WARNING: This fictional story contains sexual accounts between men and boys,
boys with boys AND IS UNSUITABLE FOR MINORS UNDER THE AGE OF 21.
You should know whether you want to be reading this or not!
Author's Note:
I have written much about Willow Bird, an Omaha Indian boy of fifteen who's
coming to terms with his gay identity and finding his path into manhood. You
should begin reading my series with "Willow Bird Finds His Love" followed by
"Brave Willow Bird". Within the 'Pottery Shards' collection of short stories
is "Song Bird's Story of Love". The "Willow Bird, Warrior" series ended my
intention for the trilogy.
After a long pause in my writing came the story: "The Sisters' Rite of
Passing Seed from One to the Other". It's a story off-branch from the
"Willow Bird, Warrior" series where Rain Dancer was introduced. Her brief
involvement with Willow Bird was an important story element that will unfold.
This story is a prelude to the upcoming 'Shaman Willow Bird' series. It is
written in narrative form; the series will then return to my favored 1st
person style of writing Willow Bird's experiences as seen through his eyes.
I'm compiling an appendix containing descriptions for all the events, places,
people and Indian terms used throughout the 'Willow Bird' series. Background
information never revealed in the stories is also included. When completed,
I'll post it with the Nifty Archive as the file: APPENDIX.TXT
Look for the pre-'Willow Bird' series: "Big Horn's Path into the Mahyee-na".
I welcome comments, suggestions and questions to all the stories I've written.
Send your e-mail message to me at: Vince_Water@HotMail.Com
6/2000
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WBSPIRIT.TXT "Willow Bird's Returning Spirit"
'Shaman Willow Bird' series (prelude) Copyright 2000 by Vince Water
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* *
* "Willow Bird's Returning Spirit" *
The mid-summer moon had long since past yet the cool wet days of fall
was not yet come. It was a pleasant afternoon for the People of the Kalinlepi.
Father Sun slowly rose in His sky to warm the forested lands. There was only
a slight breeze in the air. Women sat over their mats before tall tipis to
sew and gossip with each other. The men hunted in the forest for deer and
the elk or guarded the wide river against intrusion from a neighboring tribe.
Children ran like butterflies seeking amusement in games, exploration of new
paths or enjoyed cool swims. It would appear to anyone that this was a happy
and prosperous tribe of Indians. But it was not so.
Across the river was the Split Tribe. They had taken to this part of the
river long before the Kalinlepi and resented their recent intrusion. In the
time of their grandfathers, both People were once one great tribe but strife
in the Kalinlepi leadership had led to murder, revenge and more murder in a
cycle without ending until the People were split. That had happened long ago.
A new generation of sons had been born who weren't part of that mad time but
they were told of it by their fathers still bearing wounded hearts.
Chief He-who-walks-beyond-all-others of the Kalinlepi had led his People
to this bend in the river to make peace with their lost brothers at last. An
earlier attempt had been made almost three hands of fingered years ago but it
failed. That chance for hope had been swept away by a surprise raid from the
Spear-bearing warriors who killed the chief's man negotiating peace with the
Split Tribe. Word had now come that the Spear-bearing People were making war
again with all the tribes. If the Kalinlepi and the Split Tribe stood alone
against that onslaught, neither would survive.
The chief's advisor who was killed during the peace negotiations had
sired two sons. One was raised with his wife in the Kalinlepi Tribe while his
second son stayed with the Split Tribe. Neither brother remembered the other.
Willow Bird and Second Bird were reunited this summer and they took up their
father's unfulfilled task; a difficult one. They knew that much more than a
wide river separated their two Peoples. Somehow, they would have to bridge
that gap.
Willow Bird of the Kalinlepi was at that age when he would be named a
brave at fifteen. Big Horn, the chief's nephew had been guiding the boy
along his path to manhood for five summers since he was without a father. The
two became very close; male lovers in the secret society of the Mahyee-na. It
was a short-lived union. Big Horn had been overcome by an evil Trickster.
That left Willow Bird without his monedo to stand at his side on Mid-summer's
Eve when the boy was to be named a man. His initiation didn't take place.
Willow Bird stumbled along the path on his own; lost. His journey quest for
an animal helper put him onto another path where he discovered his strong
connection with the Great Spirit. Visions were given the boy. Other Powers
such as Healing and Changing were his as well if he could but control them.
Willow Bird would become shaman - the spiritual leader of his People after he
was properly trained.
An old man of the Kalinlepi who was to teach Willow Bird the shaman ways
laid close to death in his lodge. He was the victim of a savage head blow by
a youth named Tash-o-gwa from the Spear-bearing People. Snarling Bear of that
enemy tribe had come to the Kalinlepi to warn them of war. He was a man of
peace who stood alone in that ideal. Tash-o-gwa was a part of that peace
party but his intentions were evil. He stole Willow Bird's power ring and
attempted to murder the Kalinlepi's shaman. Snarling Bear helped Willow Bird
return that old man's spirit from the Above by trading places with him there.
His own hopes for helping Willow Bird with his training as a powerful shaman
would go unrealized.
Second Bird was a year younger than Willow Bird. He was raised in the
Split Tribe by the chief's sister and her impotent husband. They knew of the
boy's real parents and how his father had strove for peace between their two
Peoples. That man's death ended the hope for tribal reunion.
In his early teen years, Second Bird was captured by two Shew-owa
warriors. They used the boy for sex but trained him to become a brave of their
People. His abilities for the hunt and tracking pleased them. The youth bided
his time for when he could escape his captors. Two summers came and went
before the opportunity presented itself. The two warriors and Second Bird
were hunting in the plains where they found Willow Bird wandering naked,
confused, mourning his lost for Big Horn and having been separated from his
tribe. Second Bird helped his brother to escape them. Together, they returned
home and vowed to join their two tribes as they had been reunited.
Second Bird and Willow Bird announced this before the elders of the
Split Tribe. Many were against it. Their warriors still recalled the murders
of their fathers and some feared a return to that madness. Snarling Bear
warned the chiefs that the Spear-bearing warriors would be coming soon with
war in their hearts. Yet the Split Tribe thought themselves greater than the
Kalinlepi because of their many strong warriors, wise chiefs and the numbers
of their People's tipis. They could defend themselves without any help. The
Kalinlepi had only come seeking refuge with them, they reasoned.
The two tribes kept to their sides of the river. Yet there were mothers
and fathers longing to see their married daughters and sons with grandchildren
whom had been long separated from them. Warriors guarded both sides of the
bank. It was proving to be a difficult task for Willow Bird and Second Bird.
Would they succeed in joining the strength of their People as one before the
Spear-bearing raiders came?
Second Bird was the only person who could move freely between the two
tribes. He was still considered the son of the Split Tribe's Chief's sister
even though his true Kalinlepi origins had been revealed. A useful go-between.
Through him, words were passed between the chiefs on both sides of the river.
Anxious grandparents also filled the brave's ears with messages for their
married sons and daughters hoping to see them and their grandchildren. Second
Bird knew that some of the People were ready for reunion even if the chiefs
and hardened warriors were against it. A clever plan formed in his head.
There hadn't been an opportunity to act upon it though. Second Bird was
more often sitting at the Kalinlepi shaman's side tending to his head wound.
Soup of tender rabbit's meat and herbs were fed the old man to give him
strength. His body's wastes were cleaned away. That should have been his
brother's task but Willow Bird was more often Dreaming away the long days. He
laid next to the ailing shaman with his eyes staring up through the lodge's
smoke hole and he was becoming less and less responsive. That concerned
Second Bird. He found himself having to care for two.
It was as if Willow Bird had grown weary of life. The death of Snarling
Bear had been taken hard and the guilt of it weighed down on his shoulders.
The men who had tortured Snarling Bear also felt responsible. How could they
have known that he didn't attacked their shaman? Willow Bird cast their
suspicions away when he told his tribe how Snarling Bear had gone Above to
trade his place with their shaman. That man's death served the Kalinlepi and
ended speculations as to his intentions. He had been an enemy warrior from the
Spear-bearing People after all, and many were wary of him. Why had he come to
warn the Kalinlepi that his People were bringing war down upon them? Carried
with his words of warning was that evil deed from a youth in his party who had
struck their shaman. No trail had ever been found of that boy. Was Tash-o-gwa
still near to work mischief?
A warrior guarded the lodge's doorway night and day while another walked
around it to prevent an entrance being cut. Within its elk-skin walls were
many of the tribe's sacred objects. There could be found herbs for use in
healing drying up in the rafters. Mundane every-day objects also filled the
lodge such as a sleeping mat, bear skin blanket, a water mug and wood crafting
tools. All of these things, both great in power and common had laid untouched
for nearly a hand of fingered days. The great shaman of the Kalinlepi had been
laid low from his attack. He was unable to guide the young Willow Bird on his
path of shamanism. Ever balancing between life and death, he was cared for by
Second Bird who knew little of the shaman's ways. That was his older brother's
promising gift.
The last time Willow Bird had left the lodge was to witness the burning
of Snarling Bear's body. That was the custom of the Spear-bearing People. The
Kalinlepi believed that raising their dead to Father Sun on wooden platforms
released their spirits to the Sky. Second Bird respected both death rituals
since he had lived a few summers with the Shew-owa, a tribe akin to the
Spear-bearing People. Willow Bird wanted to honor Snarling Bear's ways so he
had argued that the warrior shaman's body should be consumed by flame while
secretly knowing that his spirit had already been released to the Above. The
People of the Kalinlepi whispered behind their hands when the fire ritual was
conducted. They thought it a bad omen.
No one dared challenge Willow Bird though he appeared as only a boy. He
had left the tribe as one when seeking his animal helper. In his absence the
tribe had moved to confound an evil spirit. Thus Willow Bird had missed being
initiated a brave with the passing of Mid-summer's Eve but with his return to
the tribe it was learned that he had achieved the status of warrior already
for killing his enemies at need. Yet he wouldn't claim that honor. The old
shaman of the Kalinlepi made it known to his People that this boy would follow
in his footsteps as their next shaman. Willow Bird had the Sight and other
Powers that put fear into some.
Second Bird feared for Willow Bird. With the coming of night, his brother
had closed his eyes for sleep. It wasn't much different from the waking Dreams
Willow Bird sought during the day... Where had his spirit flown? The shaman's
moans of pain disturbed Second Bird from his thoughts. He attended the old
man, passing water through his trembling lips from a nearly empty bladder
skin. He would need to fetch more water soon. That would be a welcome task
since he could breathe in fresh air instead of the putrid smells of the lodge.
A familiar tightness came from Second Bird's bladder. He could fetch
water after relieving himself, he decided and a cold dip in the river would
refresh him. Pain came to the brave's legs when he tried standing. He knew
that he was too long sitting with his brother and the shaman. The day had
passed slowly in the lodge so he had spent that time thinking to himself.
