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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781491815236 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | AuthorHouse |
| Publication date: | 09/12/2013 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| File size: | 456 KB |
Read an Excerpt
White Fox
Dakota Warrior
By Gary Dallmann
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2013 Gary DallmannAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4918-1525-0
CHAPTER 1
Winter Camp
Chases Gophers poked his head out of the tipi and saw the white weasel skin hanging on the pole by White Fox's tipi. Gopher ducked back into his tipi and cried out, "Tawinohtin, Tawinohtin, (sister) come quickly. Tunkansidan (Grandfather) tells stories tonight." It didn't take Bright Moon but a "blink of an eye" to go barreling out of the tipi opening and catch up with Gopher. By that time other children had spotted the white skin and were headed toward White Fox's tipi.
White Fox was not really a tunkansidan. The children used that title out of the utmost respect for him. White Fox was in his twenty eighth summer and did not think of himself as old. At the time of the Sun Dance this past summer he was selected as overall Chief of the People, an honor never before bestowed on someone so young.
Physically, White Fox was of average height and weight in comparison to the other warriors. His body was well muscled, especially his legs. He wore one visible scar, a red welt on his forehead. It is said among the People that the difference between White Fox and most other warriors was the size of their hearts. The heart of White Fox was twice as big whether he was fighting or serving as chief of the People.
White Fox had a deep love for the People, especially the young ones. He had missed the children and was looking forward to them coming.
It was an especially exciting night because White Fox had been ill and unable to tell stories for quite some time. For the children it meant a break in the boredom of the winter camp. This winter had been cold and it seemed to snow almost every day. To listen to the elders tell the stories of the tribe's history, religion, of their enemies, of the tribe's heroes and of the animals was the highlight of the winter. Not only was story telling entertaining, it was the only way to preserve the culture of the People. The stories were told over and over and the children remembered them so they told their children. So it was, for untold years.
When the children had gathered in front of White Fox's tipi, Gopher, the self-proclaimed warrior of five summers, stepped forward and gently scratched on the tipi flap. "En ja" (enter) said a voice from inside. As the children filed into the tipi they stepped to the right of the fire, the place reserved for company. The children were careful not to step between the fire and White Fox. White Fox was sitting to the left of the fire away from the tipi opening. Lying next to him, on his right side, was a beautiful silver and black dog. It was said that this dog, whose name was Badger, was at least half wolf. Behind White Fox sat his wife of seven summers. Catches Bird had busied herself repairing cold moon clothing.
Once assembled in front of him, White Fox nodded at Sings a Song in the Morning. The girl of ten summers knew she had been selected to tend the fire while the stories were told; a job of recognition that each child liked to perform.
White Fox solemnly looked at each of the nine children. His expressionless face did not give away the inward joy he felt at having the children back in his tipi once again. He looked at the children with a certain amount of pride. The children were healthy, respectful, and eager to hear the stories. There were a few other children in the small winter village, but they were too young to hear the stories. They still demanded a great deal of their mother's attention. In all there were fifteen children among the twenty tipis. They ranged in age from one moon to ten summers. There was one young man, Carries a Big Lance, who had seen his fourteenth summer. He could, however, not be considered a boy since he was well on his way to becoming a man. He had proved himself as a hunter and as a young warrior. In the fall hunt he alone killed four buffalo and had for the past two summers brought deer and elk to share among the tipis. He had counted coup on an enemy warrior of the Tree People during the Moon of Falling Leaves. Carries a Big Lance was no longer a boy.
After an appropriate amount of time, during which the tipi was completely quiet, White Fox began as he always did. "I am White Fox, hunter, warrior, storyteller, and leader of the People. Tonight I will tell you stories of the People. These stories are of our creation, great battles fought by the People, stories of our great warriors and hunters and stories of the People's religion, and of Wakantanka, our 'Great Spirit'. When I tell you these stories, you know that I am speaking the truth. You know that I am speaking the truth because the things that I tell you come from my heart and my words fly as straight as an arrow."
"Now I will tell you the story of creation," said White Fox. It was a story the children had heard many times, but they enjoyed it and were always happy to hear it again.
"The Great Spirit Skan made us with bones from Stone, bodies from Earth, and souls from himself, Wind and Thunder. The gifts of Sun, Wisdom, Moon, and Revealer gave us life. A council of the spirits named us Pte Oyate – Buffalo Nation – and told us to care for the spirits.
One day Spider sent Wolf to the underworld to tell Tokahe that life would be easier on the surface of the earth. Tokahe ignored the warnings of the holy man Tatanka, and led the people up through Wind Cave. Life there was hard, so Tatanka came to help – as a great shaggy beast. Since then the people have lived here with the buffalo."
"Now I will tell you a new story," intoned White Fox. "This is the story of the Dream Catcher. Since it is a new story, pay close attention so you start to learn the story." White Fox continued to tell stories. Finally, as he looked at the group of children, he could see they were getting tired. He had been telling stories for quite some time. "It is getting late, and I am sleepy," said White Fox. I will tell you one more story and then it will be time to go to our robes. This is the story of The Little Mice." Chases Gophers, who had been getting very sleepy, sat up straight and had a big smile on his face. This story was one of his favorites. White Fox quietly chuckled.
