People of the Weeping Eye(87)
At the conclusion, the people took up the Song, women and men forming concentric rings around the war party. They Danced and clapped in unison, all the while casting curious glances at Old White and Two Petals. Every so often, one would break ranks, trotting forward. Three Bucks would lower the scalp so that they could touch it. Many grasped it just long enough to spit on it, or revile it with a curse.
After every man, woman, and child had taken their turn, Three Bucks threw his head back in a long ululating cry and headed toward the Council House. People fell into ranks, men separate from women, and the whole procession marched along.
Old White followed the war party, waiting as Three Bucks climbed the low earthen ramp to face the old man. In a loud voice that all could hear, he began a long narrative, periodically emphasizing each warrior in his party. Gestures added to his oratory, bringing hoots of delight from the people.
“Recounting the raid, I would guess.” Old White glanced at Two Petals. She seemed to be engrossed in the performance, her eyes wide.
“They have sparks flying around their heads,” she said. “Why don’t they catch fire?”
Since he saw no sparks himself, he shrugged. “Just their nature, I would guess.”
She clasped her hands to her breast, spinning around in a circle. “So many souls, all crowding around! They are a wave. I’m riding on top of a wave!”
Old White glanced nervously at her, wondering what fed this sudden, heady joy.
Finally, Three Bucks pointed to them. From the gestures, a man throwing a rope, other men pantomiming furious paddling, and the laughter, Old White caught the gist of their rapid journey upriver. Three Bucks pointed back and forth to Old White and Two Petals, the word manitou cropping up both times. When it did, the crowd uttered a hushed, “Aahaa.” Expectant looks were cast in their direction.
When Three Bucks finished with a barked, “Whoa!” the crowd was silent.
The old man lowered his pipe and turned his attention to Old White and Two Petals. In Trade Tongue, he said, “I am High Buffalo, leader of these people. You may call me Chief. You are welcome in Lighting Oak Town, Traders. Your arrival has come on a very auspicious day. We have avenged ourselves on the sneaking cowards at Flat Board Town. Just a moon past, they ambushed and killed a young woman at the canoe landing when she went down for water.” He indicated the dangling scalp. “Now they know the price of their actions.”
“We are honored to arrive here,” Old White replied. “We are Traders, traveling under the Trader’s Staff.” He lifted it high. “We come only in peace, and would Trade with the people of Lightning Oak Town.”
High Buffalo cocked his head. “Why would my war chief call you manitou?”
Old White pointed at Two Petals. “This woman, great chief, is a Contrary. When she speaks, it is backward of what she means. When talking to her, she will do opposite of your words. Power rides her shoulders. Because of that, and because we are strangers, we would not wish to have misunderstandings with your people.”
High Buffalo turned his inquisitive eyes on Two Petals. “Is this true?”
“Not a bit,” she answered, a pained look on her face as she glanced around at things Old White couldn’t see. “He lies. No truth will come from Old White’s mouth. Mine, either.”
“I shall send for our Priest. He is secluded in the woods close by, praying for the success of our warriors. He will be most interested to meet you.” Then he addressed the crowd in his own tongue, pointing back and forth between Old White and Two Petals. The word manitou kept repeating.
Nods and softly uttered words met each proclamation.
When he had finished, High Buffalo gestured for them to come forward. “We extend our hospitality. Tonight, we shall feast. Come, join us.”
Two Petals immediately turned, heading back for the gate. People scurried out of her way. All except a couple of dogs who obviously didn’t know any better. Mutterings rose from some of the people as they scattered, none wishing to be too close to the manitou.
“Two Petals,” Old White called. “He wants you to go away. Far from the interior of the Council House.” She immediately stopped, nodded, and retraced her steps.
“This is true?” High Buffalo asked. “She is truly manitou?”
“Oh, very true,” Old White told him.
High Buffalo scrambled out of her way as she walked through the door. Old White hurried after her, pausing only long enough to ask High Buffalo, “Is there anything you would like her to do? Any Power objects she should stay away from?”
“Ask her to sit on this side of the fire, please.”