************************************************************************** * "NEW TO LOVE" * * (part 9) * * by Vince Water 7/03 * ************************************************************************** | Copyright 2002-2006 by Vince Water Corrected 3/06 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I feel stunned, wondering for a moment if I'm reliving Ron's dream where Eli Kie was pointing a gun at him. No. This man is going to shoot me! It's really happening. I'm torn between running to my lover's aid or saving myself. I realize that I'm in no position to do either. Eli Kie killed Ron because of that Blackfoot Power Bundle he'd stolen. I can't let Jesse die! I'm taking a step down the trailer stairs. The man snarls menacingly. His steady hand points his gun at my head from not more than ten feet away. There's no way he could miss me. My breaths tremble from fear. I force myself to remain calm while thoughts race in my head. What am I going to do to save us both? I'm looking at my lover. He's pinned under Eli Kie's knees; unmoving. The Power Bundle is still clutched against his chest. "What do you want?" I ask in as calm a voice I can manage. I'm trying to buy us some time. Officer Hawk-swooping-down is driving here from Chinook. He'd said that would take him half an hour. How long did it take us to walk from Winna's house and fetch the bundle from my trailer? "Don't come any closer," warns Eli Kie. "Keep your hands out where I can see them." I stretch out my arms but not over my head like you see in the movies. We study each other for a long moment. Eli Kie looks like a mixed breed - more white than Indian. He wears his hair short. I'm surprised by his display of strength in subduing Jesse; they're both slim and about the same height but this man likely surprised my lover outside the trailer. "Why are you hurting him? Do you want money? I'll give you what I have." I'm feigning ignorance at knowing who this man really is so he won't kill us out of hand. "He has something of mine. I'm going to get it back..." The gun is kicked out of Eli Kie's hand. Jesse did that while the man was distracted by answering me. It's landed within his reach though. To my horror, he grabs my lover's long hair and pulls while reaching for his gun. Jesse cries out in pain. I'm Feeling that with him. Anger consumes me like a raging fire. I leap from the stairs and run to him in a race for my life. Our lives! Eli Kie grabs his gun from the ground. I'm too late! He's going to shoot me like he did to Ron. Then he'll turn the gun on Jesse and take our bundle. "Drop it Mister or I'll blow your damn head off." I see Mr. Augusten running towards Eli Kie with his rifle pointed at him. He's my neighbor whom I've helped foundate his trailer and loaned one of my heaters. A friend unlooked for at my time of need, indeed. Yeah! I'm slowly walking towards them with my eye on the hand gun. It's not been raised in my direction. He could turn it on Jesse or me in only a moment but risks getting shot himself. "I'm an undercover officer," Eli Kie explains in an angry voice. "You're interfering in police business so lower your weapon." "Hmm. In sheep's skin more likely," mutters Mr. Augusten. I was about to warn my neighbor not to believe Eli Kie but he isn't fooled. He butts the end of his long rifle into the man's head. That makes him flinch. "Drop your gun and let that kid go! I'd seen you strike him. My Misses has telephoned the police." I've worked my way around them in a wide circle to make it harder for Eli Kie to shoot me if he dared. I rush to Jesse's side. I'm pulling my lover from the man's grip but some of his long hair comes out. That fucker! I'd punch him but he's still holding his gun. We exchange glances. His eyes. They don't seem human and that terrifies me. I begin shaking with fear. "Shoot him, Mr. Augusten! He's murdered Ron Earlman in that trailer and he wants to kill us. He came to steal what Jesse is holding." "What is it?" asks Mr. Augusten. I'm carrying Jesse to my neighbor's side. He's trembling in my arms. Like a real sport, my lover has kept hold of the bundle but at the cost of a black eye. I remember Mr. Augusten's question upon me. I'm reluctant to reveal something I'm under vow not to speak about yet he's saved our asses. "It's a valuable Indian object. Eli Kie knew that Ron had it and he killed him in his trailer before learning where it was hidden. Ron was a member of the Blackfoot tribe. He wanted to return this to them. We're going to right now if you can guard over this man until the police come." "I am a police officer," says Eli Kie. "I warn you, Mr. Augusten. If you let those two get away with what they've stolen, you'll be considered an accessory to their crime after the fact. Let's all wait for the police to arrive. This matter will get sorted out and you may even get a monetary reward but first lower your weapon." My heart sinks. How reasonable this man's voice sounds and so convincing. I see the rifle in Mr. Augusten's hand wavering. "Please don't listen to him! Some of the Havre Police are corrupt by being bought off by collectors of illegal Native American objects so they can avoid prosecution. I have to take Jesse home. He's been hurt." "You haven't dropped your gun, Mister." Eli Kie slowly turns to Mr. Augusten while keeping his gun in hand, pointed away from us. "I am a police officer. I have to protect myself as you can understand. That kid only has a shiner and some pulled hair. Not badly hurt. He was resisting arrest. I only drew my gun when it looked like Mike was going to rush me." He knows my name. No one here mentioned it. I want to ask Eli Kie to prove he's a policeman by showing us his badge but I decide not to in case he really is an undercover officer as he's claimed. Corrupt though. "What do you have to say about that, Jesse." My lover faces Mr. Augusten. He's still trembling in my arms. It takes some effort but he answers my neighbor. "Mike has told you the truth about what's happened. That man speaks with a forked tongue. He killed Ron Earlman because of what I'm holding and I need to return it to my tribe before it's desecrated." "I've never heard an In'ian lie to me before. Go, Mike. Help your friend while I'll deal with the police when they come." Relief fills me. It looks like Jesse and me are going to get away yet I'm concerned for my neighbor. From my wallet, I pull out a business card. It's handed to Mr. Augusten. "I've called Officer Hawk-swooping-down to meet us at my trailer. He's a Chinook policeman. You can trust him. When he arrives, release Eli Kie into his custody. He has a warrant for his arrest for the murder of Ron Earlman." That last statement was a lie on my part. I glance at Eli Kie but he doesn't speak up to deny my accusation. Hmm. Very interesting. That will make him a very dangerous man though. He's still holding his hand gun. I'm worried about leaving him with my neighbor because he's an old man with slow reactions. "You