Willow Bird remained silent. The old man only moaned when he required
attention. The young brave felt lonely for not having anyone to talk to. He
couldn't bring himself to ask anyone in this tribe for help.
The door flap was pushed away and out went Second Bird into the night.
He was silently greeted by Ringed Tail who was standing guard. The young
brave shook his head at the warrior's unspoken question; there was no change
in the shaman's condition. Worse, he felt that Willow Bird's spirit was
slipping away unto his death. He couldn't tell anyone about that until he was
sure; who in this tribe could help his brother even if they knew? And who
would accept his judgment? He was only newly come to this tribe of his father
so trust would be hard to come by. It was with a heavy heart that the brave
left the shaman's lodge behind him. He was feeling very alone.
Second Bird thought about visiting with his mother. They had been happily
reunited when he returned with his brother to the Kalinlepi. A visit with her
could help. But no... Warm Hands would sense his worry and press him to share
it with her. The woman was wise in her own way but not for what troubled him.
Second Bird was a man so he'd have to face this burden alone.
The tall tipis were left behind when the brave slipped into the forest.
He lifted his front flap to piss, holding onto a pine tree for support. His
legs still pained him for having sat so long in the lodge. Soon, his bladder
was relieved yet he lingered a moment longer to breathe in the refreshing
smells of the woods. His empty hands reminded him that he'd forgotten to bring
along the empty water skins needing to be filled.
Second Bird also wasn't being attentive as he should have. Someone
watched his departure from the lodge and had followed him. The brave dropped
his front flap with a sigh. When he stood up straight, he was attacked. An arm
sprang around the brave's waist with a hand reaching under his breechclout
that grabbed for his dripping dick. A warmth pressed menacingly against his
back.
"Are you in need, Willow Bird?" asked the high-pitched voice of a boy.
His left hand gently pulled over the moist foreskin it captured.
Second Bird was about to spin around to challenge his assailant but he
relaxed, still facing the pine tree where he had pissed. The soft voice was
unfamiliar to him. It was obvious that he had been mistaken for his brother in
the dark. The brave paused from revealing himself. He was caught up by the
simple male pleasure coming from his forming erection. The boy revealed his
own excitement against his butt through the thin flaps of their breechclouts
pressing together. The young brave didn't want to shatter this stolen moment.
The boy's other hand roamed up the man's sweaty back to feel his hair. It
had been cut short where its lengths were burned from the prairie fire. Just
as Willow Bird's were cut. Second Bird enjoyed the soft fingered caresses that
roamed around his shoulders and down to his breast. He almost giggled when his
sensitive nipples were pinched. In reprise, the brave reached a hand back to
slap the boy's ass. He was surprised to find that it wasn't covered. His
fingers found the youth's tied thong belt and over it was dropped a front
flap so he wasn't naked. Why no covering for his butt?
Second Bird became very excited. The boy knew how to coax his erection
and was handling it expertly. Firm, slow pulls over his thick foreskin with a
gentle palming around his knob. It filled the young man with lust. He didn't
feel any guilt for pretending to be his brother when in the hands of such a
sweet boy.
"I'm really in need!" the boy pleaded. His right hand dropped down the
man's back, lifting up his rear flap before making a seeking stab. He felt the
parting of his companion's butt cheeks around him. An oozing path was made
towards the brave's asshole and its penetration was easy because of the sexual
dripping coming from his knob. The youth sighed when he achieved their male
connection.
Second Bird accepted the boy's lusty need of his body. The dick fitting
into his butt was stiff and of good length. From the feel of groin hair
pressing onto the brave's cheeks, he knew that this youth was a teenager.
Quick stabbing followed. His own erection surged in beat to the thrusts. It
was an intense thrill to be taken in hand by a boy who was also fucking him.
The teenager moaned with pleasure through his nose. Second Bird held
onto the pine tree for support as his butt was slammed into again and again.
He met the teen's savage thrusts by backing onto them. His asshole tightened
whenever the boy's dick pulled back to heighten his sexual thrills. Second
Bird was very experienced with getting fucked. Two enemy warriors had forced
him to learn about male satisfaction.
Second Bird felt the clenched hand against his lower back. The teen was
grasping their lifted flaps in his right hand; it shook with much tension. The
thong belt around the brave's waist tightened to the point of giving him some
pain. He pulled the knot open from his belt and with relief, felt his flaps
fall to the ground at his feet. The boy paused only a moment from his manly
act to pull away his front flap from his thong belt. They stood naked in the
woods with only the darkness to cover them.
Second Bird enjoyed feeling the youth's ass flexing in his hand. He
coaxed a more violent pace by pulling over the boy's cheeks, getting him to
stab deeper and faster. Each thrust up his hole sent an intense surge through
his own cock that the boy continued to handle for him.
The brave grinned. He heard the rhythmic in and out thrusts through his
butt that was telling of sex. They were doing it within a stone's throw of the
tipis. Only the darkness cloaked their joined bodies from view so he hoped
that no one would come and catch them in the act. The boy either didn't care
or he was too much in need to think about the danger. His small body clung to
the brave's back, left hand beating the front of him while his dick beat him
in back. He held Second Bird's belly in his right hand. There was no escaping
it. The two males were locked together in mating.
The boy gasped for breath through his open mouth. He moaned often.
Second Bird knew that the teen was close to release. He wondered how he would
react when discovering that it wasn't Willow Bird he was seeding. The brave
cast that thought away when the thrills from his own dick bespoke of his own
nearing climax. It had been a while since last he'd pleasured himself.
The rhythm of their bodies changed. Second Bird noticed that the youth
slowed his wild in and out stabs to remain deep in his butt. Was he cumming?
The boy's ass continued to flex under his guiding hand, a slow humping that
gave movement to his long dick. The brave tightened his ringed muscles. He
wanted to milk the boy for all the sperm he had to give.
"I'm close to it!" the youth warned with his grip tightening around his
companion's body. He felt the exciting squeeze around his dick, making it
tingle with nice thrills. Only small thrusts were made. The boy wanted to keep
his erection in very deep so that his seed would shoot far into Willow Bird.
Second Bird thought that the boy only wanted to prolong his pleasure. A
man who fucks violently and swift will give release to his loins right away,
sometimes denying himself all the sexual thrills he could have enjoyed. This
boy was experienced. He wasn't going to gift his sperm until a lengthy fucking
was had in exchange.
Yet it was a tender embrace of love. Their sweaty bodies swayed together
like a gentle wind. The brave felt many parts of the boy touching him: his
long-haired head laying sideways across his upper back, chest heaving with
breaths against him. The boy's slim arms wrapped around his mid-section; tense
hands clinging. Against his ass came the soft tickling of the youth's groin
hair. Their legs pressed together. Down at the brave's feet he felt the boy's
feet raised on tip toes. That made him smile.
Second Bird envied his brother's sweet lover. He knew that he only had
this stolen moment with him that the darkness had given chance to. After it
was over, would the boy hate him? That wasn't what the brave wanted. Though it
was his butt being fucked, he felt a little guilty for raping the unsuspecting
youth. A theft of undeserved love.
The brave realized that it was too late to be undone. He kept the needing
boy to him in the guise of being Willow Bird. Their bodies were joined and
mating, soon to be consummated. Another troubling thought struck him. What
would he say to his brother about it?
The boy held in a deep breath. His dick made small stabs into the slimy
tightness that was his lover's butt. In his left hand was proof of acceptance
for what he was doing to him: Willow Bird's throbbing erection. He continued
to handle his lover's long dick while his dick tingled in sweet warning...
An outcry! Second Bird felt throbbing deep in his butt, signaling the
boy's urgent release. His own was denied him since the teen was only clutching
his erection; no more beated pulling. A long drawn-out sigh was heard after
he was finished. The teen pressed his full weight over him when he rested.
"I've missed you for days..." the boy gasped.
Second Bird gently stepped from the boy's embrace and turned to face
him. It was too dark in the woods to study the youth's features. Before he
could announce his identity, he found himself being hugged. Fiercely! The feel
of the teen's slippery loins against his made his heart soar. Lust took him
over. The brave's arms went around the boy for a tight embrace of their
unmatched bodies. His face pressed into the youth's long hair. Below, his dick
stabbed against the teen's swollen length. The boy responded to his need.
"I knew you missed me!" the youth whispered into his lover's ear.
Second Bird reached down to grasp the boy's flexing ass. It was small yet
nicely rounded. He found his own butt being held and a sharp pain coming from
its entrance reminded him that he was filled with this teen's sperm; stolen
love. He really envied Willow Bird for his sweet young lover. The brave had
learned from his older brother that boys could perform as men. It was a thing
he hadn't considered before and had been avoided. Willow Bird's spirit sought
boys and it was done lovingly and gently. He had witnessed its healing affect
on Running Wolf, the little boy who had been made mute after the tragic death
of his mother. Running Wolf could talk again because of Willow Bird. His
hidden inner spirit had responded to a man's love.
The boy's slim body slammed savagely against the brave's. Their dicks
were like short spears doing battle between their bellies. Hands played over
each other's butts, pulling over the soft muscled skin to grind their groins
together in front. Second Bird filled his nose with boy - the attractive
scent of his hair, the youth's sweat mingled with the sweet odor of his cum.
That enraged Second Bird to be releasing his own.
When Second Bird felt small kisses to his neck, he gasped. His shy spirit
met the boy's unrestrained spirit and an acceptance of young love came to him.
He found the boy's left ear lobe and nibbled on it. His trembling lips
searched for love from a youth that he didn't even know his name! When the boy
sighed longingly in his arms, Second Bird groaned with lusty contentment. His
dick stiffened to almost a pain when he came. Love squirted high to their
heaving chests. A few words of love escaped from his mouth with his breath.
Before Second Bird could recover, he felt the boy push him away. He knew
that something was wrong. A long moment passed with their loud breaths
sounding loud in the forest. With seeking eyes, the youth voiced his concern.
"Willow Bird?" he asked. Suspicion filled the youth's voice.
Second Bird's guise had been uncovered. The brave gulped in a large
breath before speaking. "I'm Second Bird, his brother."
"You?" the boy gasped. "I've heard that he returned with his brother from
the lands of our enemies." A pool of warm fluid trickling down the youth's
chest begged another question to be asked. "You are also... Mahyee-na?"
"Yes. I share my brother's spirit for loving those of our sex. He didn't
mention that there was a sweet lover pining for him in the tribe."
"It was a secret!" the boy pleaded. "I'm not old enough to be initiated
and if others learn of it..."
Second Bird heard the boy's mouth shut tight. It became an awkward moment
when neither of them spoke. The brave thought he understood what troubled the
youth. "I'll not tell anyone about what we shared, not even to my brother if
you so wish it."
