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 SHAMAN-WILLOW-BIRD-12                      "Shaman Willow Bird" story series
 Shaman Willow Bird                         Copyright 2001-2002 by Vince Water
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*                            "Shaman Willow Bird"                      10/02 *
*                                 (part 12)                                  *

     A rush of images go through my head, places I've never been to and faces
I don't recognize. Am I dreaming? My eyes are closed and I can't feel my body
so I must be asleep. It's strange that I'm able to realize this.

     The dream images become a blur. I'm seeing events through someone's eyes:
a mountain home, tree barked lodges, a golden hawk soaring above the cliffs and
Moss-bowl People. Ah. These are Moss-stone-walker's memories given to me when
we Shared. I'm tempted to step into moments from his life but I hold myself
back. There's danger in actually living them; I won't be able to separate
which ones are his from my own. By standing outside each memory, I'll view the
man's life and absorb them more easily. Otherwise my head will burst like an
over-filled water skin.

     I try to flow with each memory. They're given me in no particular order.
I see the man Moss-stone-walker has become while others are from his boyhood.
So many places and events. I'm trying to make sense of the events from his
childhood. His was a lonely life shared only by his mother and a few friends.
There were men who taught him how to hunt, track and fashion weapons that any
boy needs to learn. Nothing that went beyond teaching. How he yearned for love!
I realize how fortunate I'd been to have Big Horn as my monedo. He gave me
friendship. By caring for me, I learned quickly and earned that brave's
approval. This summer had seen our relationship turn to love and it has freed
my spirit.

     I'm unable to dwell on my past because another memory assaults me. I see
Little-crack tossing his stick through a rolling hoop, boys cheering and they
take turns throwing. A naked youth watches them with envy because they won't
include him in their game. Little-crack notices this boy clutching his 'stick'
that draws knowing grins from the older boys. He's joining into their game in
his own way. Almost, I'm able to feel the joy of playing with friends. I have
to remind myself that these are not my memories. They are Moss-stone-walker's.

     My head is filled with so many of the man's memories. I'm trying to absorb
them, make them part of myself without losing who I am as Willow Bird. They
cannot be ignored or tossed away.

     Sharing is a dangerous gift, I realize. It's a newly discovered ability.
Without guidance, I don't know how to work the spell properly or know when it
should be used. This is one of my most unusual gifts from our Father.

     More of Moss-stone-walker's memories come to me. They're like a fast moving
stream. I'm scouting down its length that often turns abruptly, leading me back
into his youth. I see his mother, the friends he played with and the drudge of
everyday life. When I've absorbed those memories, I find myself flung forward
to when he's a man. The images are nearly a blur. Too quick to grasp so I'm
left with only a sense of his experiences. The pressure in my head eases a bit.

     I'm learning how to flow with his life experiences that become part of me
as permanent memories. I think I'll know which ones are his. There is much
wisdom to be gained from Moss-stone-walker. What a wondrous gift - Sharing. If
I could have done this with Smiles A Lot, he would've lived on through me.

     The rushing current slows to a trickle. Only a few images remain for me to
absorb. My head no longer feels swollen with Moss-stone-walker's memories; they
have become my own. Only one more memory to accept. It's a recent one.

     I'm startled by a familiar face. Moss-stone-walker is handed a stick of
buffalo meat by a youth whom he studies intently: slim of body much tanned by
the summer sun. He bears many wounds, some healed. Ugly bruises cover the boy's
face and chest. His hair has been burnt by fire. What the brave notices most is
suffering in this youth's eyes. His loss of spirit.

     I am that youth. Is that really how Moss-stone-walker sees me?

     "Willow Bird!"

     I'm pulled up from the ground to a sitting position. There's concern in
Moss-stone-walker's eyes. I see a man sitting next to him who's handed a bowl
of meat from a squaw. I don't know who they are. I'm confused. I don't recall
this moment from the past... Oh. What's happening now is real.

     I bring up my right hand to rub sleepiness from my eyes. There's a bundle
tied to it. I've been drawing power from the acorn after Healing that brave
who'd been shot.

     "Eat this," asks the old man.

     The bundle is slipped from my right hand and reverently placed on my
thigh. I grasp the bowl and greedily eat the fresh deer meat. No one speaks but
I feel their eyes on me, the questions being held back. The squaw smiles when I
nod my thanks to her. The empty bowl is taken from my hand by her husband. I
think he's the shaman of this Woods Tribe.

     "Are you rested?" the shaman asks.

     I nod at his question but my head feels very weary. It was draining to
absorb Moss-stone-walker's memories. I'm left feeling exhausted.

     "Shakes-like-the-ground wants to know when you'll be ready to ride today."

     I peer up at the lodge's smoke hole and see Father Sun's Face in the
height of His sky. It's already noon. We could have reached my tribe yesterday
evening if not for encountering these Woodland People. I release a sharp breath.
My regret is softened when remembering Hawk's Eye. He's alive because of me.

     I grasp the small bundle and tie it around my neck. Oh, my head feels like
it's in a fog! When I try getting to my feet, Moss-stone-walker has to help me
up. A wave of dizziness strikes me like a tomahawk blow. I'm struggling to
remain conscious but lose that battle...

     My butt hits the ground. I'm lowered to the mat on my back and there are
words in my ear that sound as if they're being spoken from far away. My sight
slowly returns. I see the shaman crouched over me. His hand presses down on my
chest when I try getting up again.

     "Rest, Willow Bird." Turning to the Moss-bowl brave, "Tell your war leader
that he's not yet recovered."

     "No. We need to get back to my People!" I struggle against the shaman's
grip of my arms. "The Spear-bearing warriors are coming..." My voice trails
off when I feel an overwhelming need for sleep. Darkness takes me.


     I awaken with an urgent need to urinate. My eyes open in darkness. I'm
able to get to my feet with a clear head. Sleeping the day away has renewed me
but there's a tightness in my stomach when thinking about my People. I've kept
help from reaching them. Have our enemies fallen on them in my absence?

     I stagger around the unfamiliar lodge until finding the door. Passing
through it, the cold night air has me shivering. I look up at the bright stars.
They are familiar to me! My tribe is only a half day's ride away but my
weakness has prevented Shakes-like-the-ground and his men from reaching them
with their strength at arms. Please! Don't let us arrive too late! I raise my
arms to the night sky and make this plea unto our Father.

     My hands return to my sides. I wander in the dark, past sleepy lodges to
find a place to piss.

     Trees come before me like dark sleeping guardians. I lift my front flap
and let go. The tightness around my bladder eases. With a sigh of relief, I
shake my cock until it stops dripping. It's very stiff in my hand. A few pulls
are given over my foreskin that gives me a few sharp thrills.

     I'm feeling very horny. I look around the woods for a companion to share
my lust with but sadly, I'm alone. There are needing men like Left-hand Bow,
Shakes-like-the-ground and Moss-stone-walker who'd gladly take my body. I could
find where the Moss-bowl men are encamped. See if any of those three men are
awake. I stalk within the tree line to avoid the lodges.

     It's very dark. Without the use of my eyes, I strain my ears for horses.
The Moss-bowl men would be sleeping over the ground near their mounts. My steps
are slow and silent towards them. I don't want to alarm a night sentry.

     Bushes scratch my legs. A stick breaks at my passage so I stand still a
moment to see if it's been heard. My body is shivering. I'm thinking of heading
back to the shaman's lodge instead of this foolish pursuit.

     A tree sapling bends under my thigh when I turn towards camp. It awakens
to ask me who I am. 'Willow Bird,' I Send. I fill my head with images of the
forest near my tribe and how I've been gifted with a oak mother's child. The
sapling acknowledges that he's from their clan. I'm given quick images: a bird
carrying a seed in its beak to eat but was dropped here. He'd taken root in
unfamiliar ground. These trees don't Sing together in praise of Father Sun's
Hand over their bows, to thank Mother Earth for nourishment or gossip about the
passage of four-legs. They're too sleepy.

     Pity fills me for this lonely spirit. To prevent this tree youth from
breaking, I step backwards until he's standing again. My hand reaches out to
straighten his supple body. He senses my own loneliness and Takes me somewhere.

     Sunlight fills the forest. An tall oak stands at my feet where a youth is
rubbing his butt against its rough bark. This isn't an image in my head. I can
see the slim brown boy but when my hand reaches out to him, it passes through
his nakedness like fog.

     The tree sapling urges me to invoke the acorn sleeping in my bundle. That
I'll come Ahead to this moment and be apart of it. I don't understand.

     How can there be daylight? I spin over my feet and see the forest that's
different from my passage through them. Behind me is a fallen pine. I don't
recall having to step over it a moment ago. My eyes return to the youth. He
wears his hair long in tied braids. His facial features are strange: a long
nose and his eyelids are squinted, turning downwards at the edge of his rounded
face. A breath is taken through his rosy lips.

     The youth's body is evenly tanned. My eyes roam down his flat chest, over
his navel button sticking out above a smooth groin. His pole stands erect. It's
brown like his sac of balls.

     At the boy's feet are strange garments: a long tan robe, wooden moccasins
and a round object of tightly woven grass. This youth is not from a People that
I've ever seen before.

     Again, I'm urged to come Ahead by the tree sapling. When I look for him,
darkness returns with my hand around his slim form. That tall oak standing in
sunlight and the boy are gone.

     My breath blows out of my mouth with regret. That youth was nice to look
upon. The sapling acknowledges my loneliness. He Shows me how that boy was
Calling out from his loneliness in a forest of silent spirits, hoping to awaken
someone by his singing. I ask to see him again.

     The sunlight returns. The naked youth stretches out his arms as if to
embrace me. He speaks but I can't hear him. At the sapling's urging, I reach up
for my bundle. My shivering body feels the warmth of day. The boy peers up at
me with wide eyes. When he speaks, I can hear his words.

