We come with the morning sun
Into this place of refuge
Your safety my great concern
Decisions soon to be made
Running Bear . . . my heart
Empty arms to cause great pain
Just as Reindeer thought she could travel no further
the sound of distant drums brought her to the realization
that there was a village just beyond her sight.
In the early dawn she approached the encampment
with prayers to the Great Spirit that once there,
the three would find safety and rest.
This story now continues . . . . .
Reindeer And Spirit Walker
Painful Decisions
Running Bear was screaming from hunger
and Poncho could barely stand
when Reindeer descended the hillside
and entered the encampment.
Much like a wounded warrior returning
from a long and deadly battle, Reindeer's
arrival caused quite a stir in the small village.
The women left their work and gathered around her,
speaking reassurances in her native tongue.
From within the circle, a pair of withered hands,
reached to take Running Bear from her arms.
There was a familiarity about this old soul.
As Reindeer looked down upon her weathered face,
the old one's eyes held the same softness
and compassion as did her Mother's.
'Hush now little spirit. You will come with me for this
day, and I will sing to you songs of our ancestors.
Sparrows Song, help our guest from her horse
and take her to where she can bathe and rest.
Breakfast remains on my campfire.
Fill her bowl abundantly with Deer and fresh fruit.
She must regain her strength.
Your son, my exhausted one, will drink
the warm milk of a young mother,
and will sleep soundly.
Rest now, we will talk when you awaken.'
With that, she turned and walked away,
still giving her commandments.
'White Dove, please tell the Chief that
we have company,
and that I request an audience.'
Reindeer awoke to find the sun had left the sky
and the moon had again come to play with the stars.
Refreshed, she arose
and went to the door of her teepee.
The night was glorious, and the village
was still abuzz with activity.
The old one motioned for her to come and sit by the fire.
'Did you have a good sleep my friend?' she asked as
Reindeer came to sit by her side.
'Yes, thank you' she replied. 'Where is Running Bear?'
'If you mean the little angel that I spoiled today, he is in
the teepee with my husband. I am Desert Wind, wife of
Chief White Cloud, and you would be?'
' I am so sorry, I guess I was so tired when I arrived, I did
not give you my name, or ask you, your own. I am called
Reindeer, named by my father, who is also a chief.'
The young and the old, sat by firelight glow and Reindeer
told her the story of herself and Spirit Walker.
The old one listened attentively,
and when Reindeer had finished, she took her hands
within her own, and spoke with great wisdom.
'I know your spirit is brave, by the words you have spoken,
but you cannot continue such a dangerous pathway, with a baby,
to face whatever may lie ahead. If I cannot keep you from going,
please entrust him to myself and the Chief. Our warriors tell us
that your horse is lame and should not continue either. He at this
moment is feasting on fresh hay and green clover. Both will be
loved and cared for until you return for them.
Before you leave us to follow your dream
we ask that you do not take
the chance from Running Bear
to find his own.'
Leave Running Bear and Poncho behind?
How could she do such a thing?
As this chapter comes to its ending,
we leave Reindeer openly weeping,
knowing in the end,
what her decision must be.