don't want to wait for that policeman?" asks Mr. Augusten. "No. Your wife has called the Havre police, hasn't she? I don't know which officers can be trusted. Officer Danielson is on the pay. This man too but worse, he's a hired assassin. I'm sorry to be leaving you on the spot." "Oh, I'm not alone." The old man looks down at his rifle. "Thanks." I shove my wallet down into my pocket. My arms tighten around Jesse when I'm about to make good our escape but what about my neighbor? He's likely to get in trouble from the Havre police, especially if that man he's pointing his rifle at is an undercover officer. Will Hawk-swooping-down arrive soon? We can't wait for him and risk getting entangled with the Havre police when they arrive. They'll impound the Power Bundle as evidence and we'd risk it getting lost somewhere in the process. Jesse is reminding me that it's close to death. He's holding it against his chest in the hope of passing some of his life's energy to sustain it. That worries me. Eli Kie's eyes catch mine. I see something in them that puts fear in me. He's planning something. It's wrong to leave my neighbor alone with him when he's still armed. I know how important it is for us to get away with that bundle but I'm not going to risk Mr. Augusten's life by abandoning him. Not after he's helped us. We seem to be in some kind of stand off. All because of my sense of honor. "So. It looks like I am going to get a 'monetary reward' for your hide," says Mr. Augusten with a chuckle. I'm dreading to hear Eli Kie proclaim his innocence or say something clever. He doesn't. Is this man hoping that his corrupt buddies from the station will get him out of this mess? He's going to lose the Power Bundle when we turn tail and run. The lives it has cost! I don't want one more to be taken. An idea comes to me of how to escape this standoff. I turn to Jesse and whisper, "Go home. I can't leave my neighbor alone with this man." My lover acts dazed. He didn't seem to hear me. I'm getting something from him in my head though. A warning that Eli Kie is very dangerous. I know that. He adds that this man has a sly tongue and powers to reckon with. We both need to get away while we still can. There's a car approaching. When I turn, panic fills me because it's the police. The driver is an Indian. He parks his car on the road and that's when I see the Chinook City emblem on its side. Relief fills me. "Is that the Indian officer you spoke of, Mike?" "Yeah." I turn from Mr. Augusten to look past Hawk-swooping-under's police car for others coming into the trailer park. None yet. I'm feel a pressing need to get away before they do arrive. I waive my hand at the Indian who half runs to us. He draws out his gun. "My neighbor is holding a rifle on Eli Kie. He saved our lives!" "Drop your weapon," orders Hawk-swooping-down. I grin with triumph when Eli Kie slowly extends his hand to place his gun over the ground. Such hatred blares from his eyes. Hawk-swooping-down kicks it out of reach and handcuffs the man while reading him his rights. "You're making a big mistake," the man warns. "You should be handcuffing those two. I'm a police officer. That old man interfered with my arrest." The Indian turns to me with concern. I draw on my Connection with Jesse to speak with him in the hope that Eli Kie won't understand my words. "Jes-ee-ah has the bundle. That man attacked him outside my trailer and pulled his gun on me. If not for my neighbor, he'd have shot us both! He claims to be an undercover officer but only said that after having a rifle pointed to his head. He struck my lover with his fist during his grab for the bundle. We've Seen that he murdered Ron!" I glance at Mr. Augusten. He doesn't react to what I've said but I don't expect he knows Siksika. I'm reading nothing from Eli Kie. He's part Indian but I don't know from which tribe or if he's even retained that heritage. My voice lowers to a whisper. "I assured my neighbor that you were coming with a warrant to arrest that man for Ron's murder. A lie to counter his so Mr. Augusten wouldn't waver in his stance to keep his rifle on him. Eli Kie told my neighbor that he'd get in trouble for helping us escape with the bundle." The Indian absorbs my rushed words and I notice his shock. Oh. He didn't realize that I could speak in Siksika. "Jesse and me need to get out of here before the Havre Police arrive. Mr. Augusten's wife has called them." "Get Jes-ee-ah away from here," says Officer Hawk-swooping-down. "Ah." I'm turning from them with Jesse in my arms. Relief fills me. We're escaping with the sacred bundle and our lives! That had been a near thing. A back glance is taken. I see Mr. Augusten folding the rifle over his arm in a safety position I've seen hunters do. I suspect that he's never had to point it at a man before. There's nothing human in Eli Kie's eyes. I'm almost wishing that my neighbor had shot him as the murdering animal he is. Jesse's feet are stumbling under him. I'm half carrying my lover away, wishing that we could sprint out of the trailer park because I don't want to run into the Havre police. Or the manager. He'd probably called Officer Danielson when spotting us. If so, that's how Eli Kie was informed. A cold chill runs down my spine. How far does this conspiracy go in the police force? It's a longer walk through the slushy back roads but we've avoided the rush of police cars heard wailing through the trailer park. We cut across someone's lawn and after climbing over a fence, reach Winding Creek Road. I'm running with my lover towards his house. Some strength has returned to his legs. We exchange grins. That Blackfoot Power Bundle is soon to be returned to our tribe! Then a sobering thought hits me. Who's going to drive us to Chinook? Jesse Sends a reply into my head. He'll call his mother to take us to our grandfather. I Ask him why not call Running Water instead since we'd be taking Winna from work. I'm also afraid that she's going to yell at me bad for putting her son in danger. Oh. His uncle had told him last night that he's going to visit Ron's grave this morning. My arm is squeezed, helping to lift me from my moment of sadness. Jesse assures me that he'll explain things to his mom. That is a small concern compared to what we've just faced back at my trailer. He's surprised that we weren't killed. Me too. Shame fills me. I didn't do much to help him against that evil man. "No, Mike. If you had rushed Eli Kie, he'd have shot you dead! And that was a noble thing you did by staying with your neighbor until Officer Hawk-swooping-down arrived. He would have tried killing that old man after we left so that he could escape. And then he'd have come for us." I'm surprised that Jesse has spoken instead of Sending me his thoughts. "I just wanted you to hear the words, Mike. It wasn't your fault." We walk up the driveway while trying to catch our breath. Jesse is about to open the front door. The tiny hairs lift at the back of my neck. "Don't!" My lover flinches, his eyes widening when the reason for my warning is Sent him. We're looking towards the front window. Was that the curtains moving? 