     "Nah-ho-ma. Yhet mm-goo-ey?" he asks.

     The boy's high-pitched voice sounds like pleading. I don't understand his
words so my right hand clasps his shoulder to Connect us. He flinches.

     There's fear in this youth so I try soothing him. Emotion only since I
don't want to scare him further by Mind Speaking. Yet his thoughts are bared.
He thinks I'm a Wild One's spirit that his song has Called. His grandfather had
told him about these American People, similar to themselves in features and
sharing a love of the land. Not like the white devils who lord over them with
a whip in one hand and money offered in the other.

     The boy casts his eyes shyly to the ground. He blinks a few times but my
feet remain before him, proving that I'm not a daydream. I decide to Speak to
him. 'My name is Willow Bird. You Called to me in song and I came.'

     The boy's dark eyes peer up at me. There's wonder in them. He speaks
strange words with his mouth but I Hear them in my head and understand.

     'You are a Wild One?' the boy asks.

     My People have never been called that but from what this boy's grandfather
has described us, I reply that this is so. 'Why did you Call to me?'

     'To see you! Often, I'm searching the forest for the Wild Ones to see if
there are any left.'

     I Read more beyond the boy's words. He is lonely. In search of himself
that he's ashamed to ask his grandfather or the other men. I Reach into this
youth's head to See who he is and from what People he comes from. It's amazing.
They are not born of this land but come far across the water from a land they
call the Middle Kingdom. Great canoes brought them here to work. The White
People are building a path that a moving lodge puffing white breath runs over.
It is an enormous task. Many labor to cut down trees, form a dirt path and lay
down shaped wood that supports two shiny lines called tracks. Cities of the
White People are connected this way.

     'What is your name?' I ask.

     "Chung," the boy answers.

     He's spoken his family name. The name given him by his parents is 'bamboo'
which is a kind of swamp tree that I've never seen before. I Sense sadness in
this boy. His father is dead so only his grandfather, 'Chung elder' cares for
him. They are earning money to send back to the boy's mother and grandmother
who've remained in the Middle Kingdom.

     I Feel the boy wondering about my People, what they were like. I'm
startled that he thinks of us as being no more. I Show the boy images of my
tribe, our tipi dwellings, how we hunt and our beliefs. They don't match what
he's been told about the Wild Ones. My People are seen as savage warriors,
naked and lust filled. He was hoping to be taken by a Wild Man and ravaged.

     'My People are not like that!' I Send. 'You were given lies by the White
People who prove how much they hate and fear us.' The boy understands. He's
seen their cruel ways and heard the bad things said about his own People.

     'It was wrong of me to Call out to you,' thinks Chung. He looks down at
his nakedness with embarrassment.

     'No. I am attracted to your need and share your loneliness.' Chung stares
at me with fright. Yet there's longing in his eyes too.

     'How can we?' thinks Chung.

     I glean what he's asking but stand patiently before him until he can sort
through his conflicting thoughts. He longs to be held in my arms.

     'You are only in my head, Willow Bird. A ghostly images in my eyes.'

     Ah. He doesn't believe that I am really here. My hands fumble with the
knot in my thong belt and I release my breechclout flaps to the ground. The boy
stares at my hard cock. I slowly turn around, showing him every part of my
body. He touches my butt.

     I turn to face the wide-eyed boy. Chung realizes that I'm of flesh and
not here as a spirit. We can embrace our needs together. I twirl my fingers to
ask the boy to turn around. He looks deep into my eyes a moment before stepping
from the oak tree. I watch him turn around. He is long legged but slim in body.
A small flat butt. When he turns to face me, I reach for his slim shoulders and
grip them. 'I sense your longing for a man.'

     A clash of emotions come through our Connection. Chung is ashamed of his
sexual feelings but he can't deny them, hoping that a Wild One will take his
naked body so that he'll know. The boy is expecting to be raped. It's a twisted
desire in him to satisfy a man while getting hurt because of what he is inside,
that forbidden lust he feels while not considering it as an expression of love.

     'Let me show you,' I gently Send. There's fear in Chung so I try soothing
him with my feelings of love that I have for boys. The youth slowly relents. He
nods his head for me to approach.

     I take Chung into my arms. Our chests meet in warmth while below, my cock
sticks into his erection. The boy gasps. He's startled but filled with much
longing for my body. My hands reach around for his shoulder blades to tighten
our embrace. I press my forehead against his.

     'Do not be afraid. I have much love to give boys and that has helped guide
their steps on the path to follow.'

     'There are other boys like me?' Chung asks, surprised.

     I open myself to this youth with glimpses of having made love to boys:
Crying Loon, Song Bird, Wolf Running and Sky Runner. I Show him what's in my
heart for them. He's curious about how our bodies joined to express love. I
reveal our naked belly rubs, sucking on each other's dicks and the joy of
sticking into tight butts to fill them with my seed.

     'It is not brutal?' thinks Chung with awe.

     'No. Love is a pleasurable act for both who embrace it.' Relief fills the
boy who presses his face into my chest. I feel his small hands coming around my
back to hug me closer. My lips press against his left ear.

     I Sense the boy's desire to be shown love so my cock makes gentle thrusts
against his dick. He enjoys the sharp thrills. Me too. Our Connection shares
the pleasure our bodies are feeling and I open my heart to his, loving him.
Another spirit enters our embrace. It is Smiles A Lot. Tears come to my eyes
when I feel his strong love for me and for this lost youth.

     I kiss Chung's ear. He blows his breath against my chest, relishing my
hold of his body towards completion. I reach my left hand down to his little
butt. A gentle pulling over his cheeks to drive his erection against my cock.
Thrills are building in the youth. His dick hasn't felt this intense before
because he's not ever handled himself. That surprises me. I thought all boys
learned how to at a young age.

     I Show this youth how to pleasure himself when he's alone. Chung thinks
it's a bad act. He sometimes awakens from a thrilling dream with a wet pole. I
explain that his pent up lust has to be relieved and boys do it in hand. Often.
More enjoyable with a needing friend.

     Chung's hands pull over my back. The boy mashes his stiff dick against my
cock with his thrills becoming intense. I ask him to hold breaths. After a few
savage stabs, the boy cries out. I feel his liquid warmth to my groin. Pleasure
explodes in his head unlike anything he's ever felt before! I get to enjoy
sharing his sweet male thrills through our Connection.

     My loins aren't close to release. I'm surprised by that because Chung is a
nice boy to have in my arms. Perhaps feeling the Presence of Smiles A Lot has
kept me from fully loving this boy. I don't know.

     I hold the weary boy in my arms until he's recovered from love making. He
pants to my chest like a dog. What a fiery body! After giving his butt a fond
pat, I release him from my embrace. We stand apart. Looking at each other with
only our eyes after losing our Connection.

     Chung stares at the front of my body with embarrassment. He looks down at
his wet dick. I smile, gathering his clear release in my fingers and tasting
it. My nose fills with the smell of young cum. It's also very sweet in my
mouth. The boy's face burns.

     I reach down to my groin and cover my cock with the boy's essence. My hand
makes slippery pulls over my foreskin. The youth's eyes shine to watch my act.
I look over his slim body with longing. Ours was a sweet embrace but not
lasting long enough for me to fulfill myself. I stare at his flat butt.

     Chung notices my eyes on him. He turns around, backing onto my groin and
reaches for my hips. Is this boy offering himself to my need? I Sense this in
him. My cock urges me to stick him but I don't want this youth hurt. He has
never been with a man before.

     'You will be hurt,' I warn. The youth realizes this but he feels that
something must be given me in return, for having Called me. He reveals a
secret longing to have his butt taken.

     'Your body may only attract a man's lust,' I warn him.

     'That would be enough for me,' the boy answers. 'In return, I may be given
the man's heart!'

     I Sense this boy's longing to be loved. He proves that his spirit is like
a girl's for wanting to be taken.

     'Yes. I should have been born one.'

     I accept this in Chung. My arms wrap around the youth's slim frame, hands
locking over his chest. I lift the boy off his feet. My cock sticks into his
little butt. Fear returns to Chung that he'll be savagely raped by a Wild One.
I lower him back to the ground.

     The boy trembles in my arms so I loosen them from his body. He turns to me
shyly. My face turns plain. I'm hiding my passion that would frighten him. The
boy looks down at my hard cock. I step closer to him so that he can touch it.
He grasps my hard shaft. A few pulls are given to my foreskin then the youth
reaches down to cup my balls. He's envious of my hairy groin.

     I grasp the boy's pole. It's still somewhat erect and with pulling back
his foreskin, I get his knob to pop out. My hand lowers to his small sac of
balls. He's holding mine. We both know that's where our seed comes from. I peer
into the boy's eyes and reveal my longing for him.

     The boy flinches under my gaze. He reminds me of a hungry bird who can't
decide if he should stay on the ground to hunt for worms or fly away. I assert
my will in this youth. His fears are cast aside when I fill him with sexual
desire and strengthen his curiosity to an act that will join our bodies. He's
fantasized about giving himself to a Wild One. I want to make that happen.

     Chung blows out a tense breath. He peers into my face for a moment then
turns to face the oak tree. He grasps its trunk, feet planted amongst its roots
when he sticks his butt out.

     I step behind the boy. My hands go to his back in a massage. I'll go
slowly with him.

     I grip the youth's shoulders. My lips find his left ear and nibbles over
it. The boy responds to my loving, no longer trembling. I roam lower with my
kisses over his back. His sweat is tasted in my mouth. My hands work his tight
muscles to get him to relax.

