Snow Eagle

by Shirley A. Roe

  “Come and I will show you where to gather the right plants.” Little Fawn and Dove left the house and headed into the meadow to the rear of the village. The women walked through the meadow, gathering many roots and plants. They chatted about Dove's life and her people and Little Fawn taught her much about the Tlingit.

  “Tomorrow we will go in search of more plants.” Dove was very fond of Little Fawn. She was happy to be reunited with her sister and now she had a new friend as well. Being a slave was not a hardship for her. She picked up her basket of plants. The two made plans to go further into the forest the next morning.

  A young mother stopped Snow Eagle as he walked through the village. She asked him to look at her son's leg. The boy had a large gash just above his ankle. Snow Eagle applied a salve made from Sitka Spruce pitch, to the abrasion and then bound it with soft leather. He enjoyed his position as medicine man. Five years earlier, he had brought this young man into the world. The midwife could not turn the breached baby and the young woman was suffering terribly. Snow Eagle was called in to assist. The youngster stared up at him. “I want to go hunting. I caught five squirrels this morning,” the young boy bragged.

  “I think you should rest this leg today, tomorrow you can join the great hunters.” Snow Eagle patted the boy on the head, smiled at the mother and then continued across the village. Traders were filling their huge canoe preparing to travel south. The traders traveled hundreds of miles bringing back many exotic items. In the summer months the Tlingit would travel to their valley inland and the traders would branch out deep into the interior. The trade routes were generations old and the more routes a clan had, the more prestigious they became. Snow Eagle stopped to talk with the men.

  “I am surprised we still have goods to trade after such a big Potlach.” The head trader laughed.

  “We wisely kept some goods hidden. Otherwise all of us would live in empty houses, the generosity was so great.” He and the others laughed.

  “Very wise of you. Have a safe trip may Kah-shu-gon-yah, go with you on your journey.” Snow Eagle spoke some words of blessing over the great canoe. The men would be gone for many weeks. “It feels like rain. Hopefully the sea will remain calm for your departure. Travel safely my brothers.”

  Just as he reached his home, the rain began to fall. Little Fawn sat beside the brightly burning fire, a large piece of meat roasted on a spit. The smell was tantalizing. “Whatever you are cooking smells delicious.” She did not turn toward him. “Little Fawn?” She jumped; startled that he was beside her.

  “Snow Eagle, I'm sorry. I did not hear you come in.” She trembled.

  “What is wrong? You look frightened.” He sat cross-legged beside her, putting his arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him. Dare she tell him of this feeling of impending doom that would not go away? “Little Fawn, is something wrong?”

  “No, nothing, I was just thinking about my day with Dove. She has led a very hard life. Her brother was killed by a bear, when he was only a small child. Her mother died when she was only twelve and she raised Walks Tall Woman and her sisters, by herself. Her father was always gone from the village, hunting or trading. When Walks Tall Woman was captured, Dove followed the men that took her. Then she was lost and captured herself by another tribe. The poor woman is just happy to be here with her sister.” Snow Eagle looked at her. She was trying too hard.

  “That is a very hard life, but many of our people face such adversity. Is that all? Is there anything else troubling you? You have not been yourself lately.” He was concerned. She kissed his cheek and stood. Leaving him sitting by the fire, she busied herself preparing the meal. He watched her, trying to decipher her mood.

  After they ate, Little Fawn retired for the night. Snow Eagle went to find his mother.

  “Something is bothering Little Fawn, Mother. She is not herself. Do you know what is wrong with her?” Red Hawk patted her son's hand.

  “No, I have not seen her today. But I am concerned about Sunflower. That woman has been staying away for days, something is very wrong. I have a terrible feeling that she is up to something.” Red Hawk stared into the fire, a far away look on her face.

  “Mother, you always think Sunflower is up to something.”

  “Yes, and I am always right. Did she not put White Fox up to stealing Songbird? Did she not release him? I am surprised she didn't try to free him from the restraints before his death. That woman was obsessed with her son.” Red Hawk shook her head from side to side.

  “We do not know that it was Sunflower that let White Fox go. And as you say, she could have released him the second time but she did not. I think you are too harsh on her.”

