Snow Eagle

by Shirley A. Roe

  “Mother, you look lovely as ever.” Brave Beaver pulled her to him in a giant bear hug. He lifted her off of her feet.

  “Brave Beaver, you gave me a fright. Oh, how good it is to see you, my son.” She held him tightly; her heart was pounding in her chest. “Where is Swift Otter?”

  “She is talking with Red Hawk. Mother you are shaking, are you alright?”

  “Yes, yes, you just gave me a fright. Come let me look at you.” Little Fawn struggled to regain her composure. She had been terrified. What was this sense of impending doom that she was feeling? She pushed it from her mind and hugged her son. How happy she was to see him.

  The Potlach was filled with music and lively chatter. Many of the children gathered around their favorite storytellers. Storytellers were very popular at gatherings.

  “One night as the great ice began to melt, Raven swept down.” The children's eyes grew large. “The cedars, draped with giant moss looked like huge warriors against the dark sky.” The storyteller put great emphasis on his words bringing the story to life.

  “Raven was angry that the people did not show respect for the land. He declared that one of every ten black bears from that moment on would be white. The Spirit Bears would remind the people to take care of the world. You must all remember to respect Mother Earth and her creatures. During you lifetimes you will see white bears and even white moose. This is a sign you must never forget.” The children all nodded. Some fidgeted to get comfortable for the next story. Others grew bored and ran off to find more exciting things to do. The storyteller would entertain the children and some of the adults for hours. Food was consumed in large quantities. The atmosphere was electric with celebration.

  As the night sky grew black, the northern lights danced above the people; joining in the great festivity of life. Charging Elk and Walks Tall Women stood arm and arm watching the sky dance with pink, green and yellow light. Charging Elk sensed that she was homesick. He smiled at her, pulling her closer. She felt safe in his arms.

  Snow Eagle and the other elders met with the nobility of many clans and surrounding kwaans. The safety and survival of all of them depended on these people and the decisions that they made. News was exchanged, food was consumed and a wonderful camaraderie existed amongst them. Snow Eagle noticed that Sunflower was absent from the meetings. He looked over to Raging Bull. He too seemed concerned with his daughter's absence.

  The celebrations continued. Games were played. Push Pole was a favorite. Several men held the end of a long pole, at the other end were men from another clan. The idea was to push the pole and the men until they were off balance. In another part of the meadow, around a large fire, several men played the stick game. A large bunch of sticks lay at their feet. Amongst the sticks several were marked. The men would use tricks and cunning to find the marked sticks amongst the others. The men would place bets on the sticks; gambling was popular with young and old alike.

  Towards the outside of the festivities, the various clans exchanged slaves. Walks Tall Woman was interested in watching since she had once been a Tlingit slave and knew some of the women that would be traded. She and Charging Elk watched as four women were brought into the circle. A great cheer rose from the crowd and one clan exchanged the women for three others. Slaves were considered a symbol of wealth and these exchanges were common.

  Suddenly Walks Tall Woman shouted, “ Dove, Dove, is it really you?” Charging Elk stared at her in surprise. He grabbed her arm as she tried to rush into the circle.

  “Let me go, that is my sister.” He held her tight, surprised at the outburst.

  “You will see her when the exchange is over. You must be patient.” Charging Elk was confused. Tears ran down her cheeks, she was overjoyed to see her sister after so long.

  After the exchange the slaves went with their new clans. Walks Tall Woman sought out her sister. “Dove, it is me Walks Tall Woman.” The older woman looked at her in surprise. Walks Tall Woman noticed that her shorter and older sister was much thinner.

  “My sister, at long last I have found you. I left the village shortly after you were taken but I could not keep up with the Tlingit. I myself was captured by the Tsimshian Killerwhale people.” The two embraced, both were crying. Charging Elk stood back waiting to be introduced.

  “Dove, this is my husband Charging Elk. You must stay here with us.” Her eyes pleaded with him. Dove looked doubtful that anything could change the situation. She held her sister's hand. “Charging Elk, this is Dove, the sister that raised me after my mother died.” Charging Elk realized how important Dove was to Walks Tall Woman. He was surprised that the sisters did not look similar in any way. Dove was short and stocky, he guessed her to be at least ten years older than Walks Tall Woman. Charging Elk knew how important this was to his wife.

