Snow Eagle by Shirley A. Roe Read Free Book Online Page A

riding with them, against the better judgment of Gray Wolf. Dancing Bear's size was an asset but his allegiance to White Fox was causing Gray Wolf great concern. However, taking some time to reconsider, he decided that Dancing Bear could be used to his best advantage and allowed him to accompany him.
    Around the fire, Frightened Deer sat silently behind Red Hawk. Sunflower stared blankly into the flames. Raging Bull watched his daughter suspiciously from across the circle. One of the younger members of the tribe escorted Buffalo Woman to the fire. The old woman was wrapped in a buffalo robe and shivered in the early morning air. Her breath came in short gasps. The buffalo robe was her trademark. Although buffalo were not common in the higher elevations, Buffalo Woman had once lived in the plains much further south. “Now that Buffalo Woman is here, we shall begin. I do not want to think that one of our own people released White Fox but there is not much doubt. Now if the guilty party will come forward, we can be on our way across the ice field before mid day.” Black Rain's eyes scanned the circle and came to rest on Sunflower before he continued. “If Burning Branch lives, he may be able to tell us who has done this.”
    “Why do you look at me like that Black Rain? I didn't set my son free and stab Moon Man and Burning Branch. I would never kill one of our own. I am an Elder of this tribe and my people's safety is my only concern.” Sunflower looked frantically at her people for any sign of support. No one would look at her. In her heart she wondered if White Fox might be Nukw-sati, one seeking evil power to use against others. No, she would not believe it.

CHAPTER FOUR

    Snow Eagle rose early. His pack was light and he felt much stronger than he had the morning before. With silent determination, he started his trek toward the jagged top of the mountain. Nothing would stop him from trying to save the people he loved.
    Back in the tiny Tlingit camp, Little Fawn awoke with a start. In her dreams she saw her husband high on a wall of rock, alone and precariously perched. He was in trouble. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she raised her hand to wipe the perspiration that dripped from her forehead. She looked around at the trees and moss that surrounded her, relieved that it was just a dream. Still the terrible feeling of doom would not leave her. Sending up a silent prayer to the Great Spirit, she rose to join the others. Everyone was in turmoil, when she reached the fire pit in the center of the camp.
    “We must go over the ice field now. The weather can turn quickly and we could be trapped here for weeks. We will not arrive at the sea until Falling Leaf Moon as it is. I do not think we should wait any longer.” Buffalo Woman strongly made her feelings known to the others. In her own mind, she wondered if she would ever reach the sea again. Every moment was precious to her and she was anxious to be on her way. Some nodded in agreement but Black Rain was not so sure.
    “We have just had White Fox escape, not to mention the death of Moon Man. Burning Branch is on the verge of death and Gray Wolf and the warriors have ridden out to find White Fox. Perhaps we should wait for a day or two.” Black Rain looked to Clouds of Thunder and Raging Bull for their opinions. Little Fawn sat beside Frightened Deer listening intently; the strange foreboding that Snow Eagle was in trouble, would not leave her. Frightened Deer was watching Little Fawn's hands with interest. Her fingers straightened the fringe on her sash, one beside the other perfectly aligned. It was an unconscious gesture but still her desire for perfection reigned. Frightened Deer gained great insight into the people around her by observation.
    “Gray Wolf and the others will catch up with us. Hopefully he will find White Fox. We will handle that situation when we reach the rocky outcroppings on the other side.” Clouds of Thunder looked around the circle