Spirit Tree of the Red Rocks: Future

by Clay, Verna

  After Patrick informed Mr. Solomon of their intent to continue onward without him, their former guide said, "Why don't I ask the Mexican if he needs other workers; perhaps domestic help?"

  Frannie's father smiled. "Sir, we appreciate your concern, but we have strong reason to believe our journey won't end until we reach the red rocks. However, if you've a mind, you could sell us one of your burros."

  "That I'll do, surh, and for a very reasonable price 'cause your family is one of the most courageous I've ever had the pleasure of meetin'."

  Frannie watched the men complete their transaction and whispered, "Grandmother, we're on our way."

  Continuing northward, the family trudged along the muddy banks of the Rio Bravo for over two weeks without encountering another person, until one day, while eating their usual diet of wild berries, hardtack, and salt pork, they heard a gunshot. Frannie glanced fearfully at her mother and father, and her father commanded, "Hide behind those rocks, women."

  Upon protest from her mother, Frannie dragged her to the covering of boulders while her father led the burro to another outcropping. Her father then retraced their path southward to investigate. Nellie reached to hold Frannie's hand and together the women prayed for the safety of Patrick O'Meara.

  After perhaps thirty minutes, Frannie was considering going in search of her father when she heard two voices singing a ditty—her father's and another man's. They came into sight and her father called, "Nellie, Frannie, come meet a gent from our own country."

  Frannie and Nellie rushed from their hiding place. Beside her father was a man as big as a barn. He laughed and dangled a rabbit in front of him. "I hear you've been surviving on hardtack and pork. If you've a mind to cook this fine piece o' meat, I'd be pleased to share its bounty with you."

  Nellie placed her hand over her heart. "Oh, yes, we've a mind, kind sir."

  Patrick said, "Mr. Jack O'Neal, I'd like to introduce my wife, Nellie, and my daughter, Frannie."

  Mr. O'Neal bowed at the waist and then handed the rabbit to Nellie. "It's always a beautiful day when meeting lovely ladies. The pleasure is all mine. And please, call me Jack."

  While Nellie and Frannie cleaned and cooked the rabbit, a very fine one indeed, Frannie listened to the men converse.

  Jack said, "Patrick, what brings ye and loved ones away from civilization and into this wilderness?"

  Patrick glanced at his daughter and smiled. "A fey one has brought us here."

  Jack seemed to consider his words and then nodded. "I can accept that. It was a wee fairy back in Ireland that said I must travel across the great Pacific to this uncharted land. That was many years ago and I've been traveling and exploring ever since."

  Patrick said, "If you don't mind my asking, how far westward have you been?"

  "Oh, I've been past the land of New Spain and into the unclaimed parts of this continent. Why, I've seen unbelievable sights—a canyon so deep it cuts halfway to the other side of the earth and rocks as red as the most glorious sunset."

  Frannie gasped. "You've been to the red rocks?"

  "Aye. And beautiful be that place."

  "Will you take us there?" Frannie blurted.

  Jack tilted his head and asked, "And why would ye want to go there, young one?"

  "Because the fey one of my dreams told us to," she responded honestly.

  The trapper pulled on his gray beard, pursed his lips, and finally grinned. "It's not often I meet someone who speaks of the fey ones or claims they're visited in dreams by them, just as I was visited in my dream last night by an old woman who said I must shoot a rabbit and share it."

  "Grandmother Ana!" Frannie gasped.

  Jack continued, "So my answer to your question is yes. I'll guide ye to the red giants."

  8: First Glimpse

  Frannie woke with great anticipation. A month earlier they had left the banks of the Rio Bravo and set out across the wilderness. Following Indian trails they slowly progressed westward across terrain as vastly different as mountains and flatlands. And the uniqueness of the plants and animals inhabiting each amazed them. Birds they had never seen often soared overhead, sometimes alighting on rocks or branches to observe them. Animals often darted across their paths and Jack was very proficient at shooting game for their meals. Sometimes, wild berries became favorite snacks, and the roots of plants Jack said were safe seasoned their stews.