"Not that," the boy stammered. "Willow Bird told me that boys couldn't be
initiated Mahyee-na. Do the things we've shared with each other because..."
"Are you not close to being named a brave?" asked Second Bird.
The boy lowered his head. "Not for another two summers..."
Second Bird took hold of the boy's shoulders. "You act older than your
years and shouldn't be worrying about it."
"I worry for Willow Bird! Our tribe would not approve of what he's shared
with me because of my age and him being a man. If my father finds out..."
"I won't be telling him," vowed Second Bird with humor creeping into his
voice. The boy gave him a sudden hug. The young brave felt that his heart
would burst for what he was feeling for this troubled youth.
It became a long embrace. Second Bird patted the youth's rear end to
comfort him as well as to praise the boy's sexual accomplishment. The brave
was held tightly in arms that didn't seem to want to let him go. It was at
that moment that a measure of love filled the brave's heart. He was drawn to
this boy's spirit and he wanted his to become a part of it.
An owl hooted in a tree above their heads. Second Bird slowly loosened
his arms to release his young charge. He laughed suddenly. "I still don't know
your name."
"Ah. I'm Crying Loon, son of warrior Bending Arrow."
A thought fell into Second Bird's head that he voiced. "In spite of your
age, I accept you into the Mahyee-na as a younger brother. You already know
how to make love, both with your body and your heart. I suspect that Willow
Bird is already guiding you down that path with answers to your many questions
about it. I would also be willing to help."
Crying Loon turned around after hearing his last words. Not to walk away
but to stand there in silence. The brave was struck by the boy's rejection.
"Touch butts with me as Willow Bird had shown me," he asked.
Second Bird nodded with understanding and relief. It was a thing his own
brother had done to acknowledge him as Mahyee-na. The brave turned around and
stepped back against the waiting youth. Their sweaty butts came together.
Hands locked to complete their backwards embrace.
The two remained silent when their butts rubbed. It was an intimate moment
for them to share, an acknowledgement of who they were: kindred spirits. This
was the sacred rite practiced by those of the Mahyee-na. A sign of male love.
After a moment, Crying Loon loosened his grip of Second Bird's hands.
They stepped away from each other and turned in the dark. Grandfather Moon
wasn't making a path over His sky this night so the two couldn't look upon
each other for judgment or even to share a smile. They embraced instead.
"You seem very much like your brother," the boy whispered. "Tell me. How
is Willow Bird. Why hasn't he come out the shaman's lodge for two days?"
Second Bird felt his heart rise into his throat. He had bared his spirit
before this youth so nothing could be kept hidden from him. Not even that
which he tried keeping from himself. The silence grew into an awkward moment.
He felt the boy tremble in his arms.
"Is there something wrong with him? Or has the shaman's condition worsen!"
The brave clenched his eyes tightly shut. He tried holding in his breath.
A wave of doubt and worry passed through him like a dark storm. It left him
trembling in the boy's arms.
"I have to see Willow Bird!" pleaded Crying Loon.
Second Bird found his voice. "No. I doubt the guards would allow you to
pass within the shaman's lodge."
"Tell me what is wrong!"
The brave lowered his hands from Crying Loon. He felt some fault for what
had happened to his brother - to admit that would be difficult. The boy
captured his hands into his own and squeezed hard. He demanded an answer.
"I'm not sure what is wrong..." began Second Bird. "He lays all day long
just staring up through the lodge's smoke hole. No words pass through his
lips. I think his spirit is flying away from his body."
"Is he dying?" asked Crying Loon in a small voice.
"He may if his spirit doesn't return. Soon." A silence came between them.
They both knew that the old shaman was close to death and unable to help
anyone. Willow Bird was to take his place in the tribe.
"I must see him," begged the youth. "If I could look into his eyes and
hold him close, Willow Bird would respond to me. I know he would!"
Second Bird thought it was worth a try. An idea came to him about how he
could gain this boy's entry into the guarded lodge. "I have a few water skins
that need filling. Be near tomorrow morning when I pop my head out the lodge's
doorway. I'll call out for someone to take the skins to the river for me.
You'll answer my summons. When you return, feign an injury that will get you
past the guards and into the shaman's lodge for healing. I pray that your love
for Willow Bird can return his loosened spirit to him!"
"I will." Crying Loon gave the brave a fierce hug that made them both
gasp for breath. In the next moment, the boy reached down for his breechclout
and without a further word, flew from the woods like a startled dove. Second
Bird felt very faint after their embrace as if struck by a tomahawk blow. He
reached out for the pine tree to prevent himself from falling.
The brave noticed that his hands were shaking. Many emotions were
swirling around in his head and were the cause for it. His weakness angered
him. He scooped up his breechclout from the dirt and tied it around his waist.
Each flap was carefully adjusted. Slowly, he made his way back to the shaman's
lodge and when the guard came into sight, he put on a brave face before
entering. He didn't want anyone to know how much that boy had affected him.
The fire burned low in the center of the lodge. The air was heavy and
smelled of sickness. After checking on the shaman's head bandage, Second Bird
wearily laid down near his brother. He tried not thinking about the stolen
pleasure he had taken this night or of the love that was growing in his heart
for a boy.
Early the next morning, Second Bird was ready with the two empty water
skins. He stuck his head out the covered doorway and was met by a new guard.
He didn't know this warrior's name. Before the brave could search for Crying
Loon, the guard saw his need and called out for someone to attend him.
"My son can fill those for you," offered the warrior.
A boy ran up to where they stood in front of the lodge. He greeted his
father and took the empty skins from Second Bird's hands with a grin. The
brave studied the slim youth for signs of recognition. He was about the right
age and height to be Crying Loon. Not a cute boy though; there was a girlish
softness to the curves of his sun-darkened body and he carried a nice smile
upon his lips. Was this the youth he'd made love to last night?
Before Second Bird could be sure, the youth turned and ran off towards
the river. His eyes fell to the boy's flexing cheeks that went uncovered. The
brave grinned. Yes. That was his sweet boy. He turned to the warrior with his
face revealing more than it should have.
"Crying Loon will be back soon with those skins." He noticed where the
brave's eyes fell on his son. "He is much changed after Willow Bird's return
to our tribe." Bending Arrow wanted to ask something more but thought better
of it, especially in front of a young man he didn't really know. Another
concern fell into his head. "Tell me, how is our shaman?"
"Ah. He continues to recover from his head wound but slowly," stammered
the brave. "He allows me to pass water and herbed soup through his lips so I
think the old man will recover, in time."
"That is good. He's very old but needs to remain on our Mother for a
while longer if Willow Bird is to be trained as our next shaman. How is your
brother? No one has seen him leave the lodge for a few days."
Second Bird had to lower his eyes from the warrior before speaking again.
"He's often sleeping. My brother is still recovering from his many wounds...
I'm having to care for them both."
Bending Arrow tried not showing his alarm. He'd heard how close Willow
Bird came to death from the blood loss suffered by his wolf bites. There was
also talk about his strange powers, how he had change into a bear to fend off
the wolf pack and his guising as his father to save Snarling Bear from the
unfounded wrath of his tribe. Those were only rumors. He knew that something
had changed between Willow Bird and his son; Crying Loon was often talking
fondly about him with a peculiar gleam in his eyes.
The warrior came out of his deep thoughts. "If you are weary of sitting,
I could get someone to take your place in the lodge."
A pang of fear squeezed Second Bird's heart. He tried to calm himself,
putting a smile on his face. "No. I want to stay with my brother until he
recovers. We were long separated from each other."
"Yes. It's hard to believe that Warm Hands bore a second son without
anyone knowing. And to be given into the care of the Split Tribe's Chief's
sister! I heard that you were also a captive of our enemies for a few years
and that's how you met your brother and escaped."
"All that you say is true. I was born Kalinlepi, raised through boyhood
with the Split Tribe and initiated a brave by the Shew-owa."
"Where do your loyalties lie then?" asked Bending Arrow.
Second Bird stood up tall. "My place is at my brother's side. And
together, we'll carry on our father's sacred task to reunite the Split Tribe
with the Kalinlepi."
The warrior blew out a tense breath. He saw the fiery determination in
Second Bird's eyes but thought it a hopeless cause; too much bad blood between
their two Peoples. And the river might not be wide enough to contain it. If
not for his duty before the shaman's doorway, he would gladly be guarding the
river bank against the Split Tribe.
A warrior running past them took Bending Arrow from his thoughts. The man
bore weapons ready for battle but he headed not for the river. When war leader
Oaken Strength was seen running as well, Bending Arrow called out for him to
approach and explain what was happening.
"A smoldering fire was found in the direction of the rising sun," gasped
Oaken Strength. "Wolf Pawing, Fire-singes-his-hair's son was found missing
from his tipi this morning! We don't know if there's a connection between the
two but I think Tash-o-gwa could be involved."
Oaken Strength turned his attention to Second Bird to see if the brave's
eyes revealed anything from the news. He may be Willow Bird's brother returned
at long last to the Kalinlepi but he wasn't yet assured of his loyalties. No.
Oaken Strength didn't read anything amiss from Second Bird; only shock that he
was expecting.
"I wish that I could come with you!" pleaded Bending Arrow.
"Stay here and guard our shaman." When As-a-crow ran up to them from his
place on the other side of the lodge, Oaken Strength raised his hand in
warning. "Keep on guard as well!" he commanded. I don't want to give that evil
youth a second chance to murder our shaman."
As-a-crow nodded his head, turning heels to walk on guard around the far
side of shaman's lodge. Oaken Strength gave Bending Arrow a stern glance
before he went off running to the east. When Second Bird was about to turn
for the doorway, he spied Crying Loon limping towards them.
"What's happened to you!" snapped Bending Arrow at his son when he
approached, perhaps too strongly.
Crying Loon's right leg was pierced by numerous thorns with blood running
from some of them. He frowned at the tone of his father's voice. To counter
the man's anger, he showed that the water skins had been filled.
"I stumbled into a bramble bush," the boy explained.
"Why were you so far from the tribe to fill them?" his father scolded.
"The water is just as good where our line of warriors stand guard! More than
thorns could have pierced your body in the wilds."
Crying Loon gave his father a puzzled glance. Second Bird laid his hand
on the youth, offering an explanation. "Wolf Pawing is missing from his tipi.
Oaken Strength and some of his warriors are running to a smoldering fire in
the woods that could be Tash-o-gwa's. I think that your father was concerned
for your safety."
Bending Arrow nodded his head at the brave's words. His eyes lowered to
the bloodied leg of his son. Second Bird seized the moment by helping Crying
Loon into the lodge with him. No explanation was needed. The doorway was tied
closed. The warrior remained outside to guard.
Before Second Bird had a chance to examine the boy's self-inflicted
wound, the youth sprinted over to Willow Bird. The heavy water skins were
dropped to the floor, forgotten.