  “Let me go and talk to the council.” With that he turned and left the sisters to catch up.

  Charging Elk requested permission to enter the council hut. Snow Eagle was curious as to why he was there. “I have a request.” He explained the situation to the elders.

  “We will make a decision. You may go now.” Charging Elk bowed his head respectfully and left them to decide his sister-in-law's fate. He walked back to find the two sisters arm in arm.

  Crowds were dancing, brightly colored blankets twirled in the firelight, the sound of drums was almost deafening. The Tlingit's Potlach was a great success.

  Snow Eagle found Little Fawn with Brave Beaver and Swift Otter. He embraced his son. “So you have come home at last. Gray Wolf will be sorry he missed you. I understand you have brought one of our Tagish brothers and Salmon Catcher home. I must have taught you well, he and Salmon Catcher have been gone for many days.”

  “Walks with Fire is in the healing house but I am afraid that Salmon Catcher has gone to be with Great Spirit in Kiwa-a in the Land of the Dead.” Snow Eagle was greatly saddened by this news.

  “He was a brave warrior. We must go and sing to Kah-shu-gon-yah to take our brother home.” The two Shaman left in order to pray and prepare the body of the warrior. A death dance would become part of the Potlach and Salmon Catcher's soul would go to join Kah-shu-gon-yah, the Great Spirit. Buffalo Woman would be honored with a large totem, telling the story of her life. The Potlach was a celebration of death as well as life.

  Little Fawn and Swift Otter went to see Walks with Fire. They found him lying in the healing hut, Moon watched over him. Swift Otter explained to Little Fawn that Moon was now Walks with Fire's caregiver. Brave Beaver would leave her with him until he was well but then she must return to her own people. Little Fawn could see that Moon was already very fond of the Tagish warrior. Walks with Fire looked up at her and smiled. Little Fawn took his hand, very happy that he was back. Snow Eagle would send Charging Elk to see his friend. It would be a good reunion for the two young warriors. The Potlach was in full swing, but still Little Fawn felt uneasy. You have come back to us Walks with Fire, Brave Beaver is here with me after all this time and yet I feel danger close by. Why do I feel this way on such a happy occasion?

  Snow Eagle appeared before the huge crowd, Brave Beaver at his side. The other villages of Tlingit were not used to seeing such a magnificent feather headdress, it caused quite a stir. Now sporting the long caribou hide coat as well, Snow Eagle was elevated in rank in the eyes of the people. The attire showed his great strength and his unity with other tribes. Reverently, the crowd hushed. Brave Beaver at his side wore his whale mask representing the Haida people. This was a very important statement to everyone in attendance. The tribes were uniting; great strength and more trade possibilities invigorated everyone. A great cheer rose up. The sound of hundreds of people cheering was deafening.

  Snow Eagle raised the rattle and the crowd silenced. “We are here to honor Buffalo Woman, a great elder. She has gone to he highest heaven, Kiwa-a, realm of happiness.” Many prayers were sung, Brave Beaver danced and Snow Eagle regally reigned over his people. A huge buffalo totem was raised in honor of Buffalo Woma
n. Red Hawk could not hold back the tears. Waving Pine, Raging Bull, Black Rain and Clouds of Thunder looked skyward, wishing their dear old friend, farewell. Buffalo Woman's only daughter, Prairie Flower was sworn in as a new council member. She would replace her mother as an elder. Like Sunflower she had been taught since birth for this position.

  Because Salmon Catcher was a commoner, his burial was held with less pomp and celebration in another section of the meadow. People gathered to show their respect as the fire burned. Snow Eagle and Brave Beaver prayed and danced around the burial site. The Potlach was going very well. The social rank of the Tlingit was ever increasing.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Red Hawk stood admiring the Buffalo head atop the tall totem. The Potlach was over and everyone was returning to day- to-day tasks. The people have shown you great respect with this wonderful totem, my dear friend. One day a similar totem bearing the symbol of a Red Hawk will rise beside you. How I miss our laughter and long talks. One day soon we will be together again. Tears rolled down her wrinkled face.