     An childhood memory fills the boy's head. He remembers spying on his
parents making love. It was very gentle. His father took time with kisses and
caressing his mother in the early morning light. He couldn't see their bodies
beneath the blanket. Their clothes were in a pile on the bed.

     Chung is glad that I'm also being gentle with him. 'Yes. That is how to
make love,' I assure him.

     'But we're both boys.'

     I Sense the clash of emotions in this youth. He is very wanting but still
denies his spirit. 'Do not question everything with only your head,' I explain.
'How does your body feel?' Chang relishes my hands over him and my sweet kisses.

     'It would be easier if I were a girl.'

     'I am glad that you aren't. My spirit longs for boys, to teach them how to
accept love and express it. You are a girl from the rear part of your body. In
front, you are male so think of yourself as two spirited.'

     Chung accepts my explanation. He looks down at his dick and remembers how
good it felt in our embrace. His butt can also give him pleasure. I drop to my
knees and fondle his brown cheeks. The boy shivers with delight. I plant kisses
over his flat butt, my tongue darting into the crack of it for his hole. He has
a very tight one. My hands gently pull his cheeks apart so that I can tongue
deeper, putting spit in him. The boy gasps. He's thrilled by having me eating
out his butt.

     With a strong grip over Chung's hips, I get him kneeling over the ground.
He grasps the tree roots. Head forward with his hair rising over his curved
back. He awaits to be taken by a Wild One.

     A flurry of images go through the boy's head. He's imagined what it would
be like to be ravaged by a man. After being chased in the woods, his body bared,
the Wild Man would lay over his back to stick in his butt. His painful cries
joining the man's hoarse groans of pleasure. A wet ending. Chung would capture
more than sperm but the Wild One's heart.

     I'm surprised by the boy's fantasy. Does he expect a brutal fuck from me?
I pull the boy's legs apart. My knees press under him, getting my cock aimed
into his open butt. My knob is oozing. Chung trembles under my hands so I
massage his back to calm him. From our Connection, I Sense his readiness for
the pain but too, he's eager to be mounted like a girl. The boy is curious to
know what that will feel like.

     I fondle the youth's flat butt. He sighs longingly, enjoying the feel of
my hands around that very sensitive part of his body. I'm Shown memories of
the boy touching his butt for the exciting thrills it gave him. He wouldn't
handle his dick but the rear part of his body was often fondled.

     I take my hard cock in hand and direct it through the boy's cheeks. My
knob presses against the warm moist place within. 'Relax your hole and it won't
hurt as much,' I explain. My hands pull his cheeks apart some more. I stick in.

     The youth feels pain. I raise my hands to massage his back. He's quivering
like a deer that my spear has struck. I'm a long time getting his body to relax.

     The boy feels a tightness from his nipples. I reach around for his breast
and gently palm them. The boy is surprised by how sensitive he can feel there.
I hear him take in a sharp breath. He's brought his butt down on my cock. More
of it fills his tight asshole.

     Chung is feeling much pain. I Reach into his head and block most of it,
bringing forth a memory of having my butt stuck by Crying Loon; how good that
felt. I feel this youth relaxing in my arms. He surrenders to getting fucked.

     I'm feeling sharp urges from my cock. A careful stab is given the boy.
What a tight asshole! I pull back and stick him again with much lust. He Shares
in my excitement and tries ignoring his hurt butt.

     I raise my hands to the boy's under arms, lifting his body so that I can
spread my knees around his little butt. My cock slips all the way in. Chung
feels the discomfort from having his hole filled but he's also thrilled that
we've managed to fit our male bodies together. My hands return to his chest. I
hug this sweet youth tightly. All the love that I'm feeling is offered this boy
who craves to have it.

     My joy is heightened by the Presence of Smiles A Lot. He wants me to enjoy
physical love with a boy because he cannot offer it to me. Our hearts open to
fill this youth. It is very beautiful!

     I bury my face in Chung's neck. My kisses are tickling him there but he
likes feeling them. I breathe in the boy's lime smelling skin. That enflames me
to make another stab into his butt. He gasps from the thrilling pain/tickle.

     My cock stabs some more. I'm trying to be gentle but I really want to fuck
this boy's ass, Sharing my male thrills with him that's echoed by his desire to
satisfy me. His spirit reminds me of Sky Runner.

     Chung's head fills with questions about that Painted Tribe youth. I Show
him how Sky Runner is a special boy. His male loins will remain immature but
that doesn't deny him the pleasure of having sex with a man sticking in his
butt. I explain that Sky Runner and him are not female. I've enjoyed getting
fucked but my spirit is male. There's nothing wrong with desiring those of your
sex and expressing it with pleasurable acts. We are Mahyee-na.

     I use this boy's willing body with the joy of being a man. Chung feels
something intense inside his butt. My deeper thrusts are hitting his squaw spot
that makes his dick surge. I lower my left hand and find that he's erected. My
fingers clench his silky foreskin, pulling it back and forth. That thrills him.
I find the boy's hand and get him to handle his dick. My hand covers his,
setting the exciting rhythm of beating off. His earlier disgust with touching
himself there gives way to acceptance. Especially when I Show him all the boys
who've handled their erections in front of me.

     When Chung gets the beat of it, I slip both hands around his hips and
resume fucking him. Our Connection lets me Feel it slipping through his hole,
deeply, making the boy feel intense as if it were a pain. My thoughts shape
that sensation to one of intense thrills. He gets to like being stabbed. It
enhances the pleasure from handling his dick.

     My toes are digging into the ground when I stab into Chung. He's sitting
over my groin, legs surging against mine during our mating. I reach up along
his chest to grip his shoulders. That lets me pull his small body down onto my
cock when I stab. My eyes are often looking down at his flat butt. I watch my
cock impaling it again and again with my groin hair crunching against his
cheeks. I'm holding breaths to get my loins to explode.

     Chung feels my cock getting very stiff in him. My stabs pain his butt. He
concentrates on pulling over his erection. All that he's imagined about a Wild
Man ravaging his body is coming true. I plow his little ass. My breaths come
out my mouth as hoarse groans. He whimpers in his high-pitched voice, enduring
his rape and wanting it. After holding a big breath, the boy feels his dick
getting intense and he releases a joyous outcry. My cock gets squeezed. I groan
out like a bear when shooting into the boy's butt. He Shares in my male fury at
seeding him and squirts some more from his dick.

     We reach that thrilling height of pleasure as eagles. Our bodies connected
and in spirit with utter joy! before starting to fall back to the earth. Our
intertwining thoughts separate. I pull myself from Chung to lessen the risk of
losing ourselves to each other.

     Breaths rush through my mouth. I hear the boy straining for breath so I
drop my hands from his shoulders. I'm fingering his wet dick. I also have a wet
dick buried in his butt. It was very thrilling to climax together.

     Chung recovers enough to direct his thoughts at me. He never imagined that
love could feel so intense. A concern comes to him about what I've done in him.
'No. You are a boy so my seed in your butt won't give you a baby.'

     'I came out again.'

     'My cock felt good in you, yes?' I'm given the boy's sense of completion
for having satisfied me. He is a boy who wants to express himself from the rear
part of his body. The front of him just happens to be male.

     We rest together. I reach down for Chung's dick. He's slightly erected and
my fingers play over his silky foreskin. He enjoys the sensation. I feel the
tightness of his asshole around my cock. His butt has been flooded with my cum.

     'Do you love me?' the boy thinks.

     'Yes. You've captured my heart but soon, I must go Back to where I'm from.'

     Chung feels a twinge of sadness. He wonders how he'll be able to find
another man who'll accept his spirit. He's scared of shaming his grandfather so
he won't risk being with a Chinese man. White men are too mean. They'll likely
beat him if they knew what he was or rape his butt without returning love. He
doesn't know what signs to look for in another that he could be with.

     I open myself to this youth to Show how I've found those who are Mahyee-na.
The signs in such men and boys: how their eyes look you over, their longing
spirits that can be heard in what they say and how they act when you're alone
with them. Chung thinks it a difficult task.

     'The foundation of love begins with friendship and trust. You're not
experienced with finding love with men so look to boys. They're easier to bond
with and are willing to share male relief with little risk of revealing your
spirit. Are there any boys in the work camp whom you like?'

     Chung's thoughts focus on a particular youth. He's the son of a White boss
who's shown kindness by offering him a drink of water, knee wrestling and
offering him and his grandfather blankets when the nights are cold. Chung
marvels at the boy's sun-colored hair, freckles on his face, blue eyes and the
fine hair on his arms. They don't know words to speak to each other though.

     'That White youth has offered you friendship. You can reach him without
words by returning his acts of kindness. Play more games with him. Use your
eyes and hand gestures to reach his heart.'

     Chung considers pursuing that White youth but he wants to see me again.
'That oak tree you stood against heard you Calling out with your loneliness. He
helped me come Ahead. No other tree will hearken to you.'

     Anguish fills the boy. 'I won't be able to return here tomorrow. The work
gang moves on after laying down track.'

     'I will also be heading back to my tribe in the morning. Where I come
from, it is night time and that oak is but a sapling.'

     'You aren't from the spirit world?' asks Chung.

     'No. I am from the living.' The boy is saddened but comes to accept that
we won't meet again. He releases a long sigh, yawning with his inward breath.
I Reach into his head to strengthen his desire for sleep. His thoughts fade.
We're still Connected so I Reach into his head for memories. They come to me in
no particular order and I don't want to delve too deep and risk waking him.

     This is what I See. Chung has been working long days beside his
grandfather, poking the dirt with long sticks to clear away brush and rocks.
They make the ground level in a raised path. Stronger men (some whose bodies
are black like the dirt!) set down long wooden blocks where lengths of metal
sticks are joined over. This man-made path is endless behind them while
continuing ahead through forests, plains, over rivers and even through
mountains. Huge iron lodges run along this path with People in them.