Crying Loon kneeled at Willow Bird's side. One of his hands reached under
the young man's neck to lift his head up. What frightened the youth was how
Willow Bird's eyes wouldn't focus on him. The dull gaze coming from them had
the look of death.
"Oh, Willow Bird. What's wrong with you!" the boy cried. He tried shaking
him awake. Second Bird kneeled at their side with a sad expression on his
face. It was as he had thought; even with his brother's sweet lover crying
over him, he continued to Dream his life away.
Second Bird tasked himself with removing the thorns; the boy ignored him.
The brave grimaced at what the youth had done to gain entry into the lodge.
Blood ran from the many punctures to his upper right leg. The injury looked
far worse than it was but he realized that it must be giving the boy no little
pain. The youth continued to swoon over Willow Bird while the brave attended
to the boy in silence.
A dark emotion clutched Second Bird's heart. He saw the love pouring from
Crying Loon's eyes for Willow Bird while he was ignored. It was as if nothing
had happened between them last night. The brave scolded himself; he had taken
pleasure from this youth that wasn't his to take.
Crying Loon yelped out in pain. He glanced down his right leg at the
thorn Second Bird had just removed. A piece of it remained under the skin.
Nothing could be done about it so the brave's fingers went in search of the
next thorn. It was pulled from the skin with blood welling up behind it. The
boy clenched his teeth. Second Bird caught the boy's eyes in that moment and
tried seeing if there were any feelings for him. Crying Loon looked away.
Second Bird wet a piece of hide from the filled water skin and cleaned
the blood from Crying Loon's leg. He didn't try to catch the boy's eyes again.
Crying Loon gasped out in pain, clutching his injured leg. He kept his eyes
fixed on Willow Bird's in the hope of finding some sign of life in them.
Bending Arrow called from outside. That drew the boy's attention with
fear coming into his teary eyes. Second Bird gestured for Crying Loon to stay
put. He rose from them quickly to see what the warrior wanted.
After untying the doorway, Second Bird stepped out to see a man standing
with Bending Arrow. It was Stands Tall from across the river. Behind him was
Catch-fish-with-arrows who stood guard over a battered youth who had his hands
tied behind his back. Second Bird gasped in surprise.
The prisoner lifted his head at the gasp. When he looked up at the young
brave, his eyes filled with recognition but only for a moment. The smile faded
from his lips. He grimaced with pain when Catch-fish-with-arrows planted his
foot into his back.
"Who is this?" asked Second Bird. Turning to the Split Tribe warrior, he
directed his next question at Stands Tall. "What has brought you over to this
side of the river?"
"Him. He's a Spear-bearing scout that we've captured," answered Stands
Tall. "We've had a few days questioning him but he'll only say that he must
see Willow Bird. My chiefs thought of torturing him more severely for his lack
of answers but I have persuaded them that he be brought here first. Let's see
what Willow Bird can do to get this spy to talk."
"Yea. I want see Willow Bird!" the prisoner pleaded in their language.
Second Bird noticed the familiar accent. He spoke his next words in the
tongue of the Shew-owa that he knew would be understood by this boy of the
Spear-bearing People. "I am Willow Bird's brother. Who are you?"
The beaten youth smiled in spite of his obvious pain from having endured
days of torture. He studied Second Bird's face and saw that this brave spoke
the truth. Yet he would say no more in front of the others.
"I think that I know who this is," announced Second Bird though his voice
betrayed some doubt. "Willow Bird was expecting his arrival and would welcome
it. His name is Smiles A Lot, a boy studying to become a shaman under Snarling
Bear's care."
"Why would he come looking for Willow Bird?" asked Stands Tall.
"Snarling Bear had two purposes for coming to our tribes. He came to warn
us of war from his People and to train Willow Bird as a shaman. This boy was
to help him."
Catch-fish-with-arrows kicked his prisoner. "Why would we need our
enemies in these matters? Cannot our shaman train Willow Bird in the sacred
ways of our own People?"
Second Bird gave Catch-fish-with-arrows a sharp warning with his eyes.
"Leave him be! Snarling Bear had traded his life with our shaman in the Above
so that he could come back to us. The old man is still wounded almost unto
death and won't be teaching anyone soon. Now, even Willow Bird's life is
fading. For two days I've watched his spirit being drawn away!"
"What is this?" asked Bending Arrow. "You didn't tell me that Willow Bird
was thus."
"I told you that my brother was recovering from his many wounds. Not all
of them were of the flesh. I have tended him as I could but I'm not a shaman!"
Pointing to Smiles A Lot, Second Bird commanded: "Let him come inside,
Catch-fish-with-arrows. We cannot deny help even when it is offered to us by
our enemies."
No one moved. In that moment of indecision, Second Bird grabbed hold of
the boy's arm and pulled him into the lodge. Bending Arrow followed. The brave
looked to where Willow Bird was laying and saw Crying Loon holding him close.
Fearing what the boy's father might see, he called out a warning to the youth.
Bending Arrow had to allow his eyes a moment to adjust to the darkness
of the lodge. He didn't see his son pulling away from Willow Bird or the
tears in his eyes that were quickly wiped away. But Smiles A Lot did see. He
grinned when seeing the youth's uncovered butt sticking in the air and he
suspected where his mouth had been on Willow Bird.
Second Bird stood to block Crying Loon from being seen by his father in
that moment. He had also noticed what the boy had been performing on his
brother. It stirred his loins. Smiles A Lot moaned in pain. That drew the
warrior's attention back to him.
"Must this boy be tied?" the brave asked. "He cannot help anyone with his
hands behind his back."
Bending Arrow thought a moment. "Catch-fish-with-arrows had just come
from our chief who said that it was for Willow Bird to determine his fate. If
you say that this boy was Snarling Bear's charge and that he'll offer help as
a shaman, then I'll allow his thongs to be cut. But on your word!"
Second Bird knew what was being asked of him. He would be the one held
responsible for his enemy's actions if they proved ill. Crying Loon peered up
at him with much sadness in his eyes. The old man moaned on the floor nearby.
They needed the help of Smiles A Lot even if he were only a shaman in
training. The decision was made. He gestured at the warrior's blade.
Bending Arrow untied the knife from his belt. Instead of doing the deed
himself, he handed the flint blade over to Second Bird. This boy was going to
be his responsibility. The brave accepted it. He leaned behind Smiles A Lot
and with a stroke, cut his restraining bonds. There was a tense moment. The
boy didn't spring away or make any rash action. He simply rubbed his scored
wrists and smiled.
Second Bird kneeled with Smiles A Lot. He spoke in the tongue that only
the two of them would understand. "My brother lies over there with the boy.
His spirit is escaping. Our shaman was struck by Little Fox Eyes (Tash-o-gwa)
who was a part of Snarling Bear's peace party. You can understand why there's
much hostility directed at you."
"Little Fox Eyes had done this?" asked Smiles A Lot. "He was studying
with Snarling Bear as I am. Why doesn't Snarling Bear attend to them?"
Second Bird lowered his eyes. "Snarling Bear went Above to trade his
place with our shaman. He felt some responsibility for what Little Fox Eyes
had done. Willow Bird's spirit has been drawing out of his body for a few
days; he stares up through the lodge's smoke hole and speaks not a word. At
night, his eyes close in sleep. Do you know why my brother seeks his death?"
"No. I must look upon his condition and hear more about what happened."
"Have you learned enough healing from Snarling Bear to aid our shaman?"
asked Second Bird. "He was struck at the back of his head with much bleeding.
I've been changing the head bandage, water and soup have passed through his
lips. Can you check on him first?"
Smiles A Lot nodded. He rose slowly from his haunches so as to not alarm
the grim warrior at his side. Second Bird led him to where the old man lay.
Catch-fish-with-arrows called from outside. Bending Arrow went to the doorway
to talk with the two men but his eyes kept watch on Smiles A Lot within.
The shaman's head bandage was removed so that his wound could be
examined. Second Bird helped turn the old man onto his side. Smiles A Lot
shook his head in dismay.
"No medicine cloth or even healing herbs were applied to his injury!" he
scolded. "I'm surprised that the old man's spirit hadn't already returned to
the Above to join Snarling Bear."
"We have no other healers in the tribe," defended Second Bird. "What can
you do?"
"I need a healing pouch that has within it prepared herbs. My own was
destroyed by the ignorant warriors of the Split Muddy River Tribe. Does not
your shaman have a healing pouch?"
Second Bird stood up and searched the lodge. It was cluttered with so
many things that he was a long time trying to find the shaman's healing pouch.
Smiles A Lot glanced up to the rafters and saw the drying herbs. He stood up
to fetch some. A thong tied the stalks together and would need to be cut. He
gestured to the brave for the use of his knife. Much to the boy's surprise, he
was given the flint blade. The power of life and death was back in his hands.
Smiles A Lot cut the thong from the rafters and handed the knife back to
Second Bird.
"No. Use it to cut a fresh bandage for the old man," he explained.
Smiles A Lot nodded his head in gratitude. He appreciated the brave's
trust and tasked himself with preparing the dry herbs to make a healing paste.
Second Bird was thankful that someone with healing skills was attending the
old man. He watched the boy work his craft. A bandage was cut from scraps of
new hide. The healing paste was applied onto it. But before he laid it over
the shaman's head, it was raised high in the air where words unto the Great
Father Spirit were softly spoken.
Crying Loon watched impatiently as the bandage was secured around the
shaman's head. He was anxious for Smiles A Lot to attend to his brother.
Bending Arrow returned inside. He asked his son to leave but Crying Loon
refused to let go of Willow Bird. Tears sprang into the boy's eyes anew. A
shiver of fear went down Second Bird's spine for what that revealed to his
father. To his surprise, the warrior relented.
Smiles A Lot returned the flint blade to Bending Arrow. That act brought
a measure of acceptance for him from the warrior. He went over to sit with
Willow Bird but his eyes first studied the boy crying over him. He saw the
anguish the youth displayed. His bloodied right leg drew his healer's
attention. He gathered up what remained of the healing paste from his bowl
and applied it to the boy's wounds.
Crying Loon felt the pain easing from his many thorn wounds. That was
of small concern to him - he wanted Willow Bird to get better! Turning teary
eyed to the Spear-bearing Tribe shaman's apprentice, he gestured for him to
do what he could for Willow Bird.
Smiles A Lot couldn't tear his eyes from the crying youth. More than
anguish, the boy revealed his loved for Willow Bird. That stirred strong
feelings in his heart. Yet Willow Bird had his eyes open that seemed not to
notice the boy's presence. That worried him. Fear clutched his heart when he
saw that no silver ring adorned Willow Bird's finger. He was without the
benefit of its protection! A quick search was made for the ring. It wasn't
being worn on a necklace around his neck and no sacred bundle where it could
have been kept was tied to his waist. With much anguish, Smiles A Lot dropped
to the ground in defeat. What he had Seen from his dreams was coming to pass.