  Snow Eagle watched his mother grieve, Buffalo Woman was a dear friend and a great elder, she would be missed. He approached his mother and put his arm around her bony shoulder. She looked up at him and smiled. How proud she was of her son. “Do you cry for Buffalo Woman, or for yourself Mother?”

  “A little of both I am afraid. One day soon, your father and I will go to Kiwa-a in the Land of the Dead. The good of the Tlingit will be up to you and your sons, Snow Eagle. It was good to see that Brave Beaver has become a great Shaman like his father.”

  “Yes, I am glad he was able to bring Walks with Fire back from the land of the dead. It appears our Tagish friend has also found a squaw. The woman, Moon refuses to leave his side. Brave Beaver requested that she be allowed to remain here and the Haida Elders agreed.” Snow Eagle laughed.

  “Our Tagish friends seem to be very adept at attracting the women. Perhaps that will put the united tribe in good stead.” Red Hawk and Snow Eagle laughed together. Her mood was lightened. “Do you think Gray Wolf and Songbird will produce a strong leader? I do worry about her not speaking.”

  “ Giant Bear explained that to me. It is a very sad story.” Snow Eagle paused to remember what Giant Bear had told him.

  “What happened to that dear child?” Red Hawk's curiosity was peaked. She waited for her son to speak.

  “It seems that Songbird's mother was killed when she was only a very small child. Giant Bear and the warriors were off on a raiding party. Another tribe attacked and Songbird watched them abuse, beat and then kill her mother. It was a brutal death. She never spoke again. Giant Bear was deeply concerned but nothing could be done.”

  “ Oh the poor child, what a terrible memory for her to live with. So she is able to speak?”

  “Apparently, she was a talkative youngster who loved her mother deeply. The attack scarred her forever.”

  “Why did the warriors not harm her?”

  “She was hidden in a large basket. Her mother put her there as soon as the village was attacked and told her not to make a sound. They were the last words that her mother spoke to her. ‘Don't make a sound.' She has not spoken since.” Snow Eagle looked at his mother who had tears rolling down her old face. “Don't cry Mother, she has learned to live with it. The whistling sound that she makes enchants the people.”

  “Perhaps Gray Wolf will make her happy enough to speak. Or her own child, may bring her voice back to her.” Red Hawk shook her head from side to side. “Life is very hard for some. I will go and find your father now.” With that she walked slowly away leaving Snow Eagle to stare after her.

  “Yes Mother, life is very hard.” He too felt very sad when he heard the story of Songbird. Because of the preparations and the celebration, he had kept it to himself up until now. He must tell Little Fawn so that she can console his mother. Snow Eagle watched the fishermen go to sea and then he turned toward the healing hut where Walks with Fire was recuperating.

  “How are you today, my friend?”

  “Charging Elk was here earlier to ask me to go hunting. I told him that as long as he didn't want to fish, he could count me in.” Walks with Fire laughed out loud. Snow Eagle smiled, happy to hear the strength returning to his voice.

  “Where is your caregiver? She never leaves your side.”

  “Little Fawn came to get her a few minutes ago. She is going to show her where we will be moving to later today. I will be happy to join the living once again.” Walks with Fire sat on the side of the mat, his knees tucked under his arms. “Snow Eagle, what would I have to do to request Moon be my wife?”

  “I thought you might ask me that. I will ask the Elders and you will ask Moon. Very simple-she is a lovely woman and now that you have the Haida's permission for her to stay, you are different moieties so you can be wed.”

  Walks with Fire beamed from ear to ear. “She is a very lovely young woman, and very caring.” Snow Eagle patted him on the shoulder. “I did not think that one day I would live with the great Tlingit and marry a Haida woman. My life has given me many surprises.”

  “My job is done here. Brave Beaver brought you back to the living and Moon will take care of you from now on. You can leave as soon as Little Fawn comes to get you.”

  Snow Eagle moved through the village, satisfied that all was well. Charging Elk and several young men passed him as they headed into the forest to hunt. Snow Eagle raised his hand in greeting. Giant Bear and I have done a good thing in uniting our tribes; Gray Wolf and Songbird will be the future of our people. Now Walks with Fire, a Tagish, marries a Haida. Yes, we are uniting as it was meant to be. He felt pleased with himself.

