It was thought
by some that Eagle Woman, after her close encounter in the hunt, would not pursue the goal of becoming a member of a warrior society. Even though her three buffalo kills were admired, talked about, and praised, no one would have thought less of her had she let the matter drop. There were many who expected her to do so, and that would have been the end of it.
Long Walker knew better. He had helped the staggering girl back to her horse and assisted her in remounting. His heart was heavy. He had tried his utmost to avoid any action which would encourage this headstrong woman to pursue her ridiculous goal. The damage had been done, he realized, when he had laughed at her.
Now others had laughed at her, and she would never back down. Even though she had made three kills, more than anyone except Standing Bird, she would still feel the need to push ahead, to prove herself.
Long Walker viewed all this with a certain amount of mixed feeling. He must admit, he had been thrilled with
pride when he watched Eagle Woman skillfully drop the first two buffalo. He had been so busy admiring her dexterity, in fact, that he had made only one kill.
Actually he had not realized the true depth of his feeling until he saw her fall from the horse. As he lifted the limp form from the grass, full recognition of his feelings had swept over him. He felt close to this person as a friend, a rival, a competitor, yes, but there was the other hunger. He longed to hold her in his arms, as a man holds the woman he loves, to protect and comfort.
Long Walker had been able to hold the girl so for only a moment before she revived enough to resent it if he had continued. He had only the memory of the girl's body against him. The feeling was of soft and yielding curves, at the same time firm and muscular in total sensation. He had longed to continue to hold her, to minister to her injuries, and to tell her how much he admired her accomplishment in the hunt.
But he dared not. He wished not even to hint that he approved of this feat, because in truth he did not. He wished that Eagle Woman would behave more like a woman. Then he would know how he wished to respond. As things were, Long Walker began to feel that he should avoid contact with the girl. Any chance remark or action might drive them further apart, and he wished to avoid this at all cost.
The Elk-dog Society would be meeting a few suns later for one of the usual ceremonials. The Moon of Greening would progress to the Grass-growing Moon, and such a progression was traditionally observed by the warrior societies.
At any of these celebrations young warriors who had proven themselves in the hunt could request admission to the societies. It was at this time, Long Walker knew, that Eagle Woman would make her application. He had no doubt that she would be accepted, for the entire band admired her courage in the hunt.
It was the next step that the young man dreaded. The girl would be accepted as a provisional member, ready to undertake the vision quest. That in itself would be dangerous
enough, but in proper order of events she would next be expected to participate in a major war party.
Of course she could refuse any of the steps and remain a lesser member of the warrior society. Long Walker knew her better than that. To do so would carry with it the implication of cowardice. Eagle Woman could never tolerate that. In fact, the young man knew, as she aspired to membership in the warrior society, striving for man things, she would require of herself that she not only equal, but better the efforts of the young men. It had been so in the buffalo hunt.
If there were only some way, Long Walker pondered, to stop her. His dilemma was that if he attempted to convince the girl, she would overreact in anger and be that much more difficult to deal with. If, on the other hand, he said nothing, he felt certain that Eagle Woman would begin the steps to full warrior status.
Aiee,
what could be done? Discreetly he inquired as to the rules and customs involved. He sought out Standing Bird, leader of the Elk-dog Society, and explained his problem. The older man was sympathetic, carefully concealing his mild amusement over the situation.
“Yes, my son,” he agreed, “it is a problem.”
Under ordinary circumstances there would be no question as to the admission of qualified applicants. Their acceptance was a mere formality unless the applicant's qualifications were in doubt. In the case of Eagle Woman there would be no question. Her three kills were an outstanding record for a first hunt, far better than that of most.
“There is no doubt she is eligible,” Standing Bird continued. “She must be allowed to apply if she wishes.”
“But, Uncle, there must be some way to stop her.” Walker was almost pleading now.
Standing Bird shook his head. “No, I think not.”
There was a long moment of silence, and the younger man started to turn away in dejection.
“Unless, of course,” Standing Bird added with an amused smile, “you wish to use the Challenge.”
Long Walker whirled to face his leader again. “The Challenge?”
“Yes. Any member of the Elk-dog Society may challenge the admission.”
“What happens then?”
“A contest. The challenger must be able to prove the newcomer unfit.”