  Frannie's anticipation for this particular day had been brought about by her latest dream. Her grandmother had spoken one word, "today," before fading back into the silence of night. What did the day hold for them?

  "Breakfast is ready," Nellie called from the campfire. Frannie finished brushing and braiding her long dark tresses and went to help her mother. "Sorry, Ma, I overslept."

  Her mother glanced knowingly at her. "You dreamed again, didn't you?"

  Frannie grinned. "Yes. And Grandmother only said one word—'today.' I'm not sure what that means, but we should stay alert."

  Nellie handed Frannie the spoon she was using to stir the pot of wild turkey stew that had simmered all night. "You keep stirring while I inform your papa."

  Throughout the day, Frannie and everyone, even Jack, kept alert to anything out of the ordinary.

  Nothing happened.

  By sunset, Frannie was disappointed and wondered if she had misinterpreted her dream. But how could one misinterpret that single word? When they paused to rest her mother sat beside her and said, "You mustn't berate yourself, young one. Besides, the day isn't over."

  Frannie hugged her mother. When she started to release her, something in the distance captured her attention. The sun, just above the horizon and shining with such brilliance it made her squint, cast rays on a tall formation that appeared to be the color of blood. She gasped and pointed. "Ma, look!" Her mother turned and shouted, "Patrick, Jack. Look there!"

  The men folk attending to nature's call ran from the bushes and gazed in the direction Nellie indicated. Jack said excitedly, "I knew we were close. Just wait until tomorrow, you'll think we've reached heaven."

  Jack decided they should make camp where they were and over the next hour they sat on rocks and watched a brilliant sunset morph the colors of the monolith from red to orange to bronze. As Frannie lay under a full moon, she thanked the Creator for the overwhelming beauty of the heavens and earth and for guiding them to a place they could call home.

  The next morning excitement abounded as they once again began their trek. By noon they came upon a creek and followed it toward enormous cliffs. It was Frannie's mother who pointed and exclaimed, "That rock is shaped like a bell."

  Everyone agreed and Jack began relating stories of his previous journey to the red rocks. "The first time I saw the rocks I couldn't believe my eyes and I envied the fey ones who lived in such a glorious land. I followed this creek to a valley surrounded by red cliffs and camped there. During the night I woke to a strange sound that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up, so I loaded my rifle not knowing whether the fey ones was really demons in this strange land. It was then I saw two glowing eyes watching me. It scared me so much that I almost up and run, not even lifting my rifle 'cause I knew it wouldn't stop a demon. But then, this wolf stepped out of the shadows and just stared at me. He was joined by two more. I figured I was a dead man so I sighted my rifle and decided to leave this life and meet my maker shooting. But before I fired, the first wolf sat on his haunches and pawed the ground. The others did the same. For a long time we just stared at each other and then I decided to do what they'd done. I knelt and moved my hand against the ground just like them. After I did, the lead wolf made a kind of bark howl, got up, and walked back into the trees. The others followed."

  Frannie asked, "Did you ever see them again?"

  "Oh, yes. They often showed up at night to let me know they were there. And sometimes during the day I would hear rustling and occasionally glimpse one or two of them. One day while I was exploring the valley, I heard a bird call and looked up to see
a raven sitting in a tree watching me and I got the goose bumps again. Then the wolf came out of the trees and sat below the branch the raven was perched on. And with everything in me, I knew I was in a land of magic." Jack paused in his recollection.

  Frannie and her mother and father said in unison, "What happened next?"

  Jack grinned, squatted, and gazed up at them. "Then I met the Indians."

  Patrick asked, "Were they friendly?"

  Jack didn't respond directly to the question. Instead, he continued his story. "I heard a sound behind me and whirled around. I didn't see anything and turned back to the raven and wolf, but they were gone. In the wolf's place was an Indian dressed in buckskins and wearing a headdress that made him look like a wolf. I was terrified because of all the stories I'd heard about Indians, so I didn't move or say anything. I just waited. And just like what had happened with the wolves, another Indian appeared and then one more. Again, I figured I was a dead man."

