Grey Eyes (8 page)

A burst of light flashed and the ceiling of the sweat lodge became the night sky. A shooting star streaked across the sky in a downward arch, disappearing somewhere low on the horizon.

The white light flashed again and the scene became a marshland in the summer. There, a pair of white cranes walked together.

Another flash and the floor of the sweat lodge became an aerial view of a
Nehiyawak
village. It was as though the participants were sitting upon a cloud high in the sky looking down. Two eagles circled the village and then shrieked and dove at the people below. The people ducked for cover and fled into their lodges to hide.

Another white flash and they were in a thicket where a red fox was trotting along with a snake in its mouth. The snake's head writhed from side to side and its body grew larger and larger. It struck the back of the fox's neck with its venomous fangs. The fox took a few steps, fell down, and was swallowed by the snake.

The light flashed again and those in the sweat lodge now appeared to be under water in a pond. From the southern doorway two grey turtles swam overhead, the first turtle larger than the second.

Another flash and the participants appeared to be near a mountain where a large grizzly bear was limping towards the mountain with one of its front paws up off the ground.

Next, they were back in the forest where sad-faced people were walking, carrying sacks and pouches and looking backwards from time to time, their eyes streaming with tears.

Another brilliant flash of white light and they were back in the sweat lodge, the disk of smoky white light swirling above the grandfather rocks again as the song ended.

“Thank you my ancestors for this vision,” said Standing Sun Woman. “All my relations.”

“
Tapwe
!” everyone in the lodge yelled at once.

“We have honoured all of creation and all of the teachings of the four directions,” prayed Painted Turtle Man. “We would now ask for this child's name to be revealed to us.”

Painted Turtle Man splashed water over the rocks seven times, the steam hitting the participants gently in waves. The smoky white disk began to swirl again and grow dark. The lodge began to reverberate with an unseen energy as something began to emerge from the dark swirl. It appeared to be the head and the shoulders of a warrior with his eyes closed. Many of the men murmured their approval of what they thought was to be interpreted as a strong warrior name. The spectral warrior breathed deeply and all of the people inside the lodge were face to face with him, regardless of their position or perspective.

Slowly the warrior's eyelids began to rise, revealing in his irises the colour of blood. Some of the younger participants screamed in horror at the image of a cackling Red-Eye, sworn enemy of the people of
Nisichawayasihk
and servant of evil. This image of the enemy seemed to be a bad omen, an omen of death. Suddenly the baby in Singing Doe's arms began to cry fast and loud.

“Do not fear!” yelled Painted Turtle Man as the participants began to panic. “You are safe within the womb of our Mother Earth!”

Out of the cries of the newborn emerged a small grey bear cub which roared and scratched at the ground in mock combat. The Red-Eyed warrior recoiled. The grey bear cub rolled around, continuing to roar and paw, standing on its hind legs. It glowed with a grey light and a magical energy and the Red-Eyed warrior began to shrink, screaming and cursing. When the warrior had diminished and faded, the grey bear cub stood triumphant in the centre of the lodge, roaring and pawing the air. The participants cheered.

“Little Grey Bear Boy of the Bear clan!” Painted Turtle Man shouted.

The people cheered, whooping and howling their approval.

“Singers!” said Painted Turtle. “Sing the Creator song!”

The deep boom of the drum answered him as they took up the song honouring
Kitchi Manitou
. The participants had accomplished what they came to do and had suffered. Now, it was time to receive gifts and feast.

11
mitātaht piyakosāp

“H
as anyone seen my knife?” Blue Elk Man had been searching the Bear lodge for his prized hunting knife all morning. If he found it soon, he might still make it to his preferred campsite before nightfall.

“When did you use it last?” asked White Willow Woman, bouncing Little Grey Bear Boy on her lap. A brisk chill this morning would take care of the mosquitos but would send the ducks and geese away as well. The sour red berries had appeared in the moss, providing Mother Earth's last gift before she began her long slumber. Now would be a good time for her husband to find a moose.

“I have a knife you could take,” offered Brown Shield Man. He was ready to leave, though not as anxious as his brother-in-law.

“Do you need a meal before you go?” asked Singing Doe to her husband.

“
Awas
!” said Walking Moon Woman. “You are always feeding him. It's a wonder we have any food left.” As she spoke, Blue Elk Man's knife floated out from under the hides carpeting the floor of the lodge where he and his wife slept. The now familiar vibration of the Grey-Eye magic was in the air.

“That's daddy's boy!” said Blue Elk Man as he snatched the floating knife and went over to kiss his son.

“How did he know what you were thinking?” wondered White Willow Woman aloud.