'Run!' My lover Hears my unspoken plea and turns in flight. I'm about to join him but dread fills me when I realize how far away the street is. I press myself flat, left of the door. It opens! A uniformed man races out with his gun raised. He's aiming it at Jesse. I stick my foot out, tripping him. Danielson falls hard to the ground. I'm rushing over him. My fists strike his head again and again. So much fury in me to kill him! 'Stop Mike!' Jesse Sends. My hands lift from the policeman. He isn't moving. Jesse rushes back to me and he kicks the man's gun out of reach. Breaths are racing through my mouth. I glare down at Danielson. "He would have shot me." I'm realizing that too. "What are we going to do?!" I gasp. "Handcuff him. We'll call Hawk-swooping-down so that he can collect him." I've caught the unspoken plea from Jesse. He doesn't want to wait around. My eyes go to the bundle being held close to his chest. We need to deliver it safely into our grandfather's hands. I'm searching the policeman and find what I'm looking for in a pouch attached to his belt above his butt. The man's hands are secured behind him. I find his keys. They're pocketed. As an after thought, I remove his boots and pull out their strings. They're used to bind his socked feet together. A folded piece of paper is sticking out of the man's pocket. I take it, reading a handwritten scrawl with Jesse's name and address on it. Now I know that the park's manager had called him after seeing us. It's folded and pushed deep into my jeans rear pocket. I take a quick look around. No one is watching us and for that I am glad. We leave the unconscious man on the lawn when going into the house. Jesse heads for the kitchen. I'm right on his heels while keeping a look out for anyone else who could be laying in wait. I'm not getting any sense of this. Jesse lifts the phone with one hand, offering it to me since he doesn't know the officer's number. I dial it. Hawk-swooping-down answers after the first ring. "Oki! This is Mike. Come to Jesse's house right away because Danielson is here on the front lawn. I've tied him up. He was waiting in the house for us but I surprised him when he ran out the front door with his gun in hand. He had it pointed at Jes-ee-ah!" I'm gasping for breath. "You'd better call an ambulance. I'd struck him pretty hard." "Nitsi iksip ik kssi, Mike! How ne tucka?" the Indian replies. Hawk-swooping-down is very anxious about us. He wants to know if we're alright. I continue speaking with him in Siksika. "Nit sik o-po." I pause to calm myself after telling the man that I'm very afraid. He speaks. "I'll send someone over there as soon as I can. My hands are full now. Mike? Get out of there in case more Havre policemen come." "Ah." It strikes me as odd that Jesse and me have to be on the run. We didn't do anything wrong! But I understand his concern since we don't know who to trust. "Don't wait for me," says Hawk-swooping-down. "I won't be able to take you to Chinook because of the mess I'm in. That man is an undercover officer and he's told the captain how I've let you two get away." Fear grips my heart. "I'm sorry!" "It was the right thing to do so that the bundle Jesse has wouldn't fall into the wrong hands. Get out of the house now!" I hear a man asking Hawk-swooping-down who he's talking to. In English. The line goes dead. Jesse knows from our connection that we're in danger. He Sends me a number to dial. I do so, handing the phone to him so that he can talk with his mom. He's clutching the Power Bundle to his chest with his other hand. "Na'a?" Jesse whispers. My lover's voice is trembling when he asks his mom to come right away to pick us up. I'm Sending Jesse that it can't be at her house. Winna asks what's going on but my lover keeps insisting that she come now. He says that we'll be waiting for her by the fishing bridge. I'm Seeing an image of it down the road from here. His father had taken him there as a boy. Jesse hangs the phone up on his mom. She was asking him again what's wrong but I agree that it's best not to tell her. Not until we see her. My lover turns to me with a dazed look in his eyes. I grab him when it looks like he's going to faint. It's because of the bundle. He's Sending his life's energy to it so that the spirit within won't be loosened and Fly. I'm half carrying my lover through the house. I shut the front door behind us and to my relief, we see that Danielson is still lying unconscious over the lawn. A sense of dread comes to me. When this is all over, Jesse and I are going to have a lot of explaining to do. I spot the policeman's gun. With my foot, I cover it with slush so he won't be able to find it to shoot off his handcuffs or try anything to escape. We go through the front gate. Jesse is walking so slow that I'm worried about us getting caught before we even reach that bridge. Nine houses are passed when I spot a parked police car. Danielson didn't want to tip us off by leaving it in Jesse's driveway or out in front. Anger fills me. He and Eli Kie will have a lot to answer for! I'm going to tell the judge what they've done while under color of uniform to act in the interests of their real employer - Miss Thomas. I'll bet that Danielson didn't inform his captain or anyone at the station that he'd taken Ron's diary from me or when he removed Ron's paperwork from the trailer after his death to protect that woman. Eli Kie has to answer for murder! It's with a sinking feeling that I realize that will be difficult to prove. Ron's dream he'd given me can't be used as evidence in a court of law. I'll still be able to get him in trouble for beating up Jesse when he tried taking the bundle from him. Mr. Augusten had witnessed that. Jesse Sends me his own concerns. Not about getting those men in trouble but that we need to get to his grandfather right away. The bundle is dying. We follow a bend in the road that's lined with trees. There are no more houses. I spot a wooden bridge up ahead. Jesse's pace is slowing; he's relying on me more and more to help him walk. I'm feeling very weary. Not just from my arms and legs. Stars are seen at the edge of my sight. I have to struggle against fainting and don't know if we can make it... Someone is pulling on my arm. It's Winna. I shake my head to try clearing it and I'm looking for Jesse in a panic. Oh. He's already in the pickup. With the woman's help, I'm pushed into the seat beside him. The passenger side door is closed with a bang. My left arm reaches around my lover who slumps his head against my neck. I can barely sense his Presence in my head. "What's happened to my son?" Winna asks. She sees the black eye. I heard the angry tone in the woman's voice. Is she thinking I did that? "We must get to our grandfather. The bundle... It's dying and us along with it so