  “And I think you are too soft. Not everyone is kind and loving, she is definitely up to something. Raging Bull agrees with me.” Red Hawk looked at her son very seriously.

  “I want to talk about Little Fawn, not Sunflower.”

  “There may be a connection my son. I hope not, but as I said, I have this feeling that will not go away. Watch your wife very closely.” With that she dismissed him. Snow Eagle walked out through the small door, a feeling of unease began to settle on his shoulders. He quickened his pace, back to Little Fawn.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  In the days of Hunger Moon that followed, the rain fell cold and heavy. The villagers stayed in their houses, all was quiet. Water began to form tiny pools throughout the village, heavy black clouds hung low over the sea. Thunder rolled across the sky.

  In a small cave, far from the village Sunflower sat beside her small fire. Her son's belongings were piled around her. His bow, spear, buckskin shirt and his moccasins all piled neatly as if waiting for him to return. Her brown hair was tattered Her clothing torn and dirty. There was a wild look in her eyes. She had lost weight in the weeks she spent alone in the cave. Her body rocked back and forth as she chanted, “Little Fawn must die, Little Fawn must die.” She had lost her mind. The thunder continued to crash and lightning lit the cave, but Sunflower did not acknowledge it. She rocked on and on.

  The day of the wedding, the weather cleared and the sun shone. Walks with Fire, with the help of several other young men prepared many gifts for the family of Moon. Bentwood boxes, small woodcarvings, paddles, deer skinned drums and many other highly decorated gifts awaited the Haida. The people of Moon's tribe arrived in several canoes. Her father stood at the front of a large canoe holding a tall wooden shaft with two Eagle feathers at the top. This told everyone that Moon was Eagle/wolf clan, the clan of her mother. He yelled to those on shore announcing who he was and that he had come to give his daughter to the Tagish man of Raven clan.

  The Tlingit welcomed their guests at the shore leading them to the clearing where earlier the Potlach had been. Brave Beaver and Swift Otter were amongst the guests. Little Fawn was very happy to see them again so soon. It helped her feel more relaxed and less anxious. She was beginning to worry about the great apprehension that would not leave her. She told herself, Today is Moon and Walks with Fire's day. I will not think of anything else.

  Charging Elk, as best man began to sing the wedding song. The bridesmaids, Moon's sister, and several young Haida women, danced down the long aisle waving cedar boughs to cleanse the area.

  Walks with Fire started down the aisle blowing tufts of Eagle down into the air, this was a sign of spreading peace. He wore a black and brown leather tunic, covered in ermine tails and beads. The Raven covered the back signifying his moiety. Dove and Little Fawn had spent countless hours making it perfect.

  The bride Moon's entrance on a platform carried by six groomsmen symbolized the reverence and acceptance the groom's family holds for her. Because Walks with Fire's own family could not be there, Little Fawn, Black Rain and Red Hawk represented his family. They stood to his left. Snow Eagle stood at the end of the long aisle waiting to perform the ceremony. The Bride wore a white buckskin gown covered with an Eagle pattern signifying that she was Eagle moiety. Her headband and necklace were made of cobalt blue beads
and long dentalia shells. Little Fawn's perfection was apparent in the entire bridal outfit. During the dancing a Raven blanket was placed over Walks with Fire's shoulders.

  When the couple reached the front of the wedding area, a larger blanket was placed over both of them to signify the strength of the union.

  “Red Hawk, I feel as if one of my own sons is being married. Walks with Fire has become very special to Snow Eagle and I.” Little Fawn felt very proud watching the union of two such fine young people. She smiled across the clearing at Brave Beaver and Swift Otter.

  “The wedding clothes are very special. You and Dove should be very proud.” Red Hawk smiled. The wedding was followed by much celebration. The people of the village were very happy to have such a joyous celebration on a glorious sunny day. Snow Eagle and Little Fawn enjoyed themselves long into the night. He was relieved that she was so relaxed. He had been very worried about her.

  Days later the weather again grew cold and damp. Raging Bull, Black Rain, Waving Pine and Clouds of Thunder sat together in the meetinghouse. “Where could she be? It has been weeks since anyone has seen Sunflower.” Worry was taking its' toll on Raging Bull. First the order of his grandson's death and now his daughter was missing. The old men trembled in the cold.