Long Walker was becoming more interested. “And how is this done, Uncle?”
The older man was ready to regret having mentioned this possibility. Walker was serious in his wish to stop the girl.
“They compete with weapons, skill with Elk-dogs, anything.” He finished with a vague wave of the hand, half hoping the young man would forget the whole thing.
“Who chooses the events?”
“The challenger first, then the new warrior, until one is clearly the winner.”
Standing Bird was sorry he had even mentioned the possibility of the Challenge. It was used seldom, and usually only for spite. It could only lead to bad feelings and a potential split in the Elk-dog Society, perhaps in the band itself.
The young man was pondering the matter.
“Look, Walker,” the older man spoke, still amused but becoming uneasy, “do not do this thing. It would only make the girl angry.”
Long Walker was thinking precisely that. To use the Challenge would certainly stop the foolishness of the girl's becoming a warrior. He could defeat her in a number of the warrior skills. This would prevent her from undertaking the next steps. It could conceivably save her life.
But, on the other hand, it would drive her completely away from him. It could never be the same between them again. She would resent him to her dying day, and Long Walker would have defeated his own purpose.
Aiee
, what a choice! He could see no good coming from this, no matter what his actions.
He could let the girl proceed with her plans and allow
her to risk her life in the aloneness of the vision quest, or later in combat.
Or he could try to stop her. If he did so, he would surely lose her anyway. Either way, she was lost to him, just when they had discovered each other and the joy of the time they spent together.
Long Walker's heart was very heavy.
Long Walker need
not have been so dejected. Eagle Woman's thoughts and desires were much more nearly like his own than he imagined.
When the girl had revived in Long Walker's arms, her smile had been a reassurance that she was not badly injured. Behind the smile, however, were deep feelings that surprised even Eagle Woman. Through the foggy mists of returning consciousness, she had realized that she was glad to be in the arms of her friend. Walker's nearness was reassuring and comforting in ways she had never experienced before.
She could easily have enjoyed remaining there for a time, drawing strength and comfort from the young warrior. There was also a certain pride in being the object of Walker's concern and interest. But it must end. Returning consciousness brought the awareness of noise, dust, the returning hunters, and the beginning of the tasks of butchering.
Sweet Grass had insisted that the girl lie down in the shade of the raised lodge cover. This was something of a relief for Eagle Woman. She had fully intended to assist her
mother and the other women in the butchering, but she did not really feel equal to the task.
She lay in the shade, collecting her thoughts and trying to throw off the throbbing headache that had resulted from her fall. The swelling lump over her eye was tender to the touch, but it would heal in time. And she thought with a great deal of pride of her three kills. She smiled to herself. It was a good feeling to best the young men at their own skills.
More impressive than these sensations, however, were the new feelings and emotions revolving around her thoughts of Long Walker. The short moment she had lain in his arms had been so satisfying, so fulfilling. It was not so much a physical pleasure, she decided, though it was that, too. The important thing had been the sense of support, of his respect and approval. Of pride, even. She had sensed that Long Walker, in addition to his concern for her injuries, was proud and pleased by her accomplishment. And it was good to have him feel this way about her.
During the next few days Eagle Woman gradually established her plans. She saw little of Long Walker. She even suspected that he might be avoiding her, though she did not understand why. It might be that their moment of closeness had stirred new emotions in the breast of Long Walker, too. She smiled to herself at the thought, enjoying the feeling of warmth that the memory brought.
She would proceed with the plan to enter the warrior society, she had decided. She would probably even undertake her vision quest. Yes, that would be good. Then she would be an equal with the young men. She could accompany Long Walker on a war party or horse-stealing raid against the Head Splitters if she wished.
Or not, if she wished. It would give her the greatest possible choice. Her fantasies were extending to the coming years. That she and Walker would be together she had no doubt at all. The girl envisioned the two of them together through the future. They would hunt together, share in the management of their lodge. She would decide later about children.
For now it was enough to dream of the companionship of Long Walker and the joy and friendship that they shared already.
She would, after the warrior ceremony, seek out her friend. They would talk and eventually would decide to marry. Eagle Woman was certain of that from the look she had seen in the eyes of Long Walker at the end of the hunt. She could hardly wait for the warrior ceremony.