Second Bird saw the great weariness in Smiles A Lot. He sprang for the
bulging water skin laying on the ground and offered the battered youth a drink
from its spout. Many long swallows were taken. His nod of thanks was offered.
"What is wrong with my brother?" asked Second Bird in the language of the
Shew-owa.
Smiles A Lot closed his eyes to fight against the exhaustion that was
trying to overwhelm him. After a long moment, he glanced at Willow Bird with
a terrible sadness coming from his eyes that sent shivers into Second Bird.
"Where is his ring?" muttered Smiles A Lot. His eyes closed again to
fight the sleep that tried claiming him.
"Ah. I don't know..." replied Second Bird. He realized that Smiles A Lot
needed rest before he could help his brother so the battered youth was pulled
onto a ground mat next to Willow Bird. "Sleep for a while. You can't help my
brother if you're exhausted."
"Why won't he help him!" Crying Loon pleaded.
Second Bird turned to the warrior. "Smiles A Lot has endured much at the
hands of the Split Tribe. He needs to rest for a while. Return to guarding the
lodge's entrance." Turning to Crying Loon, "You must also go. I'll look after
Willow Bird and when Smiles A Lot awakens, I know that he will help him."
"I want to stay..." begged Crying Loon.
"Go." Second Bird flared his eyes at the boy in warning.
Bending Arrow took hold of his son's right arm and pulled him to a
standing position with only a small struggle. The two went outside. With a
weary sigh, Second Bird went to the fire pit to boil more water for soup.
He cleaned the cuts and bruises that Smiles A Lot had suffered at the hands of
the Split Tribe warriors. A grim laugh escaped his lips. He realized that he
was now having to care for three.
That evening, Smiles A Lot stirred from his ground mat. Second Bird
brought him warm rabbit soup from a bowl that he'd already fed the old man
from. Strength slowly filled the battered youth. A long talk was going to be
had between them. First, Second Bird needed to know more about Smiles A Lot
and what had brought him to the Kalinlepi.
"It's good soup," commented Smiles A Lot.
Second Bird took back the empty bowl. After dropping it to the lodge
floor, he sat at the boy's side to ask his questions. "Why have you come?"
Smiles A Lot released a sigh. "To help Snarling Bear train Willow Bird in
the ways of a shaman. That old warrior had Seen that he wasn't to live long
enough to complete it. I would take his place."
"Why would our enemies want to help us?" asked Second Bird.
"The Spear-bearing People would not. But Snarling Bear was ever a man of
peace. He was already a great warrior but his abilities as shaman were even
greater. Our People are preparing for war against all the other tribes. He
needed to get away and warn you - help with Willow Bird's training against the
Darkness-that-comes."
Second Bird felt a cold shudder after hearing the boy's last words. He
ignored them for the moment. "Snarling Bear did that. The Chiefs of the Split
Tribe believed his warning in council and it may help reunite them with the
Kalinlepi in common cause. They didn't trust his reasons for coming though.
I'm also confused."
Smiles A Lot nodded with understanding. "Let me start at the beginning.
Snarling Bear had come to the Muddy River People a few moons ago to trade a
white boy with their chief. That was only a pretense. He discovered that his
long lost sister Dew-on-the-petals was that chief's second wife. It put his
heart at ease. He was given a peace offering to carry back to our tribe but it
was rejected. Yet they wanted Snarling Bear to return to the Muddy River Tribe
to learn what he could about them to give our warriors an advantage in battle.
Some of our chiefs suspected that Snarling Bear's heart was divided over this
plan. They sent with him our chief's younger son to ensure that he'd act
properly and under vow, Snarling Bear had to return him safely to our People.
Thus Snarling Bear would also return.
"Snarling Bear went forth to the Muddy River Tribe as his chiefs bid him
under the guise of bringing his mother to see her daughter, Dew-on-the-petals.
Yet he intended to warn them of the coming war. As my shaman's apprentice, he
asked me to slip away a few days after he left so that I could join them. I
would ask for sanctuary with your tribe to help with Willow Bird's training.
Snarling Bear would return home with his chief's youngest son because of the
vow he'd been forced to take.
"I discovered that the Muddy River Tribe had moved their tipis from
their usual place on the river so I sought out the Split Muddy River Tribe to
find out where they had gone. Snarling Bear must have done this same thing.
I didn't catch up with Snarling Bear's party because a fire had swept through
the plains and I lost my horse.
"When I neared the Split Muddy River Tribe, I came across a girl of the
People I had sought for. She was trying to help a boy return to his tribe, the
Wandering Band of Tagalou. He had been swept across to this side of the river.
I escorted them in peace back to the Split Muddy River Tribe but they didn't
believe my intentions. I was questioned and tortured for three days as an
enemy scout. All the while, I asked for Willow Bird since he could tell them
why I had come."
"My brother's spirit was already being drawn out," explained Second Bird.
"Only I knew that you were coming. I had acted as translator between Snarling
Bear and my brother so I already know some of what you've told me."
"Where is Willow Bird's silver ring?" asked Smiles A Lot.
Second Bird had to think a moment. He recalled Snarling Bear being very
interested in this ring so that it could protect Willow Bird. A frown came to
his face. He remembered. "Little Fox Eyes has it."
"That evil youth?!" exclaimed Smiles A Lot. "But how?"
"Willow Bird didn't say. Snarling Bear warned him that with it, Little Fox
Eyes could use it to hide in many shadows from which to attack him. I think
that's how he was able to sneak up on the old shaman and strike him. A boy
named Wolf Pawing is missing from his father's tipi from last night. Could
that be his evil doing as well?"
"I don't know," answered Smiles A Lot while in deep thought. "Why would
Little Fox Eyes need a boy?"
Second Bird shrugged his shoulders. "Warriors discovered a smoldering
fire in the woods after the boy was found to be missing. I haven't heard if
Little Fox Eyes has been connected with it or to Wolf Pawing."
Smiles A Lot was in deep thought for a long while. Second Bird remained
patient, checking on the old man before returning to the boy's side.
"Tell me everything that's happened with your brother of significance,"
asked Smiles A Lot. "Especially what Snarling Bear told him and did when you
were acting as translator."
Second Bird gave a full account. He saw the boy's eyes widen when telling
him about Willow Bird abilities of Fire Speaking, Healing and Changing. It was
difficult to be talking about his brother when he was in their presence, eyes
open yet unseeing. He hoped that Smiles A Lot will be able to help him.
"I need to conduct a ritual," he announced after listening to Second Bird.
"I'll need the shaman's rattle and for you to guard the lodge's entrance from
inside. No one must disturb my concentration or my spirit could get lost!"
Second Bird went up and searched through the shaman's belongings for what
Smiles A Lot requested. There were so many things in the lodge that it was
proving a difficult task. There were drums of all sizes, sacks containing
folded animal hides and wood carving tools. Pouches. A few weapons. He found
the healing pouch that the boy had needed earlier. At last, he found the
shaman's rattle and brought it back to the waiting boy.
"Here also is a healing pouch that you wanted before," said Second Bird.
Smiles A Lot nodded his head with thanks. He raised the sacred rattle in
the shaman's direction while muttering his request to use it in that man's
absence. The healing pouch was put down where he could find it later.
"Go guard the entrance. I'll be sending up my spirit to find Willow
Bird's so nothing must disturb me!"
Second Bird went to the lodge's entrance. He double tied the door flap
and sat before it, facing inwards. He wanted to watch what the boy would be
doing in his ritual.
Smiles A Lot sat close to Willow Bird. He closed his eyes and took in
many deep breaths before beginning. The boy grasped Willow Bird's left hand in
his own. He began rattling in his right hand. Faint chanting came from his
lips. Second Bird couldn't make out the words but he didn't think they were of
any language he'd heard. Smiles A Lot was a long time conducting the ritual.
The brave feared that he was having a difficult time finding his brother's
spirit.
The twilight coming down through the lodge's smoke hole faded. That's
when Second Bird became aware of the smoldering fire pit. The smoke seemed to
twist this way and that before it escaped above; a strange glowing was within
the smoke. He heard faint voices in his head. They scared him. Smiles A Lot
continued to rattle with his eyes closed in concentration. Willow Bird never
stirred.
Silence filled the lodge. It was a noticeable force of its own after the
rhythmic rattling had stopped. Smiles A Lot wearily opened his eyes. They
looked very sad.
Second Bird kept his place by the doorway. He didn't want to disturb
Smiles A Lot until he was sure that the ritual was over. The boy's eyes found
his in the dark. That brought the brave rushing to his side.
"Tell me!" Second Bird pleaded.
"Willow Bird seeks to enter the Above," whispered Smiles A Lot. "He has
found its hidden path that only the dead should follow."
"Why would my brother want to die?"
"He doesn't think of his body," explained Smiles A Lot. "The Above is a
place of utter joy and Light. No loosened spirit can resist it!"
"I Saw a little of it when Snarling Bear and Willow Bird went to bring
back the shaman's spirit."
Smiles A Lot gripped the brave's shoulder. "You were part of their
ritual?" he asked excitedly.
"No. I was sitting close to them and felt something. There's a connection
between my brother and I ever since he Healed me."
That gave Smiles A Lot some thought. "Willow Bird needs to be coaxed back
down into his body," he explained. "It's not yet his time to die so the Above
has denied his entrance. Yet he pleads at the Veiled Door. We must convince
him to return and show him the way back down."
"I'm willing to do anything to help my brother!"
"I know that. Yet you and I may not be enough," added Smiles A Lot. "That
boy who was crying over him earlier. Is he Willow Bird's lover?"
Second Bird hesitated before nodding his head.
"That boy must come with us Above to lure Willow Bird back down."
"Would the ritual be dangerous for the boy?" asked Second Bird. "You and
I are willing to risk our lives but I cannot speak for Crying Loon."
"Yes. There's always danger when spirits are lifted from flesh and set
loose on the Winds. I don't know if that boy is old enough to make such an
important decision on his own."
"He was in training to be initiated Mahyee-na by my brother," Second Bird
answered. "I have talked with him and the boy is older than his years."
"Hmm. You must tell him what we plan and get his permission. Do not
discuss this with anyone else! I fear Little Wolf Eyes could be listening from
the shadows and he would try to prevent our Journey."
"When would you conduct the ritual?"
"Tomorrow when the sun is at height in the sky," answered Smiles A Lot.
"It is dark now and I am still weary." With that, Smiles A Lot reverently
dropped the shaman's rattle on the ground next to the healing pouch. He
returned to the ground mat beside Willow Bird and laid down to sleep.
