  People began to appear, curiosity evident on their faces. Word of the powerful Tlingit, and their Shaman Snow Eagle had spread throughout the land. The people were surprised to see them here in their village. Some hid in doorways, watching the procession pass, while others shouted words of welcome to Charging Elk and his men. At the end of the village, a large straight-planked shelter dominated the horizon. This was the home of Giant Bear, Songbird's father and head of the Tagish clan.

  Charging Elk and Songbird entered the dwelling, leaving the others outside. Gray Wolf felt the eyes upon him; he turned to see dozens of curiosity seekers staring at them. Children hid behind their mothers, women waited patiently for their husbands to finish their business and return to their homes. The warriors that accompanied Snow Eagle stood stoically on guard, hoping to rejoin their families shortly. The three slave women glanced nervously at their new surroundings.

  After what seemed like hours, an old woman opened the door to the dwelling. She signaled for Snow Eagle and Gray Wolf to enter. She also dismissed the warriors. This was a good omen, Snow Eagle relaxed.

  A huge man, larger than either had ever seen, greeted the two men. He appeared to be in his fifties, hair was black as coal but his leathery skin showed his age. He towered over both men. His huge hand rested on Songbird's shoulder. He dwarfed her. Gray Wolf estimated him to be almost 7 feet tall. He was in awe of the power exuded by the giant.

  “You, Snow Eagle, Shaman of the Tlingit, are welcome in my home. I understand you wish to be my daughter's husband, Gray Wolf. You are also welcome.” His voice boomed like thunder, everything about him was intimidating. Snow Eagle extended his hand in greeting. It disappeared in the other man's hand. “Sit. We have much to discuss.”

  He nodded to Songbird, who moved to the back of the dwelling with the old woman. Gray Wolf's eyes followed her. She smiled coquettishly at him; Giant Bear observed the action carefully. Giant Bear was fully aware of the power these Tlingit yielded both in trade routes and respect.

  “We come in peace, Giant Bear. We have brought gifts from our people.” Snow Eagle was feeling at ease but not sure of where the conversation would lead. Protocol between the clans was followed carefully before the discussions began. The three slave women were brought into the dwelling. Walks Tall Woman glanced seductively at Charging Elk. Giant Bear accepted them and the other gifts, signaling Charging Elk to take the women to another dwelling.

  “You are the one that invaded our village, Gray Wolf. For this, I should have you killed.” Giant Bear's voice boomed. Gray Wolf swallowed hard but uncharacteristically remained silent. Perhaps there was hope for Gray Wolf. Snow Eagle was relieved. He was seeing a new side to his son, a more patient, mature side. Snow Eagle also realized that his son's future lay in this man's hands. He held his breath. “However, Songbird tells me that you also saved her life and Charging Elk has confirmed this.”

  “We come in peace, Giant Bear. We would like to discuss a uniting of our clans. Songbird and Gray Wolf will produce a child. This will unite us and make us strong.”

  “There is much to discuss. First we smoke.” The negotiations went on into the dark of night. After many hours, an agreement was reached. Giant Bear was a shrewd leader. When the child is born, the clans would be united. Snow Eagle and Gray Wolf were taken to a small log dwelling for the night.

  “I will not leave Songbird here with them, Father. She must come with me, I am her husband.” Gray Wolf was definitely not happy with Giant Bear's suggestion.

  “There will be more discussions in the morning, my son. For now we must rest. The journey was long and exhausting. We will think more clearly in the morning. Try to sleep.” With that he pulled his bedroll around his shoulders and closed his eyes. He knew this was going to be a very difficult point with Giant Bear and Gray Wolf, but some peaceful conclusion would have to be reached. He and Gray Wolf had to travel far to the sea and leaving Songbird with her family would make the journey much simpler and safer for her. They would come for her in the spring when they returned to the valley.

  The next morning after a breakfast of bear meat and berries, the discussions continued. Charging Elk insisted that White Fox must lose his life for threa
tening Songbird; all parties agreed. It was also agreed that Songbird would remain with her clan, however Gray Wolf would not hear of it.

  “My woman will remain with me. I insist.” Gray Wolf was growing more agitated with each passing minute. Snow Eagle saw that his son had not changed as much as he had previously thought. Trying to diffuse the situation, he put his hand on Gray Wolf's shoulder. Finally it was Charging Elk that offered the solution.

  “If I may speak, Giant Bear.” The great man nodded.

  “Gray Wolf is a fine warrior, our people could learn much from him. If he is willing to stay in our village with Songbird until Grass Moon, I will go with Snow Eagle to the sea. I can make sure White Fox is put to death. Our cultures can learn much from each other and united we will be stronger.”

  Giant Bear stared into the flames considering this option. The Tlingit were very powerful, controlling the trade routes on the coast. They were well respected amongst the clans, of which many were anxious to unite with the Tlingit. A joining together of Tagish and Tlingit would be an historic achievement, beneficial for both groups. Giant Bear would be known as the man that brought about this great union. Many great stories would be told of Giant Bear and Snow Eagle. The Tagish were suffering from outside raids, much like the one Gray Wolf had perpetrated. The people grew weak. The infusion of new blood would strengthen them and assure their survival. Gray Wolf was a great warrior. He would teach the Tagish to protect themselves. Songbird was “Crow” (Raven) and a union with Gray Wolf, who was “Wolf”, would be accepted.