drive!" Another concern comes to me. My voice is but a weak rasping. "Don't go past my trailer park. The police..." I'm blacking out. The last thing I see is Winna turning her truck around and stick shifting to greater speed. I'm entering a waking sleep. I think my eyes are open but I'm unable to see. My ears fill with the sounds of the road. There's a car's oncoming whoosh of wind and the wet sound from its tires. I'm feeling drained of strength. It's difficult, but I manage to regain my sight. I turn to Jesse and see that he's unconscious. Winna glances at us and her eyes catch mine. She glares at me hard. "Tell me what's happened!" I wet my lips and speak. "Are you taking us to our grandfather's?" "Yes. I should be taking my son to the hospital. He's been hurt!" I'm struggling against fainting. Anger fills me at my weakness and that helps keep me here with Winna. "There is nothing the doctors could do. Jesse isn't hurt bad. What weakens him is Sending energy to this sacred bundle. It's close to death." Winna looks down at what her son is holding. She studies his face then turns to me again. "Who struck him?" "A man named Eli Kie. He tried taking it from him outside my trailer." When Winna is about to ask me more questions, I lift my right hand to cover my mouth. That's what I'd seen done in an Indian movie by a warrior to gesture that he's under vow not to reveal something asked of him. Jesse is saying something. I strain to hear his faint mumblings but it's clearer to Hear him in my head. Jesse knows what needs to be done to save this spirit. He Sends me a startling revelation about a Blackfoot shaman who crafted the bundle to Call down a spirit in the hope of bringing truth to the People. A truth about those in the tribe who are like us. My eyes widen. Jesse explains that our bodies will host this spirit. He knows that it must be done but not how to perform the ritual. That's why we must get to our grandfather. Quickly. My lover falls back unconscious. I press my face against his, willing him to Return to me like that time when he'd fallen sick. This is different though. He's not fallen into himself from sadness but giving his all to prevent the spirit's Flight. I See the delicate thread that Connects me to Jesse and him to the bundle which in turn houses this spirit. I'm not sure how but I rally what's left of my inner strength to prevent that strand from breaking. Darkness takes me. Something burns down my throat. I awaken with a start and taste alcohol in my mouth. Grandfather looks at me with understanding in his eyes. They are soft yet pleading for something from me. Jesse is slumped against my chest. My left arm comes up to hold him. He turns to me with a weak grin, his eyes fluttering. They fill with love for me. "You have returned Nahtoya Ponokah Nah-tos Kits tah kee to my People. That is good." The old man claps his hands once. "Jes-ee-ah said that its spirit must be passed into us," I mutter. "That so." The shaman's voice turns grim. "Sah-kee-otokan. I can perform rite to do this thing but I to warn you. The spirit will join Jes-ee-ah and you more close than love. When one to die, the other follow." "I understand, grandfather. I'd want to join him in heaven if..." Jesse's eyes fill with tears after hearing my words. I'm wiping them away. I give my lover a warm knowing grin. I'm looking around to see where we are. It's a small room with a hole in the ceiling. My butt feels the hardness to the wood floor. Jesse Sends that this is his grandfather's ceremonial room at the back of his house. Important rituals take place here. My eyes fall to the elk skin bundle that my lover clutches against his chest. It looks like a fragile egg that's soon to spill into us. "Ah. Nitssk sinii-pa. Kayis sta-pssiwa..." The shaman knows what I'm thinking! He reverts back to speaking in English, saying that the bundle's shell has cracked so our bodies must contain its spilled spirit. The next words he speaks are fearful to my ears. He explains that there is no time to take proper preparations for so dangerous a rite. Usually, there is fasting, praying unto our Father for a safe path and instruction on what to expect during the Passing Ritual and afterwards. It must be attempted right now. "Ah. Neet ahkse." I've spoken my acceptance at hearing grandfather's words. He nods. "Bare yourselfs." I pause a moment to be sure I've heard him correctly. When Jes-ee-ah struggles with removing his shirt (he can only use one hand to do that while clutching the bundle), I pull my shirt over my head. My shoes and socks come off next. I'm helping my lover with his followed by our pants. It's an awkward moment when we both pull down our underwear. I look over Jesse's nakedness. His dick is sleeping over his sac of balls. Mine too. We sheepishly turn to our grandfather. He averts his eyes, busying himself with a small tripod which he lights with a cigarette lighter. A strong odor fills the room. Grandfather brings a clump of burning sage to our bodies and ritually cleanses them with its smoke. He speaks words that neither Jesse nor me can understand. It's a shaman's chant. I look at my lover and strong feelings swell in my heart for him. We are about to be Joined. That spirit in the Power Bundle has already Connected us but from what our grandfather has warned, our spirits will become One. Even in death. A smile comes to my lips. Jesse Sends his love to me and asks that I be strong. I've gleaned his warning. There's some kind of test that we must pass. Grandfather gestures that we face each other on our knees. We do so. Our eyes roam over the other and I feel a pleasant tingling in my loins. His body is so brown and slim. Long black hair spills down his chest but what catches my eyes is the Indian features to his face. A big nose. He has a broad forehead, rounded cheeks and in his eyes, I see his proud heritage. I'm wanting to scoop my lover into my arms to hold him close in love making. Jesse notices my desire for him. He smiles shyly, peering down at himself where I see his brown dick lifting along his groin. I'm getting stiff too. Grandfather can see our excitement but he doesn't scold us or anything. It's a strange feeling to know that he accepts how we feel for each other as men. We're gay. That word no longer makes me feel embarrassed or ashamed. My lover Sends me his warning again. Our grandfather pulls a flint blade from its sheathe and lifts it over his head while uttering some words. Oh. He's praying unto God. The test Jesse warned me about concerns that knife. I peer at my companion with a resolve to do anything that's going to be asked of me. The flint blade is offered me from the shaman. I reluctantly accept it. "Draw a line here that brings blood but not too deeply (while tracing a finger over his left tit). Jes-ee-ah will do the same to his self." My hand takes hold of the wooden handle. I'm bringing the flint point down to my chest when a strong urge comes into me to do this for