  Frannie had her hand over her heart and her mother had her hand over her mouth.

  Jack seemed to enjoy their alarm. "But the strangest thing happened. The first Indian crouched on the ground and scratched the dirt, like the wolf had done. Then the other two did the same." Jack puffed a breath. "And since I don't consider myself a stupid man, I did likewise, just like with the wolves. After that, the first Indian sort of smiled at me, turned and left. I figured he was the leader because he was older and wearing the headdress. Then the other Indians also walked back into the forest."

  "Did you see them again?"

  "No. But at times I just knew they were around."

  "Maybe they were watching over you to keep you safe."

  Jack shrugged. "You may be right. I don't know."

  Nellie mused, "I wonder if we'll see them, too?"

  9: Spirit Tree

  The journey along the creek continued all day. As evening approached, they entered a valley enclosed by soaring red monoliths and cliffs, and paused to rest beside an ancient oak whose roots had been exposed by creek overflows. Frannie sat on a root and watched ripples of water gently cascade over jutting stones made smooth by eons of erosion. She sighed with contentment and laid her head against the trunk of the tree. Suddenly drowsy, she closed her eyes and drifted toward the land of dreams. Her grandmother's laughter sounded like music when she softly said, "You're home, Frannie."

  Frannie jerked her eyes open and sat straight up. At the same time an Indian wearing a wolf headdress stepped from the encircling pine trees.

  Jack exclaimed, "It's him!"

  Two more Indians stepped from the trees, standing on either side of the first one. They were all bare-chested, tall and lithe, and wearing buckskins. There was similarity between the men and Frannie supposed they were related. Frannie's father moved in front of her mother in a protective stance.

  The Indian in the center said something and Jack responded. Then Jack said to Patrick, "I've picked up several dialects in my travels and I have some understanding of theirs. I returned their greeting and said it's good to see them again."

  Frannie could hear an edge of reverence in his tone. She slowly stood and stepped away from the tree, her gaze traveling from the central figure to the brave on his right and then to the one on his left. The brave on his left was the handsomest man she had ever seen. His gaze strayed to hers and something passed between them; something deep and unnamable. Her heart pounded and her breathing felt restricted.

  Patrick glanced at his wife and then his daughter. Finally, he said to Jack, "Tell him we have been led to the red rocks by dreams and we intend to make our home here."

  Jack's eyes widened. "Are ye sure?"

  "Positive."

  In halting words, Jack motioned toward Patrick and his family and conveyed the message. The older Indian's eyes narrowed but it was the handsome one Frannie locked gazes with as he stepped forward. His response was one of anger.

  Jack stroked his scraggly beard and scratched his ear. "The young Indian isn't pleased. As best I can tell, he said I rewarded their kindness by bringing white men to their land."

  On impulse, Frannie stepped forward and said with passion, "We have been brought to this land for a purpose. We have journeyed far and been led by Providence. We have faced danger and threat of death in obeying the same Spirit that guides your people. We will not leave. This land will become our home, too."

  Jack glanced at Patrick. "Do ye want me to interpret that?"

  "I do."

  He inhaled deeply and said, "I'll do my best." When he was finished the young brave frowned at Frannie, spat on the ground, and stalked away. The Indian with the headdress studied Frannie for a long time, glanced in the direction the young brave had gone, and then turned to the remaining brave who shrugged and looked like he wanted to laugh. The elder Indian said something to Jack and then walked back into the trees, followed by the brave.

  Jack puffed a breath. "He said he'll think about what ye said, Frannie."

  As the tension in the air began to dissipate, Frannie again sat on the root of the tree. Her mother sat beside her and reached for her hand. "You are brave, my child. Perhaps too brave at times."

  Frannie asked, "Mama was I foolish to speak so openly?"

  "Perhaps. But it was the truth. We have been led here by the spirit of Ana and we can never return to our former life; neither would we want to. This is our home now, for better or worse, and we will adapt."