The site White Fox had chosen for the winter camp had proven to be a wise choice. It was in a small valley near the place where the River of Many Cottonwood Trees joins the much larger Minnesota River. The tipis were protected from the severe north winds by a high bluff. Fresh water came from a spring bubbling out of a nearby hillside just above the bank of the river. This spring flowed into the river and flowed fast enough that it created an open area in the river and would freeze over only in the coldest of weather. When it did freeze over, the ice could easily be broken up with a stone headed ax. Fish liked to come to this open water area to feed when Father Sun was going to his tipi for the night. It was easy to catch and spear fish at this time.
Firewood was easily obtained because of a Tateohitika (tornado) that passed through this part of the river bottom two summers ago. Trees of every kind, hardwoods and softwoods, were uprooted, ripped apart, and twisted providing easy access to the wood. There was enough dry wood to last for years. Once the larger trees were destroyed, Father Sun could reach the forest floor and speed the growth of young vegetation. The deer and elk found this young vegetation irresistible thus making a fresh meat source readily available. Yes, it was a good winter camp.
When the children left his tipi, White Fox stood up and was going to leave the tipi to relieve himself before he went to his robes for the night. The instant he moved, the big dog lying at his side was alert. White Fox, seeing the dog's ears come up, said, "Ah Badger, do you wish to visit the bushes with me? Come, let us go out and check the stars." Catches Bird looked up and said, "Badger, make sure your master does not stay out too long. He is now healthy, and I would not want him sick again." Badger looked at Catches Bird and wagged his tail as if to say, "don't worry, I'll watch over him." White Fox put on his heavy moccasins, threw his buffalo robe around his shoulders and went out into the night.
When White Fox and Badger stepped out of the tipi, they were met with a chorus of barking from the other nearby dogs. One deep growl from Badger quieted them. Badger was the "alpha" dog and not one dog in the pack would argue the point. These "camp dogs" were important to the People. A few of the dogs were the "beasts of burden" when the camp was moved. They would warn the camp of an intruder (man or beast) and they provided a food source when there was nothing left to eat. White Fox looked up at the countless stars and quickly located familiar constellations. Tonight the stars seemed to be especially bright. It was a sight to behold. He breathed in the cool crisp air and whispered to Badger, "It is a good day to be alive."
White Fox and Badger were returning to the tipi when Badger suddenly stopped, his hair stood on end and a rumbling sound came from deep in his throat. He was looking at Strong Bear's tipi. Of the twenty tipis in the small village, Strong Bear's tipi was the greatest distance from White Fox's tipi. Then White Fox heard it. There was a dog barking but even louder than that were the snarls and coughing sounds of a large animal in combat. The sounds from the large animal could mean only one thing. Inmutanka, the cougar, was once again raiding the camp looking for a meal of dog. There was one loud, bone chilling scream and then all was quiet. White Fox knew that Strong Bear had lost a dog.
Strong Bear came flying out of his tipi crying, "aiyee, aiyee!" He had his lance in one hand and his war club in the other. Strong Bear was ready to do battle.
Strong Bear was known throughout the People as a gentle giant. Among his enemies, however, he was known as just the opposite. Stories of his strength and skill as a warrior are often told around the camp fires in the villages of both the People and the enemy. Strong Bear was a huge man, standing at least two full heads taller than the average warrior with legs and arms to match. He was also fiercely loyal to White Fox.
As he looked around, Strong Bear saw White Fox. "Ho, White Fox, I think old man cougar has visited me again. This is the second dog of mine he has killed. This time he killed my best she-dog, the one that raised many puppies. He has also killed a dog belonging to Stands Tall. I think that when Father Sun leaves his robes, I will hunt for this cougar and put an end to his killing. White Fox, would you and Badger like to go with me?" asked he. White Fox immediately responded, "yes, it would do both Badger and me good to get some exercise. Badger and I will join you at first light." White Fox knew that Strong Bear wanted the help of Badger perhaps even more than himself. When it came to tracking, Badger was in a class of his own. If it came to a fight between the cougar and Badger, White Fox knew that Badger could hold his own. Hopefully the cougar would tree and avoid a fight with Badger. A cougar is a formidable enemy in any fight, even for Badger. White Fox did not like the idea of Badger getting hurt or killed by the cougar.
Catches Bird heard the exchange between White Fox and Strong Bear. She did not like the idea of White Fox going on a hunt so soon after his illness. The raging fever that invaded his body had left him only a few short days ago, and he still had not recovered all of his strength. But she also knew that the cougar had to be killed before it attacked one of the small children. The People told stories of cougars attacking children and even rarely adults when they became old or crippled and could no longer hunt more difficult prey. Catches Bird knew too, that White Fox would have a strong desire to help Strong Bear. Strong Bear was a close and honored friend, and White Fox would not let him down. No matter what Catches Bird said or how she pleaded, White Fox and Badger would go hunting the cougar at first light. She would pray that they would come back safely.