“It isn't just him,” Painted Turtle Man chimed in from his spot to the right of the doorway, where he was grinding herbs. “His gift is meant to be shared. Those around him also have some influence.”

“What do you mean?” Singing Doe asked as she bent over to scoop some rice out of the bag. Before Painted Turtle Man could answer, Singing Doe flew through the air into the arms of her husband. The others laughed while Brown Shield Man blushed. It was not the first time this had happened.

“You've gone and spilled the rice with your fooling around!” shouted Walking Moon Woman. “Can't you keep your thoughts to yourself?”

“
Tapwe
!” laughed White Willow Woman.

“Don't tease,” said Painted Turtle Man. “He loves his wife and that is nothing to be ashamed of.” The others tried to stifle their laughter.

“Well if he loves his wife so much, maybe she should go with him,” said Walking Moon Woman.

Singing Doe locked eyes with her husband and smiled.

“I'm not sure how much hunting would get done…” White Willow Woman teased as Little Grey Bear Boy pulled at her to loosen her dress straps so he could nurse.

“Anything would be better than having you two spilling my rice and eating all the food,” said Walking Moon Woman. “This lodge was feeling crowded anyway. Go.”

Singing Doe jumped up, kissed her husband, and began gathering some belongings.

“Have a good hunt,” said Painted Turtle Man as the young couple ran out soon after.

“Why did you do that?” asked White Willow Woman to her mother.

“Why not?” she replied. “They need some time alone and our clan still needs a girl.”

“Maybe I should go with my husband then,” suggested White Willow Woman, pinching Blue Elk Man playfully.

“
Awas
!” said Walking Moon Woman. “I want my baby grandson near me.”

“Then I better get going,” said Blue Elk Man, eager to leave before Walking Moon Woman's teasing turned on him. He gave his son another kiss and nodded at Painted Turtle Man as he left.

“Hunt well, nephew,” said the old man.

////

The winter months were much easier to bear this year than those recently past. Blue Elk Man took a bull moose, one of the largest that had ever given itself to him. Brown Shield Man and Singing Doe had not had any such luck on their hunt, though the trip turned out not to be a total loss: Singing Doe was pregnant. The Bear Clan was starting to grow and the addition of children inspired the family to do better and try harder in all of their endeavours. The hunting was usually good and Singing Doe's sewing and quillwork were attracting attention in the village.

“I really hope this one's a girl,” said Singing Doe, examining her growing belly.

“I'll be happy with any child who chooses us,” said Brown Shield Man.

“I'll pray for you at the ceremony tonight,” said Painted Turtle Man. “I may not be back for some time. I'll try not to wake him when I return.”

“Be careful what you wish for,” said White Willow Woman, pacing the lodge with Little Grey Bear Boy in her arms. “Baby won't let me leave and I really need to pee! I can't wait any longer.”

“I feel sorry for you my girl,” laughed Painted Turtle Man. “I'm afraid no one remembers what it was like to have a Grey-Eyed baby.”

“That's not entirely true,” said Walking Moon Woman. Painted Turtle Man frowned and began to gather his things to leave.

“What do you mean?” asked White Willow Woman, still pacing the lodge with her too-big-to-carry boy. Painted Turtle Man cleared his throat and gave Walking Moon Woman a quick scowl as he left.

“I wish I could help,” said Blue Elk Man.

“Yeah, me too,” chuckled Brown Shield Man.

“Don't you two have some work to do?” shouted Walking Moon Woman. “You men get out of here. Soaring Star Woman is coming to visit.”

“I am going to go too,” said Singing Doe, grabbing a pair of
mukluks
she had made as she left with the men.

“What did you mean, mother?” pressed White Willow Woman.

“Never mind,” answered Walking Moon Woman. “Soaring Star will be here any moment.”

“I hope she hurries,” exclaimed White Willow Woman, now bouncing from foot to foot to the great amusement of Little Grey Bear Boy.

“
Tansi
?” came a familiar voice from outside. Walking Moon Woman met the Eagle matriarch at the doorway and welcomed her in. White Willow Woman could wait no longer: she ran up to Soaring Star Woman and quickly handed her the child.

“
Tansi, Nookum
,” she almost yelled. “May the Grandmother Bear bless you with her healing gifts!” The young mother ran off to answer the call of nature. Little Grey Bear Boy was about to start crying when his grey eyes met those of the Eagle matriarch. The air vibrated as the old woman's magic filled the lodge, calming him.

“
Tansi,
baby,” she said as she lowered him to his feet and helped him toddle back into the lodge. “May the Grandmother Eagle bless this lodge with her far-seeing eye.”

“I am very sorry for my daughter's rude behaviour,” said Walking Moon Woman. “She hasn't been able to be without the boy.”