Second Bird felt restless and didn't feel like sleeping yet. He silently
went to the doorway and untied the flaps many knots. Outside, he was greeted
by Ringed Tail. The fresh air was eagerly taken into his lungs.
"I heard a ritual within," the warrior asked.
"Yes." Second Bird almost told the man about the attempt to bring back
Willow Bird's spirit but he remembered the boy's warning about Tash-o-gwa.
"I need to relieve myself. Allow no one to enter the shaman's lodge."
"Should you be leaving that Spear-bearing scout alone with them?" asked
the warrior with obvious concern. "I could go inside and guard."
"No. Stay outside," asked Second Bird. "Smiles A Lot is here to help
Willow Bird and the shaman. He was Snarling Bear's apprentice." He saw that
Ringed Tail wasn't very assured by his words but the warrior kept his place by
the door.
Second Bird went quickly to the woods. He kept looking around for anyone
following him and feared the shadows all around. After he relieved his body's
needs, the brave rushed back to the lodge. He found Stands Tall waiting there
for him. His face was graven.
"Return with me across the river," the warrior commanded. "Our chiefs
need to hear what's been done with that Spear-bearing spy we've captured."
Second Bird felt something wrong with the man's words. He turned to
Ringed Tail and reminded him again that no one could enter the lodge until his
return. He turned to follow Stands Tall. Oaken Strength stepped out of the
shadows where he was waiting to escort them to the river.
"What did your men find at that smoldering fire in the woods?" asked
Second Bird to Oaken Strength.
"I think that Wolf Pawing had been there," he answered with a low voice.
"The boy's tracks were found. Blood. And the moccasined prints of another."
A chill filled Second Bird's heart. Especially when he saw Stands Tall
flinch after hearing Oaken Strength's words. He knew at that moment that he
was being taken across the river on a matter concerning that missing youth.
Oaken Strength passed them through the line of Kalinlepi warriors,
remaining behind. The river crossing was cold, as expected but Second Bird
felt the greater chill around his heart the more distressing. They walked up
the bank and were passed through the line of Split Tribe warriors by Stands
Tall. More armed men then he had remembered from before. The tribe was a buzz
with activity even though it was night time. He saw men standing in small
groups. Everyone was armed. Second Bird was rushed through the Split Tribe to
the greater chief's tipi. The brave's feeling of apprehension grew.
Inside, Second Bird was met by all the Chiefs of the Split Tribe that
numbered four. Their faces were very grim. He sat down before the fire,
welcoming its warmth over his legs that were wet from the river crossing.
Stands Tall joined him.
No smoking ritual was offered. Second Bird was considered a part of the
Split Tribe and not a guest where the pipe would have been customary. Before
the brave could study all the chiefs' faces, Stands Tall spoke to them.
"The boy is Wolf Pawing. Their war leader spoke of a smolder fire in the
woods and found the boy's tracks. Blood. And the moccasined prints of another."
Second Bird wasn't surprised that Stands Tall revealed the words he had
heard from Oaken Strength. Now, he was sure that they had found the boy. Why
wasn't he being returned to the Kalinlepi?
Second Bird found his answer in one of the younger chief's eyes. He saw
horror in them. The chilling grip of fear around the brave's heart turned into
a winter's cold for his entire body.
"They would blame us," warned Stands Tall. "War would swiftly follow!"
Second Bird found his voice at last. "Tell me what has happened!"
The greater chief lifted his eyes from the warmth of the blazing fire. It
couldn't help drive the chill from his heart when he spoke. "The body of a
mutilated boy was found in our tribe early this evening. I... cannot describe
the sexual assault that he'd suffered!" The old man paused a moment before he
could speak again. "He must be Wolf Pawing that your war leader had said was
missing."
The boy was murdered?! Second Bird tried catching his breath, fighting
back the horror of what he heard. He recalled Stands Tall's warning about war
between their tribes. It could happen.
"We must prepare to defend ourselves," suggested one of the chiefs.
"Yes. We must protect our own children from being..." The youngest chief
choked on his remaining words left unborn.
"Tash-o-gwa had done this," explained Second Bird.
The greater chief heard him above the raised voices of the other chiefs.
"What did you say, Second Bird?" At his angry gesture, the other men became
quiet. Everyone looked to the young brave.
"Tash-o-gwa had struck their shaman," explained Second Bird. "He was a
part of Snarling Bear's peace party but his intentions were evil! The
Kalinlepi have been trying to find that youth. Now, he has murdered a child."
"Then, why was the body left with our tribe?" asked the youngest of the
chiefs present.
Second Bird's lips curled in a tight grimace. He knew. "That evil boy
from the Spear-bearing Tribe is trying to get us to fight amongst ourselves.
Think of it! When all our tipis have burned and warriors lay dead on both
sides of the river, it would be an easy task for them to slaughter the few
survivors."
The old chief nodded his head. "Even if what you say is true, how can we
prevent it? Many of the Kalinlepi warriors already hate us and our own
warriors feel the same. The boy's murder could be the small flame in the tipi
that builds to consume it in a fire out of control."
"I recognize the danger," said Second Bird, "so it must be handled very
carefully. Let me return across the river... Speak with their chief. He wants
peace and will not let war break out."
The men all shouted at once. Some agreed but another thought Second Bird
was going to warn the Kalinlepi to fight. The greater chief silenced them but
only after waving his hands for many heart beats.
"This is a grave matter," he announced. "I am the greater chief amongst
us and I say that Second Bird should go across to give their chief the news."
"We should prepare our men for battle," suggested another chief.
"A line of armed warriors is already guarding our side of the river,"
reminded the greater chief. "All our men are awake and ready to enact on what
we tell them."
"The Kalinlepi should be driven from our part of the river!" another
chief shouted. That brought a flurry of words from the other chiefs both for
war and against. Stands Tall sadly shook his head.
"We are forgetting about the boy."
Everyone turned to Stands Tall. He continued to speak what was on his
mind after the discord had settled down. "Think of the anguish of his father.
He doesn't know that his son is dead and still clings to the hope of his safe
return. The longer he is denied the truth, the greater will be his wrath."
Second Bird added his words to the warrior's. "I will speak with the
Kalinlepi Chief. He will send for Fire-singes-his-hair to try giving him the
news gently. An honor guard of our warriors should stand ready bearing torches
instead of weapons to meet him in the middle of the river with the boy's
wrapped body carried between them to hand over to the father. That way, we
show our respect and grief for his loss. We did not murder the boy! Let us act
in a manner that shows our innocence."
Some of the old chiefs nodded their heads. The greater chief released a
weary sigh and spoke. "Go across the river, Second Bird and tell your chief
what has happened. We will gather an honor guard for the boy as you've
described and wait for your signal before coming across."
Second Bird quickly looked over all the chief's faces to read their
intent. He saw worry and anguish. Fear was foremost in all of them; no obvious
deception. Stands Tall sprang to his feet and escorted Second Bird back to the
river in grim silence.
"Your words about the boy brought the chiefs back to what they should be
concerning themselves," whispered Second Bird.
Stands Tall revealed pain in his eyes before he spoke. "My son had been
lost to me before your brother helped bring him back. I know how Fire-singes-
his-hair is feeling now."
Second Bird silently nodded his head. He was passed through the line of
warriors guarding the bank by Stands Tall. The brave plunged into the river.
It was a very chilly crossing. Dark and filled with menacing shadows all
around the young man. Yet he knew that would be nothing compared to how a
certain father would feel when given the news about his murdered son.
War leader Oaken Strength had waited for him on the other side. The brave
was escorted to the Kalinlepi Chief's tipi. He requested to speak alone with
He-who-walks-beyond-all-others though Oaken Strength remained to guard him.
Warrior Fire-singes-his-hair was summoned and the terrible news given him
about his son. Second Bird assured the anguished father that the Split Tribe
was not responsible and that they had an honor guard prepared to return his
boy. The blame was put on Tash-o-gwa who had attacked their shaman.
The old chief of the Kalinlepi spoke privately with Fire-singes-his-hair.
When the two came out of the tipi, Second Bird noted the warrior's plain face,
free of any emotion. A sleepy Song Bird and the chief's two wives were allowed
to return to their warm sleeping mats inside the tipi. Oaken Strength escorted
his chief, Second Bird and Fire-singes-his-hair to the river.
A line of Kalinlepi warriors on the bank had seen the lit torches from
the Split Tribe's side of the river. They didn't understand its meaning but
were prepared for anything. When their chief came to them, he explained what
would be happening. Oaken Strength, Second Bird, Iron Bow and Fire-singes-his-
hair held torches when they entered the dark river. Four Split Tribe warriors
bearing torches and a wrapped bundle carried between them waded to the middle
of the river and met them. It was a tense moment when the heavily wrapped
bundle was passed between the two groups.
Stands Tall spoke. "Warrior Fire-singes-his-hair: I am a father with a
young son who had been lost to me. I know how you must be feeling. Our tribes
may not be on friendly terms but we are a People like yours who grieve at the
lost of a child. I feel badly for what's happened."
"I accept your words," whispered Fire-singes-his-hair as was expected of
him but his voice raised to a shout. "I want that youth who had murdered my
son!"
Stands Tall dared to step closer to the angry warrior. "I vow to help
you find Tash-o-gwa and make him pay for what he's done to your son... To your
shaman! He is an evil Spear-bearing youth."
Second Bird realized how Stands Tall had directed that warrior's anger
onto the Spear-bearing People. Fire-singes-his-hair held the front of the
wrapped bundle containing his dead son and the other three men helped him
carry it back to the Kalinlepi tribe.
They climbed up the bank and were met by a crowd of curious people. Not
many of them knew what was happening until they saw Fire-singes-his-hair
leading the other three men through camp with the wrapped bundle between them.
The People knew that he was the warrior with a missing son. He had found him.
Some of the old women began wailing a death song. They followed the four
men with their burden to Fire-singes-his-hair's tipi where it was placed
within. His wife learned only then of what happened. The warrior tried
comforting her. Second Bird broke away from the crowd and he rushed back to
the shaman's lodge. He was relieved to find Ring Tail standing guard. The
warrior had heard the women's wailing and asked about it.
"Wolf Pawing has been returned to his father," explained Second Bird with
sad eyes. He gave only a general account of what had happened.
"What of the Spear-bearing youth inside?" asked Ringed Tail. "What will
be done with him?"
Second Bird felt a heavy stone dropping into his stomach. He hadn't
considered that Smiles A Lot could be in danger since his mind had been on
other things. Catch-fish-with-arrows came around from the other side of the
lodge and was told the grim news from Ringed Tail.
"Why are we harboring that Spear-bearing spy?" he shouted. "Allowing him
to be alone with Willow Bird and our shaman?! He should be turned over to
Fire-singes-his-hair or returned to the Split Tribe and killed!"
