Song of the Eagle

War hoops break out among the men briefly. They are certainly ready for pursuit, and blood. The owner of a stolen horse walks to the front of the crowd. He offers his war cry. With everyone's attention he asks, "May my words be heard?" With a nod from the chiefs he continues, "Running Deer will bring you the scalps of those who stole the horses. Not one will escape my wrath! The girl will be safe, I will rescue her."

With this revelation the warriors erupt into war cries of their own. Grandfather again quiets the group to speak. Stern is his tone now. He says, "No man can tell another man what to do. All we can do is offer advice, but it will be your decision. If we chase these men we will catch them, of course. We will gain the ponies and the girl. We might even gain their horses and possessions. We would all rejoice in this victory. Yet, this could possibly bring war upon the Together People from the Eastern tribe. They are rumored to be the man-eaters that have strong alliances with many of our enemies. The children who saw them say they have the roached hair and adornment of the East. Many among us have been snatching horses, and women, from the Eastern tribes for most of our lives. When I was young, they took one of my sisters. I still think of her, and pray for her. Many of their women have been adopted into the Together People as wives. Horses, and many coups have been counted in our own war parties among the Eastern People. Without such things, how can men become warriors? Of course no one can stop a father from avenging the kidnapping of his child. It remains your decision whether to take action and perhaps bring a large-scale war to our village. Wankan Tanka is always with us, though the Great Mysterious also councils all other people. Who would be favored in a war between us? Perhaps the Together People, perhaps not. How many more sons and daughters will be missed? How many more horses will be taken? The council thinks the father, Tall Bear, will best avenge this matter. After a while it may be wise to go and reclaim the horses, and perhaps a few women as well. For now we advise to wait for Tall Bear to return with the girl. We all know that he will capture the horses, if at all possible. He may kill the raiders, or they will escape. Either way, no one can blame a father for defending his child. The council has spoken."

With these words Grandfather and the chiefs begin to walk back to the council lodge of Hocoke.They truly believe that no man can tell another the decision that he must make. They also know that whatever happens, the men will listen to the elders and chiefs. The course of action will have to be for the best of the community of Together People. No one says much after the council moves away. In their hearts they know the words of the chiefs are true. Besides, there is the prospect of foraging into the enemy lands in small war parties. This will allow them to regain much more than they lost. A few war cries are given for good measure, but the warriors drift off to resume their tasks. They look forward to evening council when they will tell stories of pillaging and counting coup with the eastern tribes, to buoy up their wounded pride.

Coyote Boy has observed everything. He does not forget his throbbing fingers, but the words, "Who can tell another man what to do?" Resound within his head. He knows what he must do. His heart sees and tells him. The boy slips away to find his pony. He must help bring back the girl, Quiet Dove. When he is passing the lodge of Thunder Fox, a petite figure walks from the shadow of the Teepee. It is Meadowlark. In her hands she holds the rein of woven buffalo hide. Coyote Boy knows the four-strands weave. It leads to grandfather's favorite horse. The large ebony colored mare is a powerful runner of fiery disposition. The horse snorts and stomps in anticipation of a race with the wind. Meadowlark is hopping about as she tries to keep the fury of the horse contained. Holding the horse in both hands, she nods her head toward the animal’s back. "Get up on the horse,’ she pleads. The boy shifts the bow and quiver of arrows to secure them over his shoulder. He tries not to use the wounded fingers, but it is nearly impossible. He swings up onto the horse in an economy of motion. The horse whinnies softly and snorts. The mare knows this boy well. Many hours of riding through the last few years have bonded the two. Grandfather and the boy admire the horse for beauty, intelligence, and speed. Meadowlark hands the rein to the boy. Then touches his leg and speaks. She looks to Mother Earth for the words.

There are buffalo robes for your saddle, use them to stay warm at night", she says. She holds two deerskin pouches, which she hands to the boy. She continues, "One has pemmican, and willow bark for the fingers; the other is a sacred pipe that your grandfather gives to you. Wear Grandfather's bundle across your back, as he has shown you."

"Does grandfather tell me to go?'' The boy asks. Taking the bundles, he arranges them as instructed. He intended to slip quietly away in search of the girl who captivated his awakening manhood. Quiet Dove always seemed to be on his mind these days. He knows he must find her, to be complete. If Grandfather forbids this, he cannot go.

"Grandfather tells you to follow the seeing eye of your heart, young one. He says, 'No man can tell another what must be done, especially in the affairs of the heart'."