The Elk-Dog Heritage by Don Coldsmith Read Free Book Online Page A

limited to the traditionally assigned arc, with the Northern band occupying that segment, and the others in relation to it, exactly as in their campsites. This arrangement was never discussed, merely practiced. The origins of the custom had been lost in antiquity. It had always been so.
    The chiefs of each band would sit closest to the ritual fire. Directly behind were the sub-chiefs and principal warriors of each band. An occasional woman would be found in the second rank, and it was not unusual for women to speak in council. This had been a thing of great wonder to Heads Off, as he learned the ways of his wife’s people. It had never been so in his homeland.
    Farther from the fire were the younger warriors, still in concentric circles. Those of unproven status or those with less interest in the Council scattered around the perimeter. Entirely outside
the Council circle, children wandered idly, or ran in play among the lodges. Occasionally it was necessary for some adult to rise and admonish the youngsters to silence in respect for the Big Council.
    The chiefs would arrive last, but lesser warriors were gathering. As the circle began to fill, it became apparent to Coyote that the ranks were thin behind the seat of the chief of the Elk-dog band. He glanced over the crowd with alarm, and quickly recognized that those not in evidence were the followers of young Badger.
    Coyote’s concern mounted. What could the Bloods be planning? He idled away from the council site, then turned and hurried to the lodge of Heads Off. Tall One was just finishing the braiding of her husband’s hair.
    â€œCome in, Father,” she called, glancing up from her task. “We are almost ready.”
    She took down the shiny Spanish bit from its place, and reverently placed its thong around her husband’s neck. Originally, the glittering object had been used in the mouth of the young chief’s gray mare, the first elk-dog the People had ever seen. Now it was recognized as a most powerful talisman, the elk-dog medicine of Heads Off. It was used only as a symbolic amulet, worn around the neck of the young chief, and then only for special occasions. Coyote remained silent, gazing at the little reflections of firelight from the dangling silver ornaments. Though he himself had had a major part in the events surrounding this strongest of medicines, he was still in awe. The elk-dog medicine was far more powerful even than he had at first realized. Its profound effect on the entire tribe had caused great change in the People’s way of living. Greater, perhaps, than any other medicine since First Man and First Woman crawled from the earth through the hollow log.

    Coyote returned from his reverie, aware that his son-in-law had spoken to him.
    â€œI said, Uncle,” Heads Off was asking, “is the Council nearly ready to begin?”
    It was important, Tall One had taught her husband, for him to arrive at the proper time. Not too early, before chiefs of the other bands, but at about the same time. And above all, he should arrive before the Real-chief. To come later would not show proper respect.
    The predicament was solved simply, by finishing his preparations, and then waiting near the lodge until the chiefs of the other bands were seen approaching the fire.
    Coyote held the skin door-flap aside and Heads Off stepped through, pausing outside to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. Tall One stood beside him, holding his arm proudly.
    Coyote cleared his throat uneasily. “Something is wrong,” he said softly. “The Bloods have not come to the Council.”
    â€œWhere are they?” The young chief was instantly alert. His wife’s hand at his elbow tightened, almost imperceptibly.
    â€œI do not know, Heads Off. It is only that their places are empty.”
    Tall One spoke, anxiously. “Surely they would not dishonor the Elk-dog band by staying away from the Big Council!”
    Long Elk stepped from the