     I'm startled by another of the boy's memories. The White People are at war
with themselves. Life is easily taken by pointing a stick at an enemy that
claps like thunder. There isn't land enough where Father Sun rises so they are
spreading into Wild Ones' land. Taking without asking. Pointing thunder sticks
to shoot them all dead.

     I'm reminded that's how Hawk's Eye was injured. That Shew-owa scout had
shot him with a black stick. An evil White Man's crafting! How can the People
stand against such a deadly weapon? Our warriors' bows, spears and blades are
like child's toys compared to their horrible might!

     Chung stirs in my arms. I pull over his braided hair in a tease. The boy
giggles, grasping my knees so that he can buck over my groin. My limp cock
comes out of his butt. I pull on his hips to get us standing. The youth turns
to me with shining eyes.

     I run my hands down both sides of the boy's body until I'm clutching his
dick and wet butt. 'You understand now what you are?'

     The youth nods shyly.

     I Sense that he does. He is ready to seek for love as Mahyee-na. I press
my face against the boy's hip and kiss him there. He turns to me. Love pouring
out of his heart for what I've given him. I offer the boy one last embrace.

     'I will always remember you, Willow Bird.'

     My hands tighten around his back. 'You will always be in my heart, too.'
We separate. I look the boy over to remember his face, his slim brown body and
his little butt that has taken my lust. Chung turns sideways to me. With a grin,
he reaches back to grasp his flat behind. I nod with understanding.

     It's time that I go Back. My breechclout is fetched from the ground and
with a wave of farewell, I step into the tall oak tree. Night returns. My body
feels chilled. The sapling is felt against my side, acknowledging my Return.

     A sense of wonder comes to me. The ability within this tree child! His
was the gift while power from my acorn let me come Ahead. I clutch the bundle
hanging down from my neck. He's been drained. So have my balls!

     I run my hands down both sides of my body and clutch my wet cock and butt.
I'll always remember what I have shared with Chung.

     After covering myself, I find my way back to the lodges. It's very quiet.
There are no fires burning and I've not caught sight of a night sentry. I try
finding my way back to the warmth of the shaman's lodge.

     I stretch my arms with a grin. I'm feeling my male relief from being with
that boy, glad that we've met for I've set him on the right path. He's Shown me
many things to ponder over. I'm concerned about the White men soon to come into
our lands to take it for their own.

     A low moan catches my ear. I freeze in my tracks, straining to hear where
it came from. Only my rapid heartbeat is heard. I start walking again slowly.
My left foot strikes against something warm. A pained grunt comes from the
ground where a man lies. Wild thoughts fill my head. Has this tribe been
attacked while I was sleeping! Have the People fled? I dismiss these thoughts
as being unworthy.

     I kneel down to the man my foot had struck. He appears to be sitting, his
arms turned behind him to a pole stuck in the ground. I feel the binding to his
hands around it.

     My hands jerk away. This must be that Shew-owa scout that Climbs-the-tree
and his men had captured. My heart rises to my throat. I'm reminded of finding
Smiles A Lot bound to a totem, tortured by the Split Tribe and how I was unable
to save him from death.

     A surge of anger replaces my fear. I feel my hands shaking so I clench my
fingers tightly into a ball. My breath trembles. After I've managed to calm
myself, I kneel before the captured scout to check on his condition.

     There's a pulse felt at his neck. It's not strong. I feel the stickiness
of his blood against my fingers when they run down his body in search of
wounds. Pity rises in me for this man. I know that he'll likely suffer my
lover's fate but he deserves it. He shot Hawk's Eye with a strange black stick
of loud noise. That brave would have died if I hadn't Healed him.

     I take a quick look around. Why is there no guard on this enemy scout? I
check on his wrist bindings again and am assured that he can't escape.

     The man's pain is Sensed from my touch. I lay over my side near him, close
my eyes and concentrate on Reaching out. The scout's mind is in a fog. He's
nearly unconscious and I know why. There are many wounds to his body that are
spilling his life's blood to the ground. I doubt he'll last until morning.

     Tears sting my eyes. I'm reminded of Smiles A Lot; what he suffered at the
hands of the Split Tribe and anger rises in my breast. I have to remind myself
that this man isn't my lover. He's not even from the same tribe. The Shew-owa
are akin to the Spear-bearing People and they've joined together to make war on
my People. I should want this man dead! Strangely, a part of me wishes that it
were not so.

     I am sickened by suffering and death. The circle of hatred is a strong one
and without ending. It has claimed so many lives. I have been made aware of the
Darkness-that-comes and how through His Tricksters, evil is sown in men's
hearts to do His bidding. They don't realize how their hate has been used
against them. The Light from our Father has opened my eyes to this truth. The
killing must end.

     My head hangs with despair. Even with all my gifts, how can I hope to stop
them? I'm only one calm voice admits many that shout for blood. Kill! KILL!
They won't listen to a mere boy asking them not to.

     The man's moan of pain attracts my attention. I shake my head of troubling
thoughts and consider his plight. He's been badly tortured. I think he's dying.

     I'm filled with many questions about this man. Why was he scouting this
deep in the forest? My People are encamped on the river across from the Split
Tribe. Are enemy warriors planning to attack all the Woods Tribes? I need to
find out. My mind Reaches out for his memories.

     An image comes into my head. This man was running through the woods when
he was captured. I concentrate on our Connection so that I can See more. It's a
struggle. Not because he prevents me from reading his thoughts. He's been too
weakened from blood loss to form coherent images. There's also much despair in
him, a surrendering to his fate of nearing death. He has suffered terribly. I
Sense his broken legs and right arm, the cruel cuts over his body and a deep
gash to his stomach. That one in particular is a mortal wound.

     I pull my hands away, folding them against my chest. This enemy scout
could provide me with answers I need to know. Has war broken out? Was he
running from battle or simply scouting out tribes for his warriors to attack?
He's been harshly questioned by Climbs-the-tree's men. I doubt they learned
anything from him. Why should he talk when a quicker death would be his only
reward? I'm reluctant to use my Father's gift to steal his thoughts. It
wouldn't be right to do so.

     Anger fills me for holding back. I think that I'm allowing my judgment to
be clouded by what happened to Smiles A Lot. He too was an enemy scout who was
tortured. This situation differs from my lover's. Yet I'm reluctant to act as
the Split Tribe did. That would make me as bad as them.

     I'm startled from my thoughts by violent coughing. The man gasps for
breath. It's terrible to hear his suffering and I know that his ending is at
hand. A decision comes to me. I don't question the wisdom of what I'm about to
do but it feels right, honoring who I am as Willow Bird.

     I reach out for the man's shoulders. They are slippery with blood, warm
and I feel him trembling. He coughs again. I close my eyes and center myself by
concentrating on my heartbeats. I've made the decision to save this man's life.
He doesn't deserve it but in return, I'll get the answers I need to know.

     I may not even be able to save him. He's been badly tortured and has lost
a lot of blood. I'll make the attempt but not risk my life as I'd done when
saving Hawk's Eye from death.

     No. It is wrong of me to make a half-hearted attempt. I will Heal him or
not. I must prove myself worthy of our Father's gift. We are all His children.
It is wrong to kill when there's no need. The excuses often spoken: 'He is the
enemy' and 'Kill them before they kill us' tastes bitter in my mouth.

     A powerful sensation lifts my spirit. My head bursts with sunlight! It's
hard to describe but if you could feel our Father's loving smile and approval,
that's what it would be like. I've been given a brief glimpse of what lies
Ahead. My decision to save this enemy scout has set my feet on the right path.

     My grip tightens around the man's shoulders. I'm rallying what strength I
have but in a moment of panic, I realize that it's not enough! The acorn inside
my bundle sleeps, lacking the power to restore me afterwards. I could end up
trading my life for his!

     Yet I don't hesitate. The Love of our Father strengthens me from what I've
been Shown. Thy Will be done. I center my being, prepare the flow of my life's
energy through my hands to the one who needs to be Healed.

     Another set of hands are lain over mine. I recognize the ghostly touch of
Smiles A Lot and my heart bursts to have his aid. My Reach into the wounded man
directs our efforts. Mine is the ability and his is control, to help me work
this difficult Healing.

     My inner Sight focuses on this man's injuries. His limbs have been broken
but most grievous is his stomach gash from which he's lost a lot of blood. I
sense the fading heartbeat. A last breath. There's a fluttering of Wings when
spirit is loosened from flesh. Oh, he is going to die! Just like Smiles A Lot!
Anger swells in me, casting away any concern for myself when I open my very
being to this man. The release of Power is frightening, violent, yet beautiful
like a thundering waterfall against the rocks.

     A brilliant flash of sunlight blinds my Inner eye. I feel a terrible
wrenching from my spirit. It is the Flight from bodily death! Mine? I gasp for
breath, relieved that I'm alive but the man in my arms has died. His wounds
were beyond my ability to Heal.

     Tears sting my eyes. My woe is replaced with disbelief and anger because
I thought this man was to live! I'd been given a glimpse of our Father's Great
Plan that included my Healing him for some good purpose. I try remembering what
it was but my head is stunned. I'm feeling a strange loss. There's a part of me
that's missing, like my hand or a foot. An emptiness fills my stomach.

     I'm reminded of the price to be paid for attempting this Healing. My hands
still tingle from the horrific release of energy. I prepare myself for my
moment of weakness that will overcome me but it doesn't happen. Why am I not
feeling drained?

     For a long while, I sit with the Shew-owa brave. My thoughts keep turning
back to my last moments with Smiles A Lot. Tears fill my eyes. I'm mourning the
loss of my lover and for this scout. The night reflects my dark mood.