Second Bird stood up to the young brave. "Why are you always so angry
that you don't think and thus act badly?" He was tired and didn't think before
those words were out of his mouth.
"I know about the Spear-bearing warriors!" the brave shouted. "They are
without honor and despicable! They hunted me down on the plains when I was
fourteen. I was..." The young man realized what he was about to say and shut
his mouth.
In a lowered voice, Second Bird spoke. "Smiles A Lot is trying to save
Willow Bird. He has already helped our shaman with the applying of a healing
paste that I didn't know how to make."
"Why is he helping?" asked Catch-fish-with-arrows.
"He was learning to become a shaman by Snarling Bear. That warrior shaman
traded his place in the Above to return our shaman's spirit to his body. He
died to help the Kalinlepi. Smiles A Lot is taking his place."
"That still doesn't explain why all these shamans and boys learning to
become shamans from the tribes of our enemies have come to 'help' us!"
Second Bird forgot himself when he spoke next. "They have come to help
Willow Bird become a great shaman and leader of the Mahyee-na."
Catch-fish-with-arrows tried pronouncing the strange word that Second
Bird had uttered. He saw the regret in that brave's eyes for what he revealed.
War Leader Oaken Strength arrived. He saw that there was trouble from the
way Second Bird faced off with Catch-fish-with-arrows. He snapped at the brave
to return to his guarding around the other side of the shaman's lodge. Turning
to Second Bird, he told him to go inside.
Second Bird did as he was bidden. He tied up the door flap from within
though it didn't shut out the voices of Ringed Tail conversing with Oaken
Strength. He listened to the war leader's warning about tribesmen who might
want to hurt Smiles A Lot. Especially Fire-singes-his-hair because of how he
was feeling after his son was murdered. Second Bird had heard enough. He was
very tired after tonight's events so he crawled along the floor to the fire
pit. The ashes within were cold. With disappointment, the brave rolled onto
his back and closed his eyes. His legs still felt cold from the river
crossings. Sleep seemed far away but before a handful of heart beats could be
counted, the young brave was snoring.
The next morning, Second Bird awakened to find Smiles A Lot helping the
old man drink water from a wooden mug. The shaman muttered something but the
brave couldn't understand his low words. It heartened him that he seemed to be
stronger. He checked on Willow Bird and found his brother's eyes open. Breaths
still passed into his lungs but there were no other signs of life from him.
The brave bowed his head.
"You should go find Crying Loon and speak with him," asked Smiles A Lot.
Second Bird went to the boy's side and told him about last night's
events. They saddened him. He agreed that he'll remain in the lodge for his
own protection, piss in the corner at need than risk going outside. His vow
was spoken with a silly grin on his face. Second Bird saw that Smiles A Lot
was trying to hide his fear.
After untying the doorway, Second Bird passed the warrior outside without
even seeing who it was. He quickly relieved himself in the woods before trying
to find Crying Loon.
The faces of the Kalinlepi People were sad when he passed them. It was a
difficult thing to see. He knew that sadness could quickly turn to anger and
rash actions. Willow Bird needed to get well and guide them!
A boy turning around a tipi saw Second Bird and changed his direction.
The brave called out to Crying Loon who tried ignoring him. He had to chase
after the boy. Upon reaching him, the young man noticed the youth's anger.
"Willow Bird needs you," whispered Second Bird. That stopped the boy from
trying to run away again.
"What can I do?" snapped Crying Loon. "You had sent me away!"
After looking around for anyone who could hear his next words, Second
Bird whispered to him what Smiles A Lot planned to do in his ritual. Crying
Loon's eyes widened. He stopped acting hostile towards the brave.
"I will do it," answered Crying Loon to the brave's serious question
upon him. "But my father has told me that I can't go into the lodge unless he
accompanies me."
"Let him come," replied Second Bird. "I welcome him guarding the lodge
from within since many in the tribe will hate Smiles A Lot that much more
because of what happened to Wolf... Fire-singes-his-hair's son."
"The ritual is to take place this afternoon?" the boy asked.
"Yes. But you must not tell anyone about it not even to your father!
Smiles A Lot fears that Tash-o-gwa could be listening from the shadows and try
to stop us."
Crying Loon's eyes widened with fear. He glanced at the ground all around
them as if every shadow were a threat.
Second Bird sent the boy running to his father while he returned to the
lodge. As-a-crow was taking his turn guarding outside. This time, the brave
paused at the doorway to tell him how the shaman was growing stronger with
Smiles A Lot's help. He also warned the warrior to expect Bending Arrow and
his son - to allow them to enter when they arrived.
Second Bird went in and found Smiles A Lot trying to make soup. The boy
complained that there wasn't much rabbit meat remaining and fewer herbs to be
found for flavoring. Healing, yes. But not for eating! The brave informed him
about Crying Loon's decision to help and that he would have to be accompanied
by his father. That gave Smiles A Lot some pause. He didn't want to worry
Second Bird about that problem so he kept the matter to himself.
The central fire was going with a clay pot of water set for boiling.
Smiles A Lot stirred in the rabbit meat and a few herbs. Second Bird was
surprised by how calm the youth appeared. The sun would soon reach the height
of its sky and marked when his dangerous ritual would begin.
When the soup was ready, Second Bird was offered a steaming bowl while
Smiles A Lot fed the shaman. Nothing was given to Willow Bird. The boy took
Second Bird's empty bowl and filled it so that he could eat.
There was something odd in the flavoring of the soup, noted Second Bird.
He thought that Smiles A Lot must have substituted a healing herb from what
hung drying in the rafters to give the soup some body.
Second Bird slowly sipped from his bowl. He looked at Smiles A Lot and
saw how he differed from the People of their tribes. His black hair was cut
short. He had a large nose and there was a curving of his cheeks down to his
chin that looked a little strange. Different even from what he had seen of the
Shew-owa. His chest and arms appeared soft like a girl's, not hardened with
the muscles a boy his age should have. Long thin legs. His breechclout were
flaps of deerskin fringed in the manner of the Spear-bearing People.
Smiles A Lot glanced in his direction with a grin. Second Bird thought
how much he acted like a girl. He had soft mannerisms that bespoke of a
mother's kind disposition and caring. His slim hands were made for healing.
There was no hint of aggression in the boy, no manly striving to prove himself
as the brave he'd soon come to be initiated as. Second Bird lowered his head
with a sad realization. Smiles A Lot had run away from his tribe and wouldn't
likely be returning. Who would stand at his side on Mid-summer Eve's moon to
name him a man? Not Snarling Bear, his shaman and master for he was dead. His
chief's youngest son was murdered and Tash-o-gwa was on the loose to work
evil. How long would Smiles A Lot be tolerated by the Kalinlepi? Even sought
out by Fire-singes-his-hair for a revenge killing? The Split Tribe would
gladly take him back into their hands for more questioning as an enemy scout.
His death would most likely follow. The youth continued to smile at him as if
not realizing that he was without the safety of any tribe.
Second Bird looked to where his brother lay on the ground. Any hope for
Smiles A Lot's survival could only come from him. When awakened, Willow Bird
would be the only one to defend the Spear-bearing boy against all the others
who'd want to harm him. And they had never met.
The brave was satisfied of Smiles A Lot's good intentions. He had tended
to the old shaman's head wound with a healing paste and bandage; even treating
Crying Loon's thorn cuts to ease their pain. Second Bird saw the value of
having Smiles A Lot with the Kalinlepi. He would defend the shaman/boy himself
if it came to blows.
As-a-crow shouted a warning from the doorway. Second Bird welcomed in
Bending Arrow and his son. After tying up the doorway, he explained that
Smiles A Lot would be conducting a difficult ritual for Willow Bird; he and
Crying Loon was going to be a part of it as well. The father claimed that he
didn't understand the ways of shamans but he agreed to sit in the doorway to
guard anyone from entering. As-a-crow was also warned to keep them from being
disturbed from without.
Smiles A Lot's face betrayed his worry at last. Second Bird watched him
set out some things around the fire pit: stalks of sage, the healing pouch, a
decorated clay pot filled with some liquid and the shaman's rattle. He asked
help to drag Willow Bird closer to the fire, his ground mat remaining under
him. Crying Loon held his lover's right hand and tried keeping tears from
falling. The boy's show of emotion touched Second Bird's heart.
"Ask Crying Loon's father to turn towards the door," asked Smiles A Lot.
"Make up some excuse. He would be upset to witness what we will do to call
Willow Bird back."
Second Bird made his request on the warrior who seemed disturbed that he
should have to. After a long stare at his son, Bending Arrow turned around.
Smiles A Lot sighed wearily. He knew that something more would have to be done
with the overly curious warrior.
A bowl of warm soup was offered to Crying Loon who wouldn't have taken it
otherwise had Smiles A Lot not insisted; the boy wasn't hungry. Yet he lifted
the bowl to his lips and drank. There was a bitter flavoring that he didn't
much care for.
Second Bird was feeling a little disoriented. His eyes acted funny. It
was getting hard to simply sit up. Smiles A Lot took up some sage and poured
water from the decorated clay pot over it. The brave thought that was strange;
sage was usually burned. He gestured for Crying Loon to stand before him and
drop his breechclout. After glancing back at his father to be sure he wasn't
watching, the boy did so.
Smiles A Lot examined the boy. He didn't have a handsome face but his
nude body had the soft curves of a girl. The hair on his groin marked his
nearing passage into manhood. He wondered how far Willow Bird had initiated
him in the ways of the Mahyee-na sex rites.
The wet stalks of sage were lovingly rubbed all over Crying Loon's body
to ritually cleanse him for the rite that was to come. Smiles A Lot felt his
dick rising from touching the naked boy. He wasn't surprised by his reaction.
The ritual would be partly sexual if it were to coax Willow Bird's spirit back
into his body.
Second Bird was next asked to stand and remove his breechclout. It was
difficult to keep his balance, the brave noticed. Smiles A Lot didn't seem
concerned. He wet another stalk of sage and ritually cleansed the brave's
body, remarking to himself how similar it was to his brother's. Smiles A Lot
remembered his ring gifting rite, how Willow Bird's nakedness had felt next to
his. He felt himself drawn to this brave as well.
Smiles A Lot gestured for the two to kneel. Willow Bird's breechclout was
removed. With Second Bird's help in raising him into a sitting position, his
nakedness was also cleansed with sage. Smiles A Lot frowned to see Willow
Bird's body marred with deep scratches over his chest, bites on his arms (not
fully healed) and the signs of desperate searing for wounds over both legs. A
deep scar on the left shoulder looked like a knife wound. It seemed that
Willow Bird had endured much since last they met.
Bending Arrow was glancing over his shoulder at them. The nakedness of
his son made him frown with concern. Smiles A Lot noticed. He knew the warrior
was going to be trouble so he asked Second Bird to assure Crying Loon not to
worry about what was going to be happening to his father. The boy didn't seem
to hear. He looked a bit dazed on his knees, his head swaying to and fro.