The day came when the crier walked through the encampment of the Elk-dog band, shaking his rattles and calling out the announcement. The ceremony would be on the following evening, at the coming of darkness. Anyone could attend, and members of the other warrior societies, the Bowstrings and the Bloods, were invited to participate in a portion of the dance. There would be also, the young crier continued, the installation of novices who had proved themselves in the recent hunt.
Eagle Woman smiled, outwardly calm but excited inside. She hurried to reassure herself, for the hundredth time, that the garments she had chosen to wear were ready. Her fingers touched the soft buckskin, the carefully worked quill designs. Yes, everything was in order.
Finally, on the appointed day, Sun Boy carried his torch to the west, painted himself the ceremonial red, and retired to his lodge on the other side of the world. The People gathered in the center of the camp, where a fire was already burning. Several older men, who would serve as chanters and drum beaters, were tuning the great drum. Holding it near the fire, they warmed the skin to draw it taut and increase its resonance. Occasionally one of the aged warriors would tap on its surface with a dogwood drum stick, testing the tone.
Spectators were gathering, and the dancers assisted each other in last-moment adjustments to their garments and facial paint. Eagle Woman approached quietly and took her place at the edge of the circle with two young men who were requesting admission.
A low murmur of conversation rippled around the crowd.
Eagle Woman had not worn her warrior-sister dress, but the shirt and leggings of a man! Apparently there were many who had not heard of her intentions.
One of the other warrior sisters waved and smiled encouragingly to her, and Eagle Woman seated herself beside the young men. The dance was about to begin.
There was less formality about this celebration of the hunt than that at the ritual Sun Dance or even the annual Warriors' Dance. Still, there were customs to observe. There were open dances, where all joined in the enjoyment and the singing. Then there were songs and reenactments of great or well-remembered hunts.
Eagle Woman participated at the appropriate times, stepping around the circle in time to the rhythm of the big drum. It seemed strange to see the other warrior sisters in their roles as priestesses. Hers was now a new role, and in a way the girl regretted the feeling of that which had been.
She saw Long Walker across the circle, and she nodded and smiled. Walker smiled back, but his expression was disappointing. There was a certain reserve, not the previous closeness they had shared. Eagle Woman knew that it was because he disapproved of her warrior aspirations.
No matter, she smiled to herself. She could prevail on him. Soon she could take him aside and tell him, simply as a friend, of course, that this was the end of it. Only the vision quest and she would be ready to withdraw from further warriorlike ambitions.
Except for enjoyment, of course. She felt that she would be pleased, riding with Long Walker, sharing the excitement and danger of the hunt. They could be a very effective hunting team, she knew, with their respective skills. She would seek him out immediately after the dance, to talk and to share her ideas. It would be good to be with him again.
At last the crier was announcing the aspiring applicants to the Elk-dog Society, describing their deeds in the recent hunt. Eagle Woman stood self-consciously with the two young men and listened. One had made a good run with the lance, the other a double kill with the bow. The latter was a
powerful young man who carried a very heavy bow. Several witnesses had seen his arrow thrust entirely through a galloping cow to kill her calf running on the other side.
Aiee
, this was powerful medicine!
Yet even this event was overshadowed by the fact that Eagle Woman had secured three animals at great risk to herself. There were exclamations of approval around the circle. The successful kill of three for a novice was greatly admiredâeven more so, to be sure, when the hunter involved was a woman. Capable women were highly prized among the People.
Now it remained only to announce the formal admission of the applicants. The murmurs of approval had hardly died before the shocking event of the evening occurred. A young warrior was rising to his feet to signal for recognition.
“My brothers!” he shouted.
Most of the spectators recognized the young man as Long Walker, friend of the girl, Eagle Woman. No doubt he wished to make a speech of praise and approval. Everyone settled back, pleased and happy for the young people.
Eagle Woman could hardly contain herself. How thoughtful for Walker to do this for her. Her heart swelled with pride as she waited for the crowd to quiet for the young man's speech.
“My brothers!” Long Walker shouted again for attention.
All eyes were now fixed on the handsome youth as he turned to Standing Bird, leader of the Society. “My chief,” he spoke firmly, “I claim the right of the Challenge!”