     I awaken with a start. Morning has come and I'm not sure where I am. The
sky is filled with a faint glow through the trees. Wooden lodges surround me in
a clearing. My eyes fall upon the bloodied body of a man.

     He was a young Shew-owa scout. Slim of body and sun kissed, attractive if
not for the streaks of dried blood covering his chest, arms and legs. His head
hangs over his breast. I'm afraid to look upon his lifeless face because it
would remind me of Smiles A Lot.

     I'm filled with sadness. I gather the courage to grasp this brave's chin,
lifting his head so that I can see his face. The eyes open. I gasp for breath,
surprised that he still lives! We stare at each other uneasily. There's no
hatred in his eyes, only surprise that matches what I'm feeling.

     Dried blood covers the ground. It stains the man's breechclout and covers
his body but where are his open wounds? He drops his eyes to himself. His
stomach gash has healed. Both legs are straight and show no signs of injury.

     I must have Healed him. The man peers at me and opens his mouth to speak.
For a moment, I think he was about to utter my name but his lips squeeze tight.
He makes his face plain to hide all emotion.

     We stare at each other again. I get an eerie feeling by the way he looks
at me. What was he going to say? I doubt I'd been able to understand his words
anyway. My hands lift for gesturing.

     'I have saved you from death. Will you trade something of equal importance
to me in return?'

     The brave swallows in his throat and nods. I was expecting anger from him
or disbelief. He can't deny that his broken body has been made whole. Hope
fills me. 'When will warriors of the Spear-bearing Tribe and the Thundering
Horsemen attack the Muddy River People?'

     A distant look comes into the scout's eyes. Some kind of inner struggle.
His elbows lift as if preparing to answer but his hands are tied behind the
wooden pole. I crouch closer to his side. My fingers slip into the thong's
binding to loosen them from around his wrists.

     The enemy scout has been freed. I realize what I've done but strangely,
I'm not afraid. He slowly pulls his arms to the front of him, rubbing
circulation back into his hands. They lift for gesturing.

     'I will tell you. What you did last night has changed me. I am no longer
the man I was.'

     What does he mean? I can read nothing from his guarded face except that
something is being kept from me. Does he intend to spring past me and escape? I
lift my hands. 'Where are your warriors? When will they attack?'

     The scout nods. 'They will reach the muddy river in two or three days. I
was scouting out the best approach to your tribe from the forest. The Split
Muddy River Tribe will be attacked by the main force from the south.'

     I look for deception in this man but find none. Why is he telling me their
war plans? An idea comes to me to test him. 'What did you discover about the
woods around my tribe?" I remember sensing something dark in him last night
during our Connection.

     The brave's eyes take on a haunted look. 'A forest with angry eyes.'

     I feel the tiny hairs lift at the back of my neck. 'Tell me.'

     'The trees attacked. My horse was lost and I wandered for a few days until
being captured.'

     I become bold. 'If you were set free, what would you do?'

     'Warn my war leader not to attack! What good are tomahawks and arrows
against an angry forest?'

     Hope burns in my heart. 'Our Father has given us His sign that you are to
do this thing. That's why you were kept from dying. Will your warriors turn
aside from their plans if you warn them?'

     The scout reveals sadness. 'I do not think so. But I will try.'

     I'm struck by the strangeness of this situation. He's not acting as I'd
expect from an enemy. I put on a feigned grin and grip his shoulder to make a
Connection to our thoughts. This is what I learn. It is this man's intent to
escape but I feel fear in him for me. Something he doesn't want me to know. I'm
unable to Read what it is though.

     'I am going to stand up now and run into the woods. Don't try to stop me.'

     Again, I'm struck by this man's odd behavior. He's gestured his plea as if
waiting for my permission. I Sense no malice in him or anger. Only his fear for
me. When I try Reaching for his hidden thoughts, the man's fear deepens. He
rushes to his feet and turns for the woods.

     I follow the brave to the trees, undecided if he should be allowed to
escape. I'm unarmed but a shout from me would bring warriors to my aid. We
reach the forest. He turns to me with a strange look on his face.

     'Prepare your tribe for attack. I am against it but my voice is small next
to the angry warriors who shout for revenge. You have given me a new life.' The
brave drops his eyes a moment to his feet to consider something. 'Remember
these words:' "Ent, ah ee-em plah teh."

     I mouth the strange sounding words. There's an intensity in the man's eyes
that makes me shiver. He smiles, turns and runs through the trees until he's
lost from sight.

     I repeat the man's words again to remember them but they are Shew-owa.
Were they meant to mock me for allowing his escape? Then I recall his smile
before he ran. Not gloating; it was an expression of warmth that sends chills
down my spine.

     There's shouting. I turn from the trees and run back to the middle of camp.
A warrior confronts me with his tomahawk in hand. I'm quick to raise my hands
in a peace gesture.

     "I am Willow Bird from the Kalinlepi!" To my relief, the warrior lowers
his weapon.

     "Have you seen the enemy scout?" he asks.

     I glance at the wooden pole. It's covered in dried blood. My eyes fall
upon the thong binding I had released from that scout's wrists.

     "What's wrong?" shouts another warrior.

     "He's escaped!"

     Both men turn to me. I feign confusion and glance at the tree line in the
opposite direction from where the scout had ran. "I heard someone in the woods
when I was, ah, relieving myself."

     Three more men join us. One is a brave who is hastily covering himself
with a breechclout. The warriors avert their eyes. Sly grins.

     "This boy said he saw him in the woods. Which direction?"

     I cringe at being called a boy but answer him. "I heard a sound but don't
know if it was the enemy scout."

     "He couldn't have gone far, not as badly tortured as he was."

     The five men race towards the woods. I look around before kicking at the
dirt that would have revealed two sets of tracks heading in the opposite
direction. My eyes lift towards the early morning sky. 'Father! Have I done
right to let that man escape?'

     My eyes fall over the wooden pole. There's blood everywhere. I relive the
horror my Smiles A Lot had been made to suffer. Unlike my lost love, that enemy
brave has been given a new life. I hope that he'll fulfill his promise to me.

     I head to the lodges. The People have awakened with squaws peeking out
from their doors and men arming themselves for battle, rushing past me to the
center of camp. Shakes-like-the-ground comes to me. His men are hastily rolling
ground mats and seeing to their horses.

     "What's wrong?" the war leader asks.

     "That Shew-owa scout has escaped. We must ride in haste to my People!"

     Shakes-like-the-ground looks past me at the gathering of Woodland men. I
see his yearning to join them in hunting for that enemy brave. He's stopped by
my hand over his shoulder. 'My tribe is in danger,' I Think to him. 'Get your
men mounted so that we can ride to save them! They can hunt for that scout.'

     The war leader hesitates for a moment but he turns to me, nodding. I'm not
sure if it was my reasoning that had convinced him or bending his will to mine.
Shakes-like-the-ground commands his men to ride. I find my brown mare and mount
her. In the chaos, we depart unnoticed from this woodland tribe.

     I kick my horse to a position behind Shakes-like-the-ground. He's set a
cantering pace. The dirt path winds through the forest until it breaks out at
the river. We turn left, galloping down the path in a race to reach my People
in time.

     I cling to my horse's neck, as much for warmth as to hold on so I won't
fall off. The river is covered in fog. Ghostly fingers reach out to our path
and swirl at our passing. I glance back at the men riding behind me. Only three
can be seen because of the thick fog. It's an eerie sight.

     Shakes-like-the-ground drives his horse hard. I realize the reason for it;
we've lost a day of travel and he fears an attack on my People is soon to come.
The presence of that enemy scout proves it. I go over my encounter with him,
struck by the strangeness of it and I can't explain why I let him escape. Our
Father had Shown me a glimpse of what is to happen. But like a fading dream, I
can't recall any details and am left with only a strong feeling that what I'd
done was the right thing.

     I hear the thundering of hooves behind me. Our war party tears up the
river path in our haste to reach my tribe. We won't reach them until nightfall
if we can keep up this fast pace. Pride fills me. My People will see my return
to them with these Moss-bowl braves and warriors. Nearly three hands of fingers
of men! But will that be enough to stand against our enemies?

     I peer down my chest for my pouch. The sleeping acorn within assures me
that a forest of warriors stand ready to protect my tribe. That Shew-owa scout
had experienced their wrath. He goes to warn his warriors but even he doubts
they will believe his words about trees who can fight like men.

     What if they are armed with thunder sticks? Do the White men hope that we
do battle amongst ourselves so it will be easier for them to take our lands?
I've Seen their coming. Like a termite plague that cannot be stopped! Chung has
Shown me that in the place Ahead, we are no more but a memory: The Wild Ones.
Not even the truth of what we are as a People is remembered.

     My hands tighten around the mare's reins. I grit my teeth from the ache of
hard riding these past days. Pain shoots up through my legs into my butt. I'm
feeling an urgent need to piss. My stomach rumbles with hunger. Our haste in
leaving that Woods Tribe has left us unprepared for today's journey.

     Shakes-like-the-ground slows his horse and comes to a stop. I look around
for danger but find none. The warrior drops to the ground and faces the woods.
He slips his cock out from his breechclout. Ah. That man reveals his own need
to urinate so I eagerly join him. Many of the braves to my left are also
watering the ground. My guarded glances try getting a peek of their cocks but
they're tucked in each man's hand, pissing yellow streams. I hear sighs of
relief.

     The horses are tended to next. Water is given them in each man's cupped
hands and I offer my brown mare a drink from mine. Her whiskers tickle my
palms. When she's satisfied, I take a long drink from the spout. My water skin
is returned to her back.