Jes-ee-ah. It's not what the shaman asked. My lover accepts the spirit's command. I press the sharp edge into my lover's chest above his left nipple. A pause. My hand makes a downwards slicing motion. We Share the burning pain. Blood is brought forth. My body tenses up after handing the flint blade to Jesse. He peers at me with the resolve to cut me but I sense his regret to do so. I'm Asking him to go ahead. My lover looks down at my chest. I keep my eyes forward and prevent my gasp of pain from coming out of my mouth. Wow. It burns! "Good. Now get your closer," the shaman asks. Jesse hands the blade to his grandfather. I lift my lover onto my upper legs by gripping his underarms. Our bodies lean forward so that I can cross my feet before rocking backwards to free them from under me. He wraps his legs around my butt. The Blackfoot Power Bundle is aligned between our bloodied chests. I fold my legs behind his butt. Our hard dicks touch. We complete our embrace with arms around each other, our heads resting over the other's shoulder. I'm feeling scared for what's about to happen. Jesse kisses my neck. His assurance fills my head and love bursts in my heart for him. The shaman grips our shoulders and prays. My face gently rubs against Jesse's. I smell the sweet odor of sage mixed with his sweat. It's an erotic scent. Our legs tighten, mashing our dicks together that has me aching to complete ourselves. I'm startled by grandfather's hand tightening around my shoulder. His words become harsh. I don't think they're to scold us but his strong plea unto Him to bring us safely through this ritual. When Jesse's legs relax around my butt, I loosen mine around his cheeks. We continue holding each other close. My cock throbs for attention. This isn't the right moment for love making. Strangely, I'm not ashamed by my strong desire to do so even with our grandfather watching us. It's almost as if he expects us to make a display of passion or something. I Sense something from the bundle between us. A kind of warmth and an energy that is building towards explosion. It's a bit frightening. I squeeze my eyes shut from fear but inner Sight cannot hide what's happening from me. Power. That delicate thread Joining Jes-ee-ah to me becomes as bright as a moon beam. Our spirits are being Tied together. A flash of Light! Before we can rejoice in our Oneness, a hidden memory inside me is revealed. "Krist-o-fer. Did you seed her?" I peer shyly at my warrior to look for any trace of jealousy in him. None. He's showing me an Indian face, a brown featureless stone that makes it difficult to fathom his emotions. What is he feeling about it? After releasing a deep sigh, I'm nodding my head. Owopspec smiles with relief. A part of me remembers that my name is Mike Yager but I'm also called Christopher, or Chris to my friends. I've not talked to another white person after running away with my Indian brave from fort Union. I'd been taken there by a fur trapper named Telson after my parents drowned crossing a river. He'd comforted me at the fort to ease my grief. I'd also been shown a man's act of sperming by him but not love. No. That didn't happen to me! I'm denying this memory but Jes-ee-ah Asks me to relent, assuring me that I once was that white youth named Krist-o-fer who was loved by Pah-kaps-owopspec, a Blackfoot brave. My spirit has been reborn a hundred years later. I'm trying to accept this. We're drawn back into the lodge as Christopher. "I did as you asked, Owopspec." Was my voice too harsh? The warrior keeps his stone face that pains me by its hardness. I'm rushing to hold my lover. When his arms come around my back, I know that nothing has changed between us. Only my body was given to that young squaw. It was hoped that through marriage, his People would accept me as one of their own. I've been the cause of so many deaths! The guilt of it still weighs heavily on my heart. "You must cast that unnecessary burden from you." I'm no longer surprised that Owopspec knows what I'm feeling or even thinking. It's some kind of Indian ability that us white folks would call magic. My thoughts turn back to the Journey of Tears. Soldiers had come to rescue me and they used that as an excuse to attack the Blackfoot. Many died. Owopspec rallied the other men to give time for his People to escape. He was honored with the status of warrior and given a new name: Good-eyes. I still call him by a shortened version of his name given me when we'd first met out of fondness - Owopspec. That means 'Eyes'. Tears come to my eyes. I know that my lover doesn't like seeing this display of weakness from me but I can't help myself! Such guilt in me. I'm often remembering that bad time like it was yesterday even though more than a year has passed. After the soldier's surprise attack, his People hid in caves. Many had wanted to kill me because I was white. Owopspec prevented them, explaining that it was through my medicine put in him that he became invulnerable to rifle shots. Something to do with me being white and tricking the bullets into believing that he too was a white man not to be killed. He's shared this magic with the other men through a rite of sticking into their butts. I didn't believe that would work. Yet in the battles since, none of his warriors or braves have been shot dead. Only wounded at most that I attributed to mere luck. "You have yet to believe in the power of my medicine?" asks the warrior. "No," in a lie. "I just don't like seeing you making love to anyone else. You should only do that with me." It's not the men that he's stuck into that causes me the greatest jealousy. I know that he's been with Breechclout-boy. "We one spirit, yes?" I bury my face in the man's neck. "Ah-ee." I'm glad that I've learned how to speak with him in Siksika. That word means 'black-dyed moccasins' and translates into English as 'Blackfoot'. That's what my folk call this tribe of Indians. Owopspec gently pushes me away. He lifts his brown hand to wipe my face of tears. I lower my eyes sheepishly from him. That has me noticing the bulge under my front flap. A sharp pang goes through my heart. I've stuck into my new wife as was expected of me but I don't love her! "My tribe may now accept you as one of us for taking Shirt-for-man as your squaw. I've proven to the other warriors that my medicine is true but they wonder why you won't perform that rite with them. How many butts have been uncovered at your approach, Krist-o-fer? Yet you've not stuck into them. The men suspect that your loyalties still lie with your White Tribe and that's why you won't pass to them a protection from the blue-coat's thunder-sticks." "That's not so! I don't perform that ritual of yours with the men because I only love you!" More tears fill my eyes. The Indian sighs deeply. "To release sperm with someone does not mean your heart is given too," explains Good-eyes. In a low voice. "You have lain with Shirt-for-man." I'm still feeling dirty from that