  “She can not be far, she is just grieving. Many people go away to be alone to deal with their grief. I am sure she is fine. Sunflower can take care of herself.” Waving Pine was trying to be positive, however he was not convinced. “I have enough trouble with Dancing Bear. Every since White Fox's death, he has been acting very strangely. I am getting too old to take care of him.” The others nodded in understanding.

  “We sent a small search party to look for her, but they found nothing. She did not leave a trail; therefore we assume she does not want to be found. Hunger Moon is upon us. Soon the snow will come and we will not be able to search for her. The weather is turning cold.” Clouds of Thunder shifted his weight, pulling his fur cape tightly around his body.

  “What does Red Hawk say?” Raging Bull wanted to see Red Hawk but Black Rain informed him she was not well. All of their faces showed great concern.

  Red Hawk lay on her bed, perspiration dripped from her forehead. A heavy cough racked her chest. Snow Eagle carefully spooned an herbal mixture into her open mouth. She coughed. “Mother, you must drink this.”

  “Hot, too hot in here,” she whispered. Her voice was weak. The fire raged nearby. The room was very warm. A large bowl filled with hot rocks made the air around her moist with steam.

  “I must keep the room warm, you are not well. I am going to burn these leaves. It will help you breathe. Moon will come to watch over you. She is a good caregiver. I will be back in a few hours. Try to rest.” Snow Eagle crumbled herbal leaves into the fire. The flames cracked and sparked, a strange aroma filled the air. He spoke to Great Spirit before leaving the room. Moon entered the house quietly. Snow Eagle felt that she had the spirit of a healer. He was very impressed with the young Haida woman.

  “Take care of her, be sure that she stays warm.” Moon nodded. She was becoming very proficient at caring for the sick and Snow Eagle called on her often. “Little Fawn will come in an hour to relieve you. Thank you Moon.”

  Snow Eagle joined the elders. “Red Hawk is very ill. We must all ask Kah-shu-gon-yah to watch over her. Black Rain looked at his son, his expression questioning. “She will recover Father. You do not have to worry.” Black Rain looked skeptical. He was worried that he would lose his wife, especially with the cold weather setting in.

  “All of us are old, my son. One day we will all be gone. It will be up to you and the others to carry on. We are worried about Sunflower. She is an important elder in this village. We have been discussing what to do.” Black Rain looked at his friends. They were all old and tired.

  “The men will go and look for her again tomorrow. Right now the rain is very heavy and no one should be out in it. I am sure she is safe. Sunflower knows this area better than most of us do. She is very capable.” Snow Eagle looked around the room. He knew they were not convinced. He too was worried about Sunflower.

  Little Fawn arrived to relieve Moon. The medicine house was warm with a thick rich aroma-hanging heavy in the room. Red Hawk was asleep. Little Fawn took her hand and watched her sleep. Red Hawk stirred.

  “Come close, Little Fawn.” Red Hawk's voice was not much louder than a whisper. She leaned closer. “Be careful. Sunflower is going to come for you.” Red Hawk was overtaken by a coughing spasm. Little Fawn stared at her. A cold shiver ran down her spine, she was filled with dread. Again Red Hawk tried to speak, “I have seen it. You are in great danger.”

  Little Fawn looked around the house; dark corners filled with shadows seemed to call to her. Fear pulsed in her veins. She held the old woman's hand tightly. Little Fawn laid her head on Red Hawk's chest. She could hear the old woman wheezing. Red Hawk placed her hand reassuredly on Little Fawn's head. Snow Eagle found them this way an hour later. Both of them were asleep. He approached slowly and quietly. Reaching for Little Fawn, he touched her shoulder gently.

  She screamed. Red Hawk awoke with a start. Snow Eagle recoiled in surprise. Little Fawn turned with a look of terror on her face. She saw him and began to sob. Snow Eagle quickly took her in his arms. “What is the matter? Little Fawn, please tell me what is wrong.” He looked to his mother for answers. He pulled Little Fawn tightly to him. She was trembling uncontrollably.