  Tears pricked Frannie's eyes. "You're the best mama ever," she said between sniffles.

  Patrick walked over and squatted in front of his wife and daughter. "We'll camp here and tomorrow search for a place to build our home."

  That night in a dream Frannie saw the oak tree with the exposed roots and heard her grandmother say, "The Spirit Tree will never be destroyed." And although Frannie did not understand what her grandmother was trying to convey, she now knew the name of the ancient tree.

  10: Raven Sees

  The next day they continued alongside the creek and not far from the Spirit Tree discovered a clearing perfect for a cabin, with easy access to the river. Patrick stood in the center of the clearing and declared, "This is where we will build our home." He then began unloading supplies and tools from their burro.

  Jack lowered his backpack and replied, "Yes. It's the perfect location." He looked worried, however. "I wonder how the Indians will react."

  As it turned out they didn't have to wait long for the answer to Jack's question. Within three days they were again approached by the same three Indians. The elder spoke to Jack and Jack nodded. Turning to Patrick, he said, "This is Warrior Heals. He is the medicine man for his tribe, and these are his sons, Wise Bird and Raven Sees." He motioned to the right of the medicine man and then to the left, indicating each son. Wise Bird nodded an acknowledgment with a hint of a smile, but Raven Sees' expression remained belligerent.

  Frannie's father said to Jack. "Please introduce my family to these men."

  Jack pointed to Patrick first and introduced him, then Nellie, and finally Frannie. Frannie smiled warmly and slid her gaze to Raven Sees. His unhappy expression and demeanor had not changed. She narrowed her eyes and shifted her gaze away from him.

  Patrick said to Jack. "Will you please interpret what I have to say?"

  "Of course."

  Patrick directed his attention to Warrior Heals. "Perhaps a day will come when we shall meet your people; a day when we shall all become friends. But for now, this is the place we have chosen to build our home." He motioned around the clearing. "It is close to the river–"

  Something within Frannie urged her to interrupt. "And close to the Spirit Tree."

  Jack and her father looked surprised and Frannie said, "I'm sorry Father for interrupting, but it was something I knew had to be said."

  Patrick nodded for Jack to interpret. When he did, the medicine man's eyes widened, as did his sons. He jerked his head to Wise Bird and began speaking rapidly.

  Jack said, "I can't understand what he
's saying."

  Raven Sees joined the conversation, speaking and gesturing with much emotion.

  Frannie wondered at their reaction.

  Finally, Warrior Heals gestured forcefully and both his sons stopped talking. He stepped to stand in front of Patrick and spoke with conviction while Jack interpreted, "Ye are welcome to make your home here."

  Patrick's eyes widened and then he stuck out his hand for a shake. Warrior Heals stared at his hand and then tentatively stuck his own forward. Patrick clasped the Indian's hand and said, "Thank you. Our families will learn much from each other."

  After Jack interpreted, Raven Sees made a disgusted sound and stalked away.

  That night Frannie dreamed of a soaring raven. When she woke she wrapped a blanket around herself and walked to the creek's edge. Sitting on a rock with her knees to her chest and her heart racing, she contemplated her dream. She had seen a raven soaring above her, protecting her; a raven transforming into the man of Raven Sees. She had felt his passion for her and hers for him as they stood beneath the Spirit Tree in a lovers' embrace. Again, she heard her grandmother's words, "He's the one, Frannie. He will become your husband."

  Throughout the weeks it took to build their cabin, Frannie often pondered the dream and the deep feelings she had felt for Raven Sees, and although she often questioned her grandmother about it before falling asleep, she received no answer.

  When the first snow fell they were safely enclosed in their one room cabin with a fire in the rock fireplace casting a cheery glow. Frannie sat in one of two rockers her father had made from branches of trees and thought about the past weeks and the many friends they had made among the Indian families. Throughout her life she had often heard stories about fearless Indians who robbed and plundered in the untamed territories, and because of that, she was puzzled as to why her family had been so well received.