act. Owopspec lifts my front flap and takes my dick in hand while giving me strong eyes. Almost, I can Hear him speaking words in my head. He loves me with all of his heart. The Indian's handling gets me fully erect. I'm panting for breath and a strong desire comes into me to prove that I still love him. Owopspec turns from me with a sly grin and lays over his belly. I'm quick to lay over his uncovered butt. Our joined bodies buck in passion like I'd seen mating horses do. I'm playing the part of the stallion; Owopspec is the mare. It's a brutal act that we both enjoy. His wails join my moans of pleasure when we consummate our love. I only want him! My seed passes to the warrior and I'm vowing never to lay with my wife again. Nine moons pass. I'm given a daughter to cherish by Shirt-for-man who never questioned why I haven't tried giving her another child. She accepts that I've only given my heart to Owopspec. With effort, I'm returned to myself. Jes-ee-ah too is in awe of that intense memory. It was almost as if we were living the moment. I've really been reborn from that boy named Christopher. It proves that my family history had been in error. Our Indian blood came not from my mother's grandfather as believed but from my great grandmother named Sher-ma-nee. I'm both a direct descendant of Christopher's child and a reincarnation of his spirit. How did he die? Jesse reveals that he too has memories of Christopher. Not as that white youth but from the Indian warrior with whom he loved. "Who did this thing?" demands Chief Good-eyes with anger in his voice. Tears threaten to fill his eyes to see his lover thus. Krist-o-fer lies dead over the ground in a heap of blood. His throat had been slashed. "What does it matter?" says Runs-like-wind-through-the-grass. A young brave at his side nods in agreement. "He was my lover and I'll avenge his death!" vows Good-eyes. "And risk strife in our tribe?" warns Eli Kie with his voice mocking the chief's pain. "You! Of all the other men, I expected you to understand." "Why? I'm only half white because of my father's desire to mate outside of his race. He (pointing down at the body) wasn't Blackfoot. He was full white blooded and many of the warriors suspected that he kept loyalties to his People in spite of taking a squaw." Runs-like-wind-through-the-grass nods. He fears their chief's anguish over the boy's murder turning to rage directed at Eli Kie. His foolish companion might get a flint blade stuck in him if he doesn't shut up. Good-eyes glares at the half breed. How dare this mere brave mock his grief! Yet what Eli Kie said was true. Krist-o-fer hadn't won the trust of the People. Now, he lies dead because of it. I'm pulling Jes-ee-ah back to himself. I share in his grief over the death of his lover - me? No. That was Christopher. We realize something that seems unbelievable. When comparing the face of that half breed Indian who'd mocked Good-eyes to the man confronting us outside my trailer bearing the same name, we realize that it's the same person. How can that be? Brave Eli Kie would be over a hundred and forty years old! Another memory sweeps us up in its strong grip. Chief Good-eyes proudly presents his first child to the Tribal Elders. He speaks the name to be given his baby boy: 'Hope-in-sunrise'. They pound their chests with a glad noise. At the man's side, his wife beams. Krist-o-fer's death had become less sharp for Good-eyes with the passing of two winters. He married not for love but to retain his status in the tribe as a chief. This child proves that he is a true man. Yet inside, he knows how his spirit directs him to love men. It saddened him to have turned his back on this truth. He never learned who killed that white boy whom he loved yet he's taken his revenge. No longer would he pass his medicine into fellow warriors to protect them in battle against the blue-coats. Some fell to their thunder-sticks and Good-eyes wondered if any of those tribesmen had finally paid for Krist-o-fer's murder. Jes-ee-ah acknowledges that Hope-in-sunrise was his grandfather's father. That doesn't surprise me. Just as Christopher was my descendant and I'm reincarnated from him, Chief Good-eyes was Jes-ee-ah's descendant and he's been reincarnated from him. It makes sense. We knew that we were meant for each other but these revealed memories explain why. Christopher loved Owopspec as much as I love Jes-ee-ah. We're both wondering about something. How did Good-eyes die? An intense memory assaults us like an thrown tomahawk. There's no escaping its blow. Tears fall down the shaman's cracked face but he isn't ashamed of them. Good-eyes' sight had dimmed with old age. His memories haven't. In his hands, an elk skin bundle was nearly completed. It had been crafted with objects dearly won in battle, fetched at great risk to himself (when climbing the tall mountain peaks for a stone tooth that had shined with the light of each new morning) and other sacred objects that proves his worth unto Wah-Conda. Only one last thing needs to be placed inside to borne it with Power. Four nights before, Good-eyes had spoken with his only son. A truth had been revealed. They both shared the same spirit to love those of their sex. Warrior Meek-buffalo admitted that he had longings in his heart for some of the unattached men in the tribe. One young brave had acted on their desires by mounting him like a squaw. He enjoyed getting dicked even though he was a proven man, married with children! Good-eyes tried easing his son's shame by telling him about that white youth whom he loved. How they put seed in each other with much joy. Meek-buffalo had still been troubled. He didn't want his manhood to come into question so Good-eyes made a plea unto Wah-Conda to guide his son's path in life. He was given a vision. It was shared with his son who promised to fulfill the last part of it. Upon Good-eyes' death, his body would be hidden in a deep cave instead of being raised to the sky as was custom. The sacred bundle he's crafting to be placed in his arms. Shaman Good-eyes continues muttering in prayer. Yet his thoughts wander back to the past, to those whom he loved and the joys of his life. Sorrow returns to his heart. Krist-o-fer was taken from him in his youth. He lost his wife when in full manhood. Those harsh five moons of last winter had taken many lives of the People. He wondered why his frail bones had endured when she hadn't. At last, he'd be going to his rest. What he was setting in motion this night would provide for a hopeful future for some members of his tribe, like his son. The name he'd given to him as a baby was well deserved. The old man's stomach bothered him with hunger pains. He'd been fasting after speaking with his son. Each morning, a ritual cleansing was done by bathing in the cold river and burning sage to smoke his aged body at night. He prayed unto Him nearly every waking moment. His plea to borne this bundle with a spirit. Good-eyes stopped muttering