“I understand,” laughed Soaring Star Woman. “I couldn't go very far either. When I really had to, I would use the magic to make him sleep for a moment so I could at least get out to take care of those matters. I can see where this is more of a challenge for her.”

“We are all very grateful for your visits.”

“I will try to come more often.” Soaring Star Woman raised her hand and the turtle shell rattle rose up in the air, travelled across the lodge, and set down into her palm. She gave it to Little Grey Bear Boy.

“Many in
Nisichawayasihk
need your attention, clan mother. We do not wish to be a burden.”

“I am glad you understand,” said Soaring Star Woman. “It so happens I need your help with a rather delicate matter.”

“Oh?”

“One of my granddaughters is having something of a dispute with a woman from another clan. I think it would be inappropriate for me to interfere in the matter, but she won't give me a moment's peace until it is settled. I told her I would bring it to you, as matriarch of the Bear clan, to resolve the matter.”

“I see…” said Walking Moon Woman. Arbitrating a dispute between two willing parties was one matter. Resolving a disagreement involving the Eagle twins was something else entirely.

“You have concerns?” asked Soaring Star Woman.

“Well…” she paused.

“I know my granddaughters can be difficult and I know I am asking a lot. However, I have made it very clear to them that this is a matter for the Bear clan.”

“I will do what you ask,” said Walking Moon Woman. “It has been quite some time since anyone has asked for our help in this way. I sometimes worry we no longer have the respect of the people.”

“Things change, my girl. Your grandson's arrival has made many people rethink their opinions. It's true you are the smallest clan in
Nisichawayasihk
and you do not have any girls, but that does not diminish your clan's task.”

“
Tapwe
, my mother.”

“My granddaughters will come visit you. Show them the Bear clan's healing ways. Do not give them any special treatment or allow them to intimidate you in any way.”

“
Tapwe
,” nodded Walking Moon Woman. With all the help the Eagle matriarch had given the Bear clan since the birth of Little Grey Bear Boy, it was impossible to refuse her any request.

////

“Willow, he's doing it again!” yelled Brown Shield Man. Whenever Little Grey Bear Boy noticed the fire, he would make it come alive. Dancing ropes of flame swirled around the Bear lodge.

“Where is his rattle?” called White Willow Woman.

“My mint tea!” laughed Painted Turtle Man, as he jumped up to snuff the flames on a bundle of dried tea leaves hanging from the lodge poles. “We will need to search out larger rocks for the fire pit as soon as the snows melt.”

“
Tapwe
!” agreed Blue Elk Man and Brown Shield Man together.

“When is Soaring Star Woman coming to visit?” asked Blue Elk Man. Only the Grey-Eyed matriarch seemed to be able to contain the child's magic.

“Not tonight,” answered Walking Moon Woman. “I thought he would be tired from attending the ceremony today. What was it about this time?”

“It was an induction ceremony for a young warrior of the Deer clan,” said Painted Turtle Man.

“Why did they want a baby at an induction ceremony?” asked Singing Doe.

“It seems no one can do anything these days without our baby being there,” grumbled Blue Elk Man.

“You didn't seem to mind when the Marten clan gave you new snowshoes for attending their memorial,” laughed Brown Shield Man.

“That was different,” said Blue Elk Man. “I am Marten, I would have attended anyway. Besides, everyone knows the Marten clan is generous.” The others laughed.

“The Deer clan was generous today as well husband,” said White Willow Woman. “They gave us six arrows and a bag of pemmican.”

“I could use some new arrows…” said Brown Shield Man, raising an eyebrow to Blue Elk Man.

“It seems our Grey-Eye is already a good provider,” beamed Painted Turtle Man.

“
Tapwe
!” smiled Walking Moon Woman. “You have also done well, cousin. A new buffalo robe?”

“I could use some new arrows…” repeated Brown Shield Man. Blue Elk Man examined the wrappings on his hunting knife. They were, after all, finely crafted arrows.

“Oh, one of the Wolf warriors gave it to me,” said Painted Turtle Man. “He passed tobacco for a dreaming. I dreamt he went south with the others. I explained the dream to his matriarch and she let him go. He had never been so far from the village, being a Wolf and all. A young buffalo gave itself up to him on the hunt and he was so happy he gave me the robe.”

“That was very kind of him,” said Walking Moon Woman. She smiled at her cousin and continued to stare a while. In the new robe and with his hair plaited in a single braid, Painted Turtle Man looked younger than he had in a long while.

“So what was it that Soaring Star Woman asked of you?” asked Singing Doe.

“She wants us to settle a dispute,” answered Walking Moon Woman.