  “She is in danger.” Red Hawk coughed again, her voice low and raspy. Snow Eagle stared at his mother. Little Fawn continued to tremble.

  “What danger? Little Fawn, what danger are you in?” He held her arms and moved her away so that he could look into her eyes. She remained silent.

  “Mother, what danger is she in? Tell me.” He was becoming frantic. Little Fawn was his life. He was not a violent man, but he would kill to protect her.

  “Sun….. Sunflower, she is going to k….,” again Red Hawk coughed.

  “Sunflower! She is not even here. No one knows where she is. Why would she harm Little Fawn?” Snow Eagle was becoming more agitated by the minute. Little Fawn moved to Red Hawk's side, taking the old hand in her own. She would not look at Snow Eagle. With her head bowed she finally spoke.

  “Red Hawk has seen it, Snow Eagle. Sunflower has always hated me. Now, for some reason she blames me for White Fox's death. I am sure of it. She followed me for days after he was killed. Staring, just staring. It was very upsetting.” Little Fawn knew Snow Eagle would protect her, but where and when would Sunflower strike.

  Snow Eagle was having a great deal of difficulty believing this. He could not believe that Sunflower would harm his wife. She was just grieving. He tried his best to reassure the women but to no avail. Finally he told Little Fawn to stay with his mother and he left to find Walks with Fire and Charging Elk.

  After explaining his mother's premonition to the two younger men, they agreed to guard Little Fawn. The two would take turns, never leaving her alone. Snow Eagle felt better but he still was having trouble believing that his wife was in any danger. He went to commune with spirit; he needed answers.

  Moon and Walks with Fire moved into the medicine hut for the night. Little Fawn slept beside her mother-in-law. Snow Eagle stayed by the fire long into the night. He prayed to Kah-shu-gon-yah. He would not quit until he had an answer. He smoked his pipe, his head swirled, he had visions but the answers would not come. Dejected, after checking on Little Fawn and Red Hawk, he fell onto his bed and fell asleep as the sun began it's ascent into the morning sky.

  Moon took over the care of Red Hawk and Little Fawn found Snow Eagle asleep in their house. She was going to wake him, but knowing him as she did, she was sure he had not slept all night. Dove arrived with a large basket.

  “The rain has finally stopped. You were going to show me the plants for the new red dye today.” She paused looking carefully at her new friend. “Little Fawn, you don't look well. Are you feeling alright?” She placed her hand on Lit
tle Fawn's shoulder.

  “Yes, yes, I am fine. I think searching for plants and roots is just what I need. Come, bring that knife over there. We will need it to cut the roots.” The two women walked from the house through the small door. Charging Elk waited outside.

  “You can go and have something to eat now Charging Elk. Dove is with me and we are going to gather roots. I am sure women's work would be very boring for you.”

  “Snow Eagle said you were not to be left alone.” Charging Elk began walking with the women through the damp and muddy ground.

  “I am not alone. Dove is with me. Really, I am fine. We will only be gone a few hours and it is not far from the village.” Little Fawn did not like feeling afraid, she was doing her best to push the feeling away and get on with her day. Charging Elk looked at Dove, who nodded her head. She was going to watch over Little Fawn, who was her very best friend in the village. Charging Elk felt convinced and he was hungry.

  “I will eat and then I will come to the edge of the village to watch for you. Dove, keep a close eye for anything unusual. Scream as loud as you can, if anything happens.” The two women nodded and walked toward the meadow.

  Snow Eagle tossed and turned in a fitful sleep. In his dreams he saw a burial fire, the flames shot high into the sky. All of his tribe gathered solemnly. Over the cracking of the flames, he could here a strange, eerie laughing sound. An evil, frightening sound that struck fear in his heart. He awoke with a start. “Little Fawn, Little Fawn are you here?” Silence was all he heard. He ran from the house, almost bumping into Charging Elk. “Little Fawn, where is she?”

  “She and Dove went to gather herbs and roots. I was just heading to the meadow to keep an eye on them.” Charging Elk noticed the strange look on Snow Eagle's face. “What is it man? Why do you look as if you have just seen death?”