in prayer. The silence of mouth and thought seemed strange to him after these many days. The bundle was ready to accept his final sacrifice. It was necessary. From vision, he knew what was being Asked of him and he hesitated only a moment before carrying it out. His love for that white youth stirred in his heart. Tears came to his eyes. That lent him the strength he needed now. A deep breath is taken when the old man's hand tightens around the flint blade being held against his loins. He was doing this for Krist-o-fer, his son and those who'd come after. "Eiiii!" the old man screeched. The pain is terrible! Yet his shaking hands manage to lift the bloody orbs from between his thighs and he places them into the elk skin bundle. Stitching it closed is quickly done because his life's blood is flowing out of his body like an raging river. And the pain! Even the seasoned warrior that he was could not deny it. He felt the first warning signs of death. His left arm fell useless against his side. The final stitches are made by his right hand that is growing numb. A strained breath is taken. It is done. Good-eyes clutches Nahtoya Ponokah Nah-tos Kits tah kee against his breast and falls onto his back. There is no more pain. His lips move in silent prayer once more to ask Wah-Conda to grant him a last request. It is given before his last breath is taken. Through teary eyes, he Sees the smiling face of his white lover Coming to take him Above... We are weeping over that shaman's death. Jes-ee-ah and me glimpsed the utter joy of that wondrous Place his spirit has Flown to. The spirit from the bundle pulls us back Down. We're Shown one last thing. True to his promise, Good-eyes' son takes his father's body to a cave deep in the mountains. The Power Bundle hadn't been disturbed from his crossed arms, stiff from death until the passing of ninety long years. That's how long it took Eli Kie to find him. Nahtoya Ponokah Nah-tos Kits tah kee was removed with the intent for an ill purpose. The Dark Master was furious when it was in turn stolen from his careless servant by Ron Earlman. A vision led that white Blackfoot Tribesman to where he could take back what belonged to his People. He'd proven his worth by similar deeds. This one was his most important accomplishment yet it had just fallen short of being fulfilled. Eli Kie was sent by his Dark Master to recover the Power Bundle stolen from them. He confronted Ron. But before learning where it was hidden, that man foolishly rushed him and his gun went off. Ron's spirit was Called into service so that he could fulfill his task. It was difficult. Mike often acted blind and deaf to every attempt he made to Show him where it lay hidden. Eli Kie was barely stopped from entering the bedroom. Much power was drained from the bundle after that desperate effort. Jes-ee-ah came. His life's force renewed it that had acted as host for so long. Now, the spirit dwells in two living bodies. Connected in spirit, mind and heart. It is done. 'What is expected of us?' we Ask unto the guiding spirit within us. 'Serve the People.' Our feet press against a soft blanket when stretching. A yawn fills our mouth. We're still feeling sleepy. Our other self stirs against our chest. In a whisper, "We didn't mean to awaken, love." :We didn't. We were waiting for us to wake up.: Our eyes pop open. We heard him speak from inside our head! Never have our thoughts reached us so clearly. :Our Connection does that. Not with a fragile thread as before but a bright silvery cord that binds our spirits utterly together. Think to us, love.: :Can you Hear us?: :Yes.: I catch Jes-ee-ah's eyes with our own when turning our head towards us. We're seeing the other through two sets of eyes, from behind them and when peering back. A double vision. We See ourselves as we've never seen before. It's difficult to explain, but wondrous! :We are seeing each other both with our eyes and from inner Sight. That bundle's spirit has Passed into us. We're to carry out its sacred task.: We both remember what the spirit has Shown to both ourselves... to my lover and me. I'm finding it difficult to think as a separate self. We know that our name is Mike (and I was also Christopher) but we're also Jes-ee-ah and Owopspec. :We know, love. We'll get used to it in time.: Love bursts in our hearts for us. :We don't want this wonderful feeling of Oneness to fade!: :It won't. We are utterly together now. Our spirits, minds and hearts are as One.: Our bright smiles turn to a frown when we notice our black eye. Our finger gently traces its outline that mars our beautiful face. :It doesn't hurt much. We'll wear this paint proudly for doing battle with that evil servant.: :We understand now. Eli Kie is a Trickster. He has fearsome powers!: :Yes. We were lucky to have escaped with the bundle and our lives. Long he had searched for Shaman Good-eyes' body in the mountains and what was being held in his arms. That man wanted to deny our People a truth from being revealed by stealing it. His Master intended an evil purpose for it.: We're both cringing inside. How close Eli Kie came to accomplishing that! A yawn springs out of our mouths. How long have we been sleeping? We force our eyes from the other to take a look around. Where are we? Oh. There's a familiar painting hanging on the left wall. Our grandmother had done that. We liked her use of brown swirls to depict Dancers in the dust. No. That was Jes-ee-ah's grandmother but we're remembering her as a boy. :We are Sharing everything. Our memories too.: We're noticing the faint glow of morning's light coming through the eastern window. If we were standing there, we'd be seeing a gnarled apple tree. It still bears fruit even after all these years. They are good to eat. :Remember how grandmother would bake them into a pie?: We can almost taste the bursts of apple. She could make a good flaky crust. Our hunger is revealed by thinking about food. Our brown face smiles. Longing fills our white face that is answered by sly smiles on our lips. Yet another aching needs fulfillment. We turn onto our sides to face each other. Fire burns in our eyes. We embrace with arms rushing around each other while our stiffening dicks press together. Our lips come together in ravenous kisses. Such hunger for the other! The double sensation of Sharing our pleasure from two bodies is intense, overwhelming our senses when love bursts from us. Our bellies get wet. We're gasping for breath. So quickly? Yet the joy from it is unlike anything we've ever experienced before coming not just from our bodies but the expression of love we have for each other in spirit and thought. Our two pairs of eyes shine with male relief. There's a knock at the door. "Are you awake?" a woman's voice asks. "Breakfast is ready." It's our mother. We've caught the worried tone in her voice. As one voice we answer, "Ah." "Get up and come to the table," asks Winna through the door. We eye each other knowingly. Our mother