     My empty stomach reminds me of my hunger so I open a sack filled with
smoked buffalo meat. There are two other sacks tied to the mare. An idea
comes to me. I gather two handfuls of jerky and run down the line of men to
feed them. Some smile at my offering. Drum-beater accepts a stick with a
guarded face; why does he hate me? I walk back down the line of men. Brave
Climbs-far asks for a second piece of meat and I gladly give it to him.

     When I pass Moss-stone-walker, he stops me with his hand over my shoulder.
His thoughts fill my head.

     'Can you hear me?'

     I peer into the brave's dark eyes and nod my head. For some reason, I'm
trying to guard my thoughts from him.

     'Our war leader doesn't know the reason why you ran from your tribe.'

     He knows! Moss-stone-walker points at his left temple.

     'My head has been aching from being filled with your memories,' the brave
Sends. 'I know everything about you, Willow Bird. Why you've come to our tribe
and how you must be feeling to be returning to your People.'

     I swallow nervously in my throat. 'They are in need of the Moss-bowl's
strength in arms. I'll be glad to return home with your tribesmen.' The man
peers deep into my eyes. He senses my inner turmoil.

     'Shakes-like-the-ground should be told,' the brave pleads.

     I slowly nod my head, tearing my eyes from his. Moss-stone-walker releases
my shoulder and I walk back to my horse with a heavy heart.

     At the war leader's signal, we mount up. I'm granted a reprieve from
having to speak with Shakes-like-the-ground. That brave is right; I should tell
him what's happened that caused my flight from my tribe. He already knows part
of the story: that my lover was killed and how Evil pursued me.

     We're galloping down the river path before I realize it, so deep was I in
thought. Shakes-like-the-ground will have to be told. I don't want his men to
be received by my tribe the wrong way, that I'm seeking revenge on Iron Bow and
Catch-fish-with-arrows with their help.

     My thoughts turn to my tribesmen's betrayal. It was because of them that
Smiles A Lot was killed by the Split Tribe. My hatred is mostly directed at
Catch-fish-with-arrows. It was he who attacked my lover outside the shaman's
lodge and dragged him to the river. Iron Bow permitted their crossing in a
canoe while quieting his men. That's why my chief nor Oaken Strength didn't
learn about what happened. I found out too late to save my lover.

     My head fills with thundering hooves. Their pounding echoes in my head as
if it were hollow, driving my troubling thoughts away. I'm feeling stunned.
Something is missing from me like a stolen precious belonging or a part of my
flesh that's been cut off. I don't feel whole.

     I concentrate on riding, clinging to my mare's long neck while following
behind Shakes-like-the-ground. I'm not looking forward to speaking with him.
The morning passes in a blur.


     Father Sun has risen to the height in His sky. The fog has since lifted
from the river and our winding path along it. Our horses are brought to a walk.
My mare snorts with relief. She trembles below me, her back slippery with sweat
against my butt. I wipe my brow to clear my eyes.

     Our war leader signals a halt. I'm unable to get my legs to swing off my
horse but with help from Shakes-like-the-ground, I manage to stand over the
ground. Shakily. My butt is in agony! I'm feeling very faint. I bury my face in
the mare's shaggy hide, clinging to her until my moment of weakness has passed.

     Shakes-like-the-ground grasps my chin. I open my mouth and accept a pinch
of herbs. He lifts a small flask. The fiery liquid burns my throat but I know
the strengthening effect it will have for my body.

     "We've traveled a good distance this morning," the warrior says. "I know
how it wears on you, Willow Bird, on all the men but we should reach your tribe
by this evening."

     I turn to the warrior and answer him. "Yes. That is good." After taking in
a deep breath, I push from my horse to stand fully on my feet. A wave of
dizziness makes me swoon. How my body aches from riding! When my eyes clear, I
see the braves tending to their horses. My water skin is fetched and I offer my
mare a drink from my hands. After she's satisfied, I quench my thirst. I'm too
unsettled from riding to eat a stick of jerky.

     The men are stretching stiff legs, checking on their horses or stepping
into the woods to relieve themselves. I catch Moss-stone-walker staring at me.
My shoulders slump as if from great weight so I turn from him to find Shakes-
like-the-ground. He's retying his breechclout. I walk over to him.

     The warrior turns to me and notices my troubled expression. I clear my
throat before speaking. "I am very grateful to you and your men for coming to
protect my tribe." The man only nods. "I need to tell you something that you
should know. Ah. The Kalinlepi didn't send me to your People to ask for their
help." A long pause. "I ran away from them."

     Shakes-like-the-ground looks past me to see if anyone has overheard my
words. Then his eyes glare at me.

     "Walk with me, Willow Bird."

     I follow the warrior down the river path. He studies the ground for signs,
often glancing back as if waiting for me to speak. I'm feeling reluctant to do
so. He walks a little further and stops before an old gnarled tree that's
leaning into the water. Its roots have been exposed. By next summer, this tree
will likely fall into the river.

     I feel the man's eyes on me. I keep mine on the slow flowing current while
considering what I should tell him. "They killed my lover..." My words trail
off while I try keeping tears from filling my eyes. That empty feeling returns.
I've lost my connection to Smiles A Lot's spirit.

     "Who did?" asks Shakes-like-the-ground.

     I turn to the warrior with anguish. The sight of his face swims from my
tears which I angrily wipe away. "My chief commanded that he was not to be
harmed!" I explain. "He was tending to our shaman who'd been struck on the head
by a Trickster, an evil Spear-bearing youth named Tash-o-gwa. I was learning
how to control my gifts from our Father because he's had training as a shaman.

     "His names was Smiles A Lot and... I loved him." My breath comes in gasps
while I try coming up with more words to say. "He comes from the Spear-bearing
Tribe but like the shaman who trained him, he was for peace. The Split Tribe
caught him and tortured him as an enemy scout. He pleaded to be taken to me. My
spirit had loosened from my body and he helped bring me back. He tended to our
shaman's head wound and helped teach me to control my gift of Healing. That's
how I was able to Heal Hands Weaving, an old woman whose heart was failing. And
we Healed Rain Dancer's foot she'd broken from falling out of a tree.

     "Afterwards, he went outside to relieve himself and didn't come back. I
didn't learn until morning that brave Catch-fish-with-arrows had knocked him
out and took him across the river to the Split Tribe. Warrior Iron Bow let him
pass through his line of men guarding the bank. When I learned what happened,
I ran to save him. My lover was tied to a pole and struck with stones and sharp
sticks. I was there when he died... In my arms! The Split Tribe murdered him.
Men of my tribe also wanted this too. That's why I struck Iron Bow for what
he'd done!"

     "Did you kill him?" asks Shakes-like-the-ground.

     "No. My arms were restrained though that warrior was eager to fight me. I
struggled free but I ran. My heart was in great pain. My horse bore me along
the river path while Evil pursued me, trying to make me His Trickster. I lost
my horse in the plains and the next morning you found me."

     My chest heaves with sobs but I don't allow them to escape from my mouth.
I'm feeling very wretched. My throat hurts from speaking. Two strong hands come
to my shoulders and I Sense the man's thoughts. He's trying to sort through my
flurry of words with what Deep-roots-that-whisper had told him but he doesn't
really understand.

     I Send him my thoughts: my strong feelings of love for Smiles A Lot. I
Show him why he'd come to the Kalinlepi to train me, how he tended to our
injured shaman and was teaching me how to control my gifts. The few days we had
together are also revealed. Nothing is held back. This man Sees our growing
love, shared with a boy and a man from the Wandering Band named Thump. My
council with Chief He-who-walks-beyond-all-others where I gained his acceptance
for what I am. Then I Show how my lover was murdered at the hands of the Split
Tribe. The horror of it and what I felt at his ending...

     Shakes-like-the-ground violently pushes me away. His eyes are wild looking
and he gasps for breath. My heart is pounding. What I've Shown this man feels
like it has just happened. Oh, my Smiles A Lot! You are gone!

     "Do not blame Willow Bird," asks Moss-stone-walker.

     I wipe my face of tears and turn to the brave. I see worry on his face.

     "Blame Willow Bird?" rasps Shakes-like-the-ground. "No! I blame those who
have acted badly from the Kalinlepi. I would have killed Iron Bow and Catch-
fish-with-arrows for what they've done."

     The warrior stares at me with understanding coming into his eyes. He's
about to reach out to grasp my shoulder but stops himself, afraid to be
Connected to me and See the horrors I have witnessed.

     Shakes-like-the-ground wipes his face. He looks past us, at his men
standing by their horses waiting for the journey to continue. The warrior stalks
past me. He is nearly running to his horse when he signals that we are to ride.

     Moss-stone-walker runs at my side. I give him a quick glance and see his
face is plain of emotion. Though I'm not touching him, I Feel his anguish for
me and that he fears what our war leader may do when he reaches my tribe.

     I quickly mount up. Shakes-like-the-ground kicks his horse to a gallop and
we fly down the river path. I'm flushed with excitement to be returning home
but too, I am feeling afraid. It wasn't my intent to bring these Moss-bowl
tribesmen to help avenge my lover's death.

     During our long ride, I think ahead to what will happen when we reach my
tribe. Shakes-like-the-ground must be prevented from acting against those two
men. He is a war leader of the Moss-bowl and sent by his chief to aid the
Kalinlepi in the coming war. Nothing more. Smiles A Lot was my lover. It is my
place to act for his murder but all the hatred I've felt has gushed out of me
like a broken water skin.

     I worry about my People. Have they been attacked by our enemies? Oh,
please let that not have happened! I fear for my mother and those whom I love:
Song Bird, Running Wolf, Crying Loon and Second Bird. My brother must be told
that I've forgiven him.