As White Fox was entering the tipi, he was expecting to hear Catches Bird protest his going with Strong Bear in the morning. He knew that he was not up to full strength, but Strong Bear would need help and Catches Bird would not talk him out of going. "What will you take with you for the hunt in the morning?" questioned Catches Bird, "I shall get it ready for you." White Fox wasn't sure he had heard correctly but quickly recovered and responded, "just a little food, enough for one day, and my weapons." Catches Bird asked, "will you take your buffalo robe or your heavy hunting shirt?" White Fox answered, "the buffalo robe will be too clumsy for this hunt, I will wear the hunting shirt." White Fox looked at his wife who was lying in their robes. She held one end of robe up and motioned to White Fox to join her. "Come and keep me warm, my brave hunter," she said with a coy smile. "Are you sure it is not too soon after my illness and besides, should I not save my strength for tomorrow's hunt?" he asked with a serious look on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Catches Bird lifted the robe higher and said, "come."
White Fox woke up well before dawn. He knew that Catches Bird would already be up gathering the things he would need for the hunt. Badger was in his usual place next to the tipi entrance. No matter how quiet you were, no one could get past him whether you were coming in or going out of the tipi or whether you were friend or enemy. White Fox and Badger went out of the tipi to answer the call of nature. The pre-dawn air was cool and somewhat damp and perhaps a little warmer than last night. The sky above him still glittered with its many stars. He looked in the direction of where Father Sun goes in the evening and saw a distinct line of clouds. He knew it would snow before the day was over. He also knew that they would have to find the cougar as soon as possible.
Catches Bird had built up the fire and was warming some stew for breakfast. She went to her buffalo hide containers and took out some pemmican and jerky and placed it in a small deer hide pouch. She put enough in for both Strong Bear and White Fox in case Strong Bear had forgotten to bring some along. Strong Bear's wife was not an early riser; he would have to look out for himself which usually meant the only things he would bring were his weapons.
Catches Bird laid out White Fox's hunting shirt. It was a plain shirt but brought a feeling of pride. She had carefully lined the shirt with the rich coated otter that White Fox had trapped. She attached a hood which she lined with rabbit fur and had sewn a strip of wolf fur around the front edge of the hood. She also had sewn thongs into the sleeves which would be used to attach to his mittens thus preventing an accidental loss of a mitten. One could not be too cautious during the moons of winter. The outside of the shirt was plain except for the head of a small fox beaded on the chest and painted white. It was a practical, well constructed shirt, one any hunter would be proud to own. She placed the antelope leggings next to the shirt and put everything next to White Fox's willow backrest. White Fox could choose his own weapons.
White Fox came into the tipi and went immediately to his weapons. He knew he would take his new lance. He had spent a good deal of time making this lance and knew it would serve him well if he had to use it. The lance was about as long as he was tall and was well balanced. With a point of black obsidian, he had carefully knapped the point to get it as sharp as possible. He looked at the arrows he had left from the fall hunt and at the new ones he made during the cold moons. He also looked at the heavy "war arrows" Arrow Maker had made for him in exchange for a cow buffalo hide. These ten arrows were things of beauty. They were straight and had almost matching flint points. White Fox's markings, four stripes of alternating white and red, were painted on the arrow just in front of the fletching. The fletching came from the wing and tail feathers of the large black turkeys that inhabited the area. These markings would let friend and foe alike know who owned the arrows. White Fox decided not to take these arrows but rather take six of the hunting arrows he had made. They did not look as nice as those made by Arrow Maker, but they were straight and would fly true. He would take his favorite bow. It was made of ash wood and covered with antelope hide. The antelope hide was raw when he put it around the bow and now had dried to strengthen and to protect it. Last but not least was his flint knife. The flint knife had been knapped a couple of times, but with its deer antler handle it was still an excellent weapon.
White Fox sat down next to the fire, and Catches Bird served him his morning meal. Badger cocked an ear when he saw White Fox eating but would not move until White Fox offered him some food. Badger knew that when White Fox finished eating it would be his turn. Badger was not disappointed.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from White Fox by Gary Dallmann. Copyright © 2013 Gary Dallmann. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
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Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction.................... xiii
Chapter 1 Winter Camp.................... 1
Chapter 2 The Hunt.................... 9
Chapter 3 The Cougars.................... 22
Chapter 4 The Enemy.................... 30
Chapter 5 Broken Face.................... 32
Chapter 6 Strong Bear.................... 37
Chapter 7 Badger.................... 46
Chapter 8 The Message.................... 54
Chapter 9 The Council.................... 64
Chapter 10 The Iowa Warrior.................... 68
Chapter 11 The Four Friends.................... 73
Chapter 12 Plans Are Made.................... 80
Chapter 13 Slave Boy.................... 86
Chapter 14 Scouting the Villages.................... 100
Chapter 15 Wolves.................... 106
Chapter 16 Second Council.................... 118
Chapter 17 The Attack.................... 123
Chapter 18 Time for Reflection.................... 139