  Little Fawn, Walks Tall Woman and Moon prepared the house for Walks with Fire. Moon and Walks with Fire would share the house with Charging Elk and Walks Tall Woman. The women arranged the mats, put many utensils made of bone, antler and wood around the central fire, shook out the blankets and made the house ready. Moon was a lovely young woman. Walks Tall Woman looked forward to them becoming friends. Little Fawn and Walks Tall Woman were fascinated by the tattoo on the back of Moon's hand. The design was a full moon with an eagle flying past. “That is lovely, we do not tattoo our bodies. Only the men of nobility have tattoos. This makes you very special here in the village. We welcome you into our family, Moon.” Moon smiled, her life had taken a wonderful change for the better the day she met Walks with Fire. “Now we plan the wedding. It is fortunate that the Haida are close by. We will have a wonderful celebration.” Little Fawn was satisfied that everything was perfect. The young women were like daughters and she enjoyed being with them but the giggling was more than she could handle. She excused herself and walked in the village.

  Dove, Walks Tall Woman's sister would also live with Charging Elk. The elders had decided that she could stay and had traded two slaves for her. She would remain a slave but would live with her sister. Both women were thrilled at this arrangement. Dove was gathering seaweed at the shore with the other slave women. Little Fawn waved to her as she passed. She had been pleased to discover Dove was a very good seamstress. She would join her later to sew several shirts and dresses as well as the wedding garments for Walks with Fire and Moon. Little Fawn was the best seamstress in the village. She was pleased to have Dove assist her. Being older than Walks Tall Woman, she and Little Fawn had more in common. The two were fast becoming friends. Little Fawn went to her longhouse to prepare the work for herself and Dove. Snow Eagle found her there.

  “What is this? It looks like you have become one of the commoners, piling your work high.” Snow Eagle wondered why Little Fawn had so much to do. As nobility, she was not expected to sew for the village.

  “Dove is coming today. We will begin stitching these shirts. I want to be sure she knows how to do it properly. Each stitch must be small and tight.”

  “My wife, you are always wanting perfection. I am sure Dove knows how to sew a shirt.” He laughed at his wife. “You are just lucky you have the perfect m
an.” She scowled at him, ignoring his teasing.

  “I don't like sloppy work. Besides Dove and I have lovely conversations. The Eyak are a fascinating people. I am learning a great deal.”

  “Speaking of traditions of the others, let me tell you about my visit to Giant Bear and the Tagish. He explained to me, why his daughter does not speak.” Little Fawn turned, giving him her full attention. She had wondered about this for a long time. Snow Eagle related the story to his wife. She was deeply disturbed to hear it.

  “I hope that one day Gray Wolf will help her to speak again. She is a lovely young woman. Our people have increased in number and now we include many from different tribes. Walks with Fire taught me much about the Tagish. Now Dove teaches me of the Eyak. Soon your wife will be smarter than you, the great Snow Eagle.” She pecked his cheek, laughing.

  “I will go and leave you to your woman's work. It appears you have a new friend. I am glad that you and Dove have much to talk about. I will make sure Walks with Fire gets settled. He has much to do, preparing the gifts for the Haida before the wedding.” Little Fawn organized her sewing supplies. She smiled at Snow Eagle as he left the house. It was nice to have him home.

  Snow Eagle found Raging Bull wandering through the village. “What is the matter? You look as if you have lost something.”

  “I have been looking for Sunflower. She has been very evasive since White Fox's death. I want her to make sure Prairie Flower is well prepared for the next elder council but I can't seem to find her. Something is up with that young woman.” Raging Bull looked very concerned.

  “I am sure she is just grieving for her son. She must handle his death in her own way.” Snow Eagle walked on, but he too had wondered where Sunflower had been. No one had seen much of her since White Fox was put to death.

  Meanwhile, Little Fawn and Dove sat together chatting and sewing. The time passed quickly.

  “We will need to make a dye to apply the design to this shirt. We use many different plants for the various colors.” Little Fawn explained the procedure. The Eyak did not use dyes and Dove was not familiar with the plants. Little Fawn wanted her to know everything about the Tlingit way of life. As a slave she would have many jobs. Besides, Little Fawn was enjoying the other woman's company very much.