     Hope fills me. I've brought these men from the Moss-bowl to protect my
tribe. The acorn in my pouch, when awakened, will rally the forest against our
enemies if it's not too late! I kick my horse. She surges forward and that
causes Shakes-like-the-ground's stallion to greater speed. My aching body is
forgotten. We must reach my tribe this night!


     Father Sun has fallen from His sky, behind the trees but not yet to rest
his sleepy Head. It will soon be twilight. Our path along the river has slowly
turned left. Shakes-like-the-ground pulls on his horse to a walk.

     My mare snorts. I hear the horses behind me snorting as well after our
long run. We've driven them nearly beyond endurance. I'm exhausted.

     A cool wind blows past me. My sweaty body doesn't feel chilled and that
seems strange. I lift my arm. There's no breeze felt against it but I hear the
leaves rustling in the trees.

     Someone cries out. I turn my head to see what's the matter. Down-the-cliff
points at the ground, at a tree root that's been exposed. The horses behind him
turn to avoid it.

     I get an eerie feeling that eyes are watching us. Shakes-like-the-ground
draws out his tomahawk. The men behind us also readying their weapons. I try
peering into the woods to see if there are enemy warriors about to ambush us.
It's twilight, the worst part of the evening to rely on eyesight.

     There's a swatting sound behind me that could be an arrow in flight! A man
cries out, falling to the ground. I'm expecting to hear a war cry that signals
battle from our enemies but it doesn't come. Leaves begin to rain down on us.
My eyes widen when I realize what's happening.

     "Get down from your horses!" I shout. "Keep hold of their reins and stay
in the middle of the path. Don't move." I dismount. My legs threaten to buckle
under me but the rush of excitement gets my blood flowing.

     "Why are you telling my men to do this?" asks Shakes-like-the-ground.

     I turn to the war leader. He's remained mounted along with some of the
braves who didn't hearken to my words. A tree branch swings at He-who-doesn't-
get-cold and swats him. The leaves falling on us become a violent storm.

     "It's the trees! They are attacking your men," I explain. "Get down from
your horses!" Shakes-like-the-ground grows wide in the eyes but he dismounts.
I hand him the reins to my horse.

     "I must try to appease them." The warrior doesn't seem to hear what I've
said so I turn from him, stepping into the woods where an aged oak tree stands.
I press my right palm against its trunk. My left hand is clasped around the
bundle hanging down from my neck. After swallowing to clear my throat, I burst
into song.

              "Oh trees of the forest, standing tall and proud.
               I offer up my praise to your greatness! Hear my song.

               Your tribe is vast and without count. Standing vigilant
               under Father Sun. I marvel at your mantle of green that
               catches the Light from above. May you grow strong!

               We honor your sacrifice of flesh: to warm us on cold
               nights and giving form to our dwellings, handles for
               our weapons and Voice to our carved totems.

               Without complaint you offer yourselves to our needs.
               We eat of your seed (acorns) and drink of your sweet
               blood (syrup). Your hands soften the ground where
               we sit.

               Hear my praise! We are all children of Wah-Conda, our
               Father who watches over us from Above. None is greater
               than the other. We know our places on Mother Earth.

               Oh trees of the forest, standing tall and proud.
               Hear my plea. Your child was given me in covenant to
               protect my tribe and I will protect yours. I am
               Willow Bird. I ask that your anger be cooled like
               a mountain stream. Let us pass."

     My voice trails off at the completion of my song. I've made up that last
stanza in my hope of appeasing these angry trees. My thoughts try to Connect
with this aged oak, to ask permission for passing through them unmolested.

     I Sense a response. Where there was great anger, calmness settles on the
forest. Tree leaves stop raining down on us. I've been recognized as the One
chosen by Grandmother Oak, the bearer of Her child. That acorn sleeping in my
pouch will take root in me, fulfilling my pledge to protect the Forest People
as they will protect mine.

     I step back onto the path, stunned. I see their plans for me. My
frightening Change to become one of them. That's the trade I must make so that
my tribe will be protected from our enemies.

     A hand comes to my shoulder. Shakes-like-the-ground turns me to him with
awe in his eyes.

     "The forest listens to you!"

     He doesn't realize what it will cost me. As a tree, will I remain as
Willow Bird?

     The war leader signals his men to walk forward. It has become calm in the
forest. No swinging branches, raining tree leaves or exposed roots to trip up
the horses. I pull on my mare's reins. She is eager to leave these haunted
woods behind.

     Twilight turns to night during our long walk. Shakes-like-the-ground has
put me in the forward position, ahead of his men to catch sight of sentries
from my tribe. But will they welcome me?

     I take another step forward and sense movement from my right. A few more
steps are taken. I turn to where I think a man hides behind a tree and loudly
announce: "I am Willow Bird from the Kalinlepi." A warrior steps out with his
bow in hand. An arrow has been made ready for flight.

     "You have returned?"

     My heart tightens with fear. It's Iron Bow! He notices the approaching
horsemen so I quickly tell him, "They are men from the Moss-bowl Tribe come to
protect us from our enemies."

     Shakes-like-the-ground joins us with his right hand raised in greeting.
Iron Bow lowers his bow. Are his hands shaking?

     "I am war leader Shakes-like-the-ground from the Moss-bowl Tribe."

     "I am Iron Bow."

     Fear clutches my heart for what Shakes-like-the-ground may do but he
reveals no anger on his face for this man.

     "My chief has sent these men to protect your tribe," says the war leader
in stiff formality. He adds, "At Willow Bird's request."

     "We welcome a visit from the Moss-bowl Tribe," Iron Bow answers. He looks
past the warrior to make a count of his men.

     "I ask that you run ahead and announce this," asks Shakes-like-the-ground.

     Iron Bow stares at me a moment before disappearing into the woods. I feel
a hand over my shoulder and turn to Shakes-like-the-ground. "I am relieved that
my tribe has not been attacked." With my thoughts, I Send: 'Please do nothing!
Let me confer with my chief to see what punishment has befallen that warrior
and Catch-fish-with-arrows.'

     Shakes-like-the-ground grunts. He turns from me to speak with his men
while I stand holding the reins to my horse.

     I am eager to return to my tribe. I want to see Crying Loon, Song Bird and
know if my shaman has recovered from his head wound. It would be good to sleep
in my mother's tipi tonight!

     At the war leader's signal, I pull my horse into the forest towards camp.
He leads his men behind me. My eyes make out glows in the distance. Campfires
beyond the trees. It's unusual for my People to set them in the night.

     I break out into a clearing. Someone shouts a warning that becomes a loud
chorus of greeting for the Moss-bowl men. People walk towards me with torches
in their hands. I hear Shakes-like-the-ground answering their welcome; I'm
mostly ignored.

     "Willow Bird!" a woman shouts.

     My heart bursts to see my mother rushing to me. I drop the reins to my
horse and embrace her. Tears fill my eyes. In this moment, I realize that I've
come home.

     I loosen my arms from Warm Hands. She slowly pulls away but takes hold of
my right arm. All the weariness from riding catches up to me and I swoon,
nearly falling if not for my mother clutching me.

     "Come to my tipi and rest, Willow Bird."

     I follow Warm Hands through camp admits the joyous greetings, faces of
People revealed by campfires (some who greet me) and past the glowing tipis of
my tribe. It all becomes a blur. I don't remember falling to my ground mat.
Sleep has taken me.


     It is early morning when my eyes open. When I sit up, my arms and legs
feel stiff. The long days of riding have ended. My tribe is safe! I turn to
where my mother sleeps over her mat. My heart lifts to see her. I look around
the tipi of my boyhood, noting its small size and shabby condition. My father
would be shamed to see it. I hang my head.

     I silently get to my feet and slip through the door. No one is about. I'm
feeling my need to relieve myself so I head towards the woods.

     Slim pines are passed until I find an appropriate place to piss. My wet
spot on the ground steams in the cool morning air. I reach up for my bundle.
The acorn is pinched, perhaps too tightly when recalling this forest's plans to
make me one of them. I fear that Change! Why did they choose me?

     I look towards camp but feel reluctant to return there. This will be a
trying day, I realize. My chief will want to speak with me. Will he accept my
return, praise me for bringing those Moss-bowl men to protect us? What has he
done to punish Iron Bow and Catch-fish-with-arrows?

     I'm walking past the trees, deep in thought. There's an emptiness in me
from something I have lost. Not the gifts from our Father. I feel a change from
Sharing with Moss-stone-walker; a man's confidence that has since guided my
steps. I can draw on his experiences. They'll be needed when I face my chief in
council this day.

     No. Something important is lacking in me. A Presence, that guiding voice.
I know that Smiles A Lot only reveals himself when I'm working a Healing. His
love will always remain in me along with his spirit. Am I missing Ring Boy?

     I stop. The slim pines are gone to be replaced by gnarled oaks, hickory
and thick undergrowth. I'm not sure of the direction of camp. A man's voice
startles me.

     "I have heard that you returned, Willow Bird."

     I spin over my feet to face Catch-fish-with-arrows. He's armed with a
spear, bow and a tomahawk tucked in his thong belt. A small shield is worn over
is left arm. He's sought me out to kill me! I face the armed brave with alarm.
Which way is camp if I need to flee him?

     Catch-fish-with-arrows props his spear up against a tree. He pulls his
quiver from his back and sets it down on the ground with his bow and shield.
His tomahawk is pulled from his belt. He drops it to the dirt with a grim
smile. I glare at the brave to read his face. That's when I note the red and
black lines drawn across his cheeks. A shiver goes down my spine. They indicate
this man's intent to face our enemies without retreat. He'll be the first one
killed in battle!

     "Yes. You see my face, Willow Bird. May it frighten Spear-bearing warriors
who dare attack our tribe! How many will I kill before I fall?"