Second Bird was also having trouble keeping his balance. His thoughts turned
to the soup that he had eaten. There had been that strange flavor in it...
Smiles A Lot lifted the decorated clay pot and poured out the sun water
into a wooden mug. He drank from it, feeling strength returning to his limbs
that helped counter the effect of what he had put in the soup. He walked over
to Bending Arrow. Power flowed in the youth when he remembered Snarling Bear's
teachings and he uttered the Word. His mind filled with thoughts of sleeping.
They were passed onto the unsuspecting warrior when Smiles A Lot grasped his
left shoulder.
Bending Arrow was overcome. His head slumped onto his chest and his arms
fell to the dirt. Smiles A Lot sighed wearily. It wasn't easy invoking a Power
Word and he had much more to accomplish in the ritual. More sun water was
poured into the wooden mug. He had Second Bird drink from it and Crying Loon
was given his turn. The effect was immediate. Strength returned to their limbs
and their heads cleared. Crying Loon glanced at his father and was startled to
see him slumped before the doorway.
"What did he do to my father?" the boy asked with concern. Second Bird
translated his question for Smiles A Lot.
"I asked him to sleep."
Second Bird translated the answer back for Crying Loon and he remembered
seeing Smiles A Lot only touching the man's shoulder. Snarling Bear came to
mind. He remembered that warrior/shaman's power that must have been passed on
to his student.
Crying Loon went to examine his father and after hearing his soft
breaths, returned to kneel at Willow Bird's side. He was glad that Smiles A
Lot didn't scold him for being mistrusting.
Smiles A Lot gathered up the wet stalks of sage he had used in the
cleansing ritual and tossed them into the fire. The lodge filled with its
soothing scent. He turned to Second Bird and asked that his words be
translated for Crying Loon to understand.
"The ritual is about to begin," explained Smiles A Lot. "Willow Bird's
spirit is drawn to the utter joy and bliss of the Above. He isn't allowed to
join the Sky People because it's not yet his time. We need to coax his spirit
back down into his body. Second Bird: you are his brother and must remind him
of his responsibilities of becoming shaman of his tribe. Be stern with him!
"Crying Loon: you must tempt Willow Bird's spirit back with love from
your heart and also from your body. Pleasure him with yours to coax him back!"
"I have also loved him," admitted Second Bird. He didn't translate to
Crying Loon what he'd said or Smiles A Lot's reply.
"Sit behind your brother," asked Smiles A Lot. "Bring his body up to sit
in your lap. Show your bodily love for him." He asked Second Bird to continue
translating his words again for the youth.
"Crying Loon: kneel close to Willow Bird and hold his body in yours. Make
love to him while I call upon his spirit from the Above and show him what
pleasures await him below in his body."
Crying Loon felt no reluctance in him to do as he was bid. He felt strong
in a thrilling way that made his dick very hard. He saw that Second Bird was
holding Willow Bird's body up in a sitting position within his lap. The boy
kneeled in front of his lover, his lower legs spreading around the brothers'
legs. His hands reached for Willow Bird's arm pits and gripped them. Slowly,
he lowered himself down until their hairy groins touched. Willow Bird's body
was warm against him. He still lived but his dick was soft. Crying Loon
wondered how they could make love if his companion wasn't excited.
Before the boy could ask, Smiles A Lot began shaking his rattle. He
walked around their huddling bodies. Low words were chanted. Crying Loon
noticed that his dragging feet were outlining a large circle around them. He'd
heard about medicine enclosures that shamans used to help draw spirits to
those who were inside. The thought of being involved in powerful magic should
have frightened Crying Loon but there was not a hint of fear in him. The boy
felt his heart racing but that came from sexual excitement. He tightened his
grip around Willow Bird's shoulder blades, feeling his love bursting inside
for him. Second Bird had warned that there would be danger. The boy only
thought of helping Willow Bird recover.
Smiles A Lot continued to walk the sacred circle with rattle shaking in
his right hand. He felt the warmth from the central fire pit and drew courage
from the bright shaft of Father Sun's Light coming down from the lodge's smoke
hole. This was his first working of powerful medicine. It was on his shoulders
to succeed. Snarling Bear's teachings were ever in his mind and he wished that
his master were here to help him. The thought of that man's death was driven
from his head. He was alone for must be done.
Second Bird also felt the blazing fire against the left side of his body.
His brother's body was warm in his arms. Sweat ran down his chest to collect
in his groin hair. His hard dick pressed against Willow Bird's butt and he
felt a strong aching to do more than simply hold him. That was Crying Loon's
task - to make love. He kept Willow Bird's body up with the love he had for an
ailing brother.
Crying Loon buried his face into Willow Bird's sweaty chest. He felt a
bit strange. Smiles A Lot slowly circled around them with a rhythmic rattling
that made his head feel light. His loins were aflame. His heart was flame! If
he tried not thinking about it, the strangeness of what they did went away.
Smiles A Lot finished marking their enclosure with his feet. He turned to
the three under his care and kneeled at their side, facing the flames that
danced just beyond. Their whisperings were growing louder in his ears. He
could almost make out what they said but fear kept him from hearing. Hsssssss.
His wasn't the skill to Fire Speak. He'd use the flames to anchor their spirit
Journey to the Above.
The boy prepared himself to leap. Ah. Not yet... He was being distracted
by the naked beauty of three loving males in one embrace. Second Bird held his
brother within his lap, arms running along Willow Bird's sides, hands gripping
his shoulders. Their legs stretched out together over the mat. The brave's
face rested against his brother's head. In front of them was the sweet boy. He
kneeled over their legs in a close embrace with Willow Bird. Crying Loon's
small chest pressed onto his lover's chest. His tense hands gripping behind
Willow Bird's shoulder blades. The boy's long-haired head abreast. Smiles A
Lot was touched by the boy's love. It was young and innocent without any
demands or a man's questioning for 'why'.
Smiles A Lot dropped his eyes down to the boy's sweaty rear end. It was
shapely; not a girl's flatness or heavily muscled like a man's. A nice boy's
curves. They glowed from the fire's angry brilliance. Second Bird's butt was
pressed down over the ground mat from the weight of Willow Bird over him. He
felt how their bodies were seeking a male connection, have joined already as
one brother for love and pleasure; the comfort of protection for each other
from harm. They both seemed drawn to Crying Loon. Smiles A Lot felt this about
the brothers instinctively. It made him glad.
He regretted not being able to join into their triad. Clothed, his role
in the ritual was as spiritual guide that prevented him from embracing love.
That would come at another time, thought Smiles A Lot. He had already joined a
part of himself with Willow Bird during his ring gifting rite. He lusted for
him but didn't expect to have his love returned. Was not even sure that his
path would rejoin with that of Willow Bird's. In shamanism perhaps, to guide
him as Snarling Bear should have done. He knew that Willow Bird already had
greatness inside him that needed no help from another. He was the culmination
of both sacred halves of the human being: Mah Nayee!
Smiles A Lot felt the rattle in his hand taking on a life of its own. He
no longer had to direct its rhythmic shaking. The flame's hissing matched the
beat of his buffalo scrotum rattle: shhh-shhh, shhh-shhh. He could concentrate
on breathing and lifting his spirit out from his flesh.
Inhale. A slow comforting exhale... Smiles A Lot closed his eyes from the
embracing naked bodies in front of him. He'd allow no more distractions. It
was time to Fly Above.
By willing it, Smiles A Lot loosened his spirit from flesh. He was gone
from the lodge like rising smoke in the wind. Upwards. But unlike unguided
smoke, his spirit Flew along Willow Bird's silvery life thong. It led Smiles A
Lot to the hidden paths of the dead. Up! The Above awaited him there.
The Veil prevented Smiles A Lot's entrance to the stars. Willow Bird was
there. So near the Above! Without clumsy words, he pleaded for him to return
to Mother Earth where life was. A resistance... Oh, the utter joy and beauty
of the Light! To rise into it. Smiles A Lot felt being drawn there himself. He
wanted to see how Snarling Bear fared and to be with his father, Coyote Thief.
Not to be... Smiles A Lot turned away, showing the way down to what
awaited them. Willow Bird Saw. His silver life thong was connected with the
powerful living forces of Second Bird and Crying Loon. He felt their pulling.
Smiles A Lot drew them Up to embrace their spirits. To join in his pleading
for Willow Bird to come back down. The stars twinkled seductively with the
promise of the here After. Not yet!
Willow Bird slowly relented. He Saw the powerful glows below on Mother
Earth that were from living spirits held in flesh; bright ones and dark. There
was joy to be found with them likened to what he had sought in the Above. His
unfulfilled task was to try guiding some of them.
Smiles A Lot prepared to bring them down. Yet his spirit was afraid by
their great height as if to jump down from a mountain. He couldn't seem to do
it! The four spirits clung together upon the Veil that was far from the Earth.
They no longer tried entering the Above but were unable to go down.
A bright glinting was Seen: the young spirit of the ring. Like a sweet
boy's voice, he promised to guide them back down. Smiles A Lot recognized that
spirit. It dwelled within Willow Bird to be called upon whenever he's in need.
Smiles A Lot invoked that spirit's aid. The four spirits rode down on a beam
of Father Sun's Light to the Earth. Back into their own bodies.
Smiles A Lot noticed the quiet. His rattle had fallen from his hand to
the ground. He breathed in deeply with much relief. Eyes opened. He saw the
naked bodies struggling for pleasure; showing love. Second Bird thrust into
his brother's butt. Crying Loon stabbed against Willow Bird's awakened loins.
He reached out both of his hands to their shoulders. They were hot to the
touch like fire! He felt their sexual bonding in his own loins beneath his
front breechclout flap. His dick strained for expression of sharing love.
Crying Loon felt his dizziness passing. It was like awakening suddenly
from a very deep sleep. The stars of night had passed. He remembered his body
and felt the wonderful sensations coming from it, felt Willow Bird's dick
stiffen against his and beat him. A great joy filled the boy. He eagerly
embraced their male needs towards the thrilling end to come.
Second Bird was aware of his return. Not from sleeping, he had Seen a
part of where Smiles A Lot had taken them. Joy came from accomplishment. He
knew that his brother had returned down with them. His body felt alive with
wonderful sensations and urgings that thrilled his dick towards climax. The
ground mat beneath him was sweat soaked against his humping butt. He stabbed
upwards into another butt; it flexed with desire to be taken and filled with
his male love. That's when the brave realized that he was fucking.
Willow Bird's returning spirit welcomed the loving embraces of brother
and his boy. He was once again amongst the living. He knew that he had a long
life ahead yet to fulfill.
***
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End of file: WBSPIRIT.TXT The 'Shaman Willow Bird' series will follow.