     I try swallowing in my dry throat. Catch-fish-with-arrows has chosen this
grave responsibility to face our enemies thus. Did our chief suggest this to
the brave so that he'll avoid a greater punishment?

     "I avoided banishment," the brave explains.

     He's read my thoughts! I glance at the weapons Catch-fish-with-arrows has
cast away. Why did he do that?

     "Lost your voice, eh Willow Bird?"

     "It's honorable to serve our People in this way." The brave nods in reply.

     "That has always been my intent, to serve our People. That enemy scout you
loved threatened the peace between us and the Split Tribe."

     "I know that you hated him."

     "He came from the tribe of our enemies! The Split Tribe had the right to
take his life and your interference angered them. That's why I had to take him
back across the river."

     "He was tending to our shaman."

     "And he was tending to your needs in the night!"

     I'm stung by the man's words. I look for anger in me but don't find it.
I'm feeling sad for losing Smiles A Lot and pity for this young brave. Words
spill out of my mouth. I'm not sure where they come from. "You thought you were
acting for the good of our People. You and Iron Bow. Your ignorance and fear
blinded you to the truth. He was my lover, yes! but he was a peaceful man who
tended to our shaman's wounds, to teach me how to use my gifts - all for the
good of our tribe." I step to the brave and reach out for his right shoulder.
"I forgive you."

     The brave shows anger in his face, flinging my hand away.

     "I don't need that from you! Defend yourself, Willow Bird."

     Catch-fish-with-arrows stretches out his arms in a wrestling stance. He
springs at me! I barely manage to deflect his attack. He comes at me again! A
blow lands on my chest, causing me to spin around and his left foot strikes to
trip me to the ground. I roll away before the brave can fall over me. He
springs up and waits for me to get to my feet.

     "You'd be dead if I were a Spear-bearing warrior."

     I rub my hurting chest. Breaths blow out of my mouth but before I can
recover, the brave attacks again. Our hands lock. There's a crazed look in his
eyes when our feet struggle over the ground. A trick comes to me. Something
from Moss-stone-walker's memories. I feint to my right but throw my weight the
other way to unbalance him. Catch-fish-with-arrows falls on his butt. I stand
over him with much anger. The brave laughs.

     "That was clever of you, Willow Bird."

     "I don't want to fight!" I shout.

     "Is that what we're doing?" the brave asks in a sweet voice. "I only
wanted to wrestle with you."

     I glare down at Catch-fish-with-arrows. When he lifts his right hand, I
slowly reach down for it. "No trick?"

     The brave laughs. "No."

     The brave's hand grips mine and I pull him to his feet. He turns to fetch
his weapons. A cramp pains my left leg so I try stretching it out.

     "You've ridden hard to bring those Moss-bowl men to our tribe."

     I nod my head in reply. My whole body aches after long days of riding.

     "Your monedo would have been proud of you."

     I'm surprised by Catch-fish-with-arrow's words. I study his face for
signs of contempt or malice but find none. Why does he offer me praise?

     "Did you know that we were blood brothers?"

     I nod, suspecting that Big Horn had performed that rite with him. Their
relationship was never discussed but I recalled how my monedo's eyes glowed
whenever this brave's name came up in conversation.

     "He asked a favor from me," says Catch-fish-with-arrows with a distance
look in his eyes.

     I keep my mouth shut and hope the brave will tell me.

     "It was when he was staying across the river with that Spear-bearing
warrior. The one with the five head feathers."

     He's speaking of Coyote Thief but cannot utter the name of the dead out
loud because it's taboo.

     "Your monedo asked me to look after you. To offer comfort when you were
sad at his long absences while he was learning our enemy's warrior ways from
that man."

     I find my voice. "I was missing him last summer. He was often away from
camp to be with Coyote... that warrior. You never came to me."

     Catch-fish-with-arrows frowns. "I was a newly named brave and eager to
fulfill my responsibilities as a man by hunting and standing guard over our
tribe. You didn't seem to need comforting."

     I see something in the brave's face. A dark emotion he's struggling with
so I reach out to grasp his arm. I Sense betrayal in him. Big Horn loved a man
from an enemy tribe. The same tribe of warriors who had hurt him during his
survival test on the plains before he was to be named a man that following
summer. My eyes widen with understanding. They had raped him!

     I pull my hand away. Catch-fish-with-arrows won't look at my eyes. He
shifts the tomahawk in his thong belt while trying to hide his embarrassment.

     "You didn't approve of my monedo's relationship with that enemy warrior."
Catch-fish-with-arrows glares at me. "That's why you hated my lover so much. I
reminded you of his betrayal."

     "What did he tell you!" the brave demands.

     I want to lower my eyes from his but cannot. In a low voice, "He didn't
tell me what you endured at the hands of our enemies. I see it in your actions.
That's why you took my lover across the river to be killed."

     "He would have betrayed you," explains Catch-fish-with-arrows. "Your
monedo was a man who should have known what he was doing by... loving that
Spear-bearing warrior. I saw this disgusting thing happening between you and
that enemy scout. I acted to protect you. All of us!"

     I sadly shake my head. Tears fill my eyes from losing Smiles A Lot and
without shame, I allow them to fall down my face. "You are wrong. Those two men
found love together and it strengthened my monedo's heart. He found his path in
life to be Mahyee-na. In turn, he set my feet on that path that joined with
Smiles A Lot. They may have come from an enemy tribe but their hearts were good!
Not like those lusting warriors who... used you."

     I hear the brave growl. Tears filling my eyes prevent me from seeing his
face. Is he very angry at me for revealing his shame and will act to strike me?

     "Oh, he swore to keep it a secret! Why did he tell you?"

     "Big Horn did not. Your burning face gave you away and I Read it from your
thoughts."

     "What are you talking about?" asks Catch-fish-with-arrows.

     I grab the brave's arm and Send my thoughts into his head. They are like
spear points, brutally sharp as truth can be when it's been denied. I Show
this man how much Big Horn loved Coyote Thief. That love turning to me after
that enemy warrior's death. It was our strength. Freeing our hearts for love
and in turn, I loved Smiles A Lot. The Mahyee-na society is more than to have
sex with men. We bear the responsibility to protect the People from Evil. Boys
who share our spirit have to be shown the way least they be turned by the
Darkness-that-comes into Tricksters like Tash-o-gwa. That evil Spear-bearing
youth has murdered. He struck our shaman and brought chaos to our tribe. Worse,
he has likely returned to his tribe to fan the flames of war with his lies so
that our People face being attacked by them.

     I hear the brave moan with pain. He cannot deny my thoughts that I've
shaped most cruelly. My spear of truth to strike him back for what he's done!
Catch-fish-with-arrows begs me to stop. I relent, staying my wrathful blows to
see if he'll repent.

     We've fallen to the ground together. My hand is tight around his arm to
keep our Connection. I Feel his suffering, the man's revelation of what he has
done and how he's acted out of ignorance. It is soothing to my aching spirit.
Yet it won't bring Smiles A Lot back to me.

     I pull my hand away. There are tears in Catch-fish-with-arrows' eyes and I
feel ashamed. Mind Speaking is a wondrous gift from our Father, not to be used
to hurt one of His children.

     "I didn't realize..." gasps Catch-fish-with-arrows.

     "That is true for many of the People," I whisper. "They don't understand
and that causes many to fear us of the Mahyee-na, to fear me... My abilities.
Believe me when I tell you that I'm trying to act for the good of our People."

     I get to my feet and look down at the weeping man. I'm feeling ashamed. I
offer my hand and the brave grabs it to get to his feet. There's understanding
in his eyes, opened to the truth I've forced upon him. His path has been set.
When our enemies come, he will be the first to meet them. No retreat.

     "I deserve that fate," whispers Catch-fish-with-arrows.

     I've forgotten that we're still Connected with our thoughts.

     "Our tribe will be rubbed out!" the brave gasps.

     "No. There are many warriors who will defend us when battle comes."

     "Not enough, Willow Bird. Those men you've brought from the Moss-bowl
tribe are only a token force. Even if we could enlist warriors from the
Wandering Band of Tagalou and the Split Tribe, our enemies are too many!"

     I see this man's despair. My mind opens to reveal the warriors all around
him who will come to our aid. I grasp the acorn sleeping in my pouch.

     "The trees?" asks Catch-fish-with-arrows.

     'Yes. They will act to protect our tribe.' I don't reveal the price I'll
pay in return.

     "You are much more than you appear, Willow Bird. Our People must know."

     I shake my head. 'They would fear me.' I Show him what happened when I had
turned into a bear to frighten away those three Split Tribesmen who beat me.

     "Does our chief know about your powers?"

     "Yes. He understands what I am, the hope given to his People from our
Father. I walk in His Light." Catch-fish-with-arrows wipes the tears from his
eyes. He stares at me for many heartbeats.

     "A heavy burden for your shoulders."

     I feel my nose sting when tears threaten to fill my eyes anew. To know
that this man understands me! My voice is hoarse when I speak. "You also have a
heavy burden, Catch-fish-with-arrows. This path you have chosen to serve our
People. I wish that things could have been different between us."

     The brave nods with grim understanding. "It is my fate. I will bear it
with honor, Willow Bird. Many enemy warriors will fall at my feet when they
come! I will prove myself a warrior."

     "As shaman, I'll make sure that the People will remember you in song."

     Catch-fish-with-arrows nods. He peers into my eyes for a long moment then
turns to resume his guard in the woods. I lift my head towards the sky, hands
raised when making my plea unto our Father: 'Please guard that man's life!'

     I glimpse the brave in the distance. His spear in his right hand as he
goes to protect our tribe. I walk in the opposite direction, hoping that camp
lies that way.

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 End of file: SHAMAN12.TXT               The story continues in: SHAMAN13.TXT