needs to see if her son is alright after grandfather's ritual. :She won't like our black eye...: :... or that we've slept together.: Jes-ee-ah releases a troubled sigh. We know how hard this is going to be for our mother until she can accept it along with the rest of our tribe. Our feet kick at the blanket until it's fallen to the floor. The sweetness from our physical joining fills our noses. Sly grins on our faces. An urge comes to be totally together again with brown laying over white. Our hands reach down to capture wiggling softness. A gentle urging there to set love's beat between us. :We know how much you like my butt.: A giggle. :Ah, yes! The sensual feel of your brown cheeks cupped in my palms. How they flex in beat to the stabs between us. You love me so much! Feels good.: Our eyes peer at the other with the double vision of what we're seeing and feeling inside. It's wonderfully strange. Intense! A whisper rises from within that comes from Owopspec. He too felt this strong love from Christopher but that white youth couldn't Hear as clearly. He can now. All of us are Here and the joy of reunion is joyous; beautiful! We kiss as two couples expressing their love. The seasoned warrior within us warns that someone has come into the room. We're being watched. We pull from the other to see who it is. Running Water lowers his eyes. A sharp pang fills us to see his shame. We're not ashamed. "I didn't mean to interrupt you," clamors Running Water. "Winna became worried when you didn't come out to eat. I knocked several times. There was no answer so..." "We're happy to see you!" In a rush of brown and white limbs, we capture Running Water in a big hug. He's startled. Yet after a moment, his long arms come around us. Our joy to see him is Sent but he doesn't Answer us. Oh. There's no strong Connection between us, barely a thread to Pass thoughts. We are Sensing his emotion - embarrassment. Has he not seen us naked before? :This Indian has made love to me!: :Yes. You eased his loneliness after losing Ron as we'd been shown the joy of being gay from that man. There's no shame in seeking male relief.: A part of me is still jealous that he'd been with Ron but that's a weak feeling. It's cast away like a gnawed bone. Our uncle/brother pulls his arms from around our backs. He looks down at himself then casts his eyes low on us. We catch his inner remark that we're sweet smelling and some is on him. Our eyes go low on the man. We see the boner showing through the front of his jeans. Our left white hand reaches down to grope it. When Running Water tries backing away, our brown hand grabs the seat of his pants. No escape for him. His jeans button is undone followed by unzipping the man's fly. Our hands eagerly bare him. A long brown cock sticks out towards us. It's taken in hand to make our intent clear. "I shouldn't," Running Water gasps. :Join us in love making!: we Send this man in a Mind shout. Running Water's hands that had been trying to lift his jeans back up slowly relent. We pull off his shirt. The man steps out of his fallen pants and faces us with shy eyes. Our hands go to his and clasp to form a circle. We're looking over the naked beauty of each other. There's such longing seen on Running Water's face. He's still feeling that we shouldn't do this but our pleas drive away his troubling thoughts. He turns to our white self. We hug him close but our other self is left out. Why is that? Oh. For uncle and nephew to sexually embrace is taboo. Yet he can Share in the joy of our belly rub, cock against cock while our hands around flexing butts set love's lusty beat. My other self stands close at our side. Our white butt is held above the placement of our uncle's hands. Our brown left hand lifts to fondly grip uncle's shoulder. It is joyous to embrace this Indian man. We're feeling his male need but too, a sense of relief comes from him that this part of our close friendship has not ended. He didn't want to come between our two selves. A memory rises from deep within. Krist-o-fer had thought a similar thing about Breechclout-boy who loved Owopspec. How could three be together? It took the passing of four moons before we, ah - that white youth to accept Breechclout-boy's love for his Indian brave and himself. They embraced it. Just as Running Water loves Mike without threat to our other self's love. Running Water is pressing the side of his face against us. His long hair tickles against our right cheek and ear. It's nice to feel that. Our cocks do battle between us, slipping through cum our love making earlier had brought forth. We smile slyly to hear his low groans of pleasure. Our butt is violently pulled. This man is close to release. We sense his intense thrills that join with ours. Our other self lowers his hand along uncle's straining back to cover our hand gripping his bucking ass. Two hands have hold of our white ass to mash stiffening cocks that are about to explode. Our uncle/brother is too deep in his pleasure to realize that there are now three cocks stuck between our slamming bellies. Release comes to us! The intense male thrill from it is Shared to thrice enhance that joy. For a brief moment, this man was Joined to us. We'd Seen inside him. Deeply. Running Water gasps for breath. His hands loosen from around us and he steps back, stunned. We're sensing his confusion from Joining. He stares at our other self who is nephew to him with dismay. We understand that it wasn't incest but Running Water continues to glare at us. He eyes the brown dripping cock and the wet streak it left over his belly. Our white belly bears this man's release in exchange for cum shot to his chest. We rush to embrace this Indian. He shouldn't be feeling worried about it. Where are Running Water's arms that should be around us? Our faces are pressed into his chest, smelling love's sweetness after our act. We cling to this man for a while. Nothing is felt from him though. "Come eat," asks Running Water. We slowly pull away from the man. His face is guarded, like the emotions he hides from us. How that hurts! We're Pleading for him to let us back In. A voice from within asks us to let him be. A shaman's wisdom that this young man needs to council himself alone or will seek out an Elder. We listen to Owopspec's advice. Running Water looks around for something. His eyes are averted from us. We guard our faces too so he won't see our pain. Why can't he accept our love for him? The man reaches down to his pants and lifts his black pair of shorts from them. They're used to wipe his belly dry. We shyly reach for the man's hand. He lets go of the underwear so that we can use them to wipe away signs of love from our bellies. Running Water gets back into his clothes. He gives us a worried look before turning for the door. We're quick to follow him out of the bedroom. "Get some clothes on!" he scolds. The bedroom door is slammed behind him. We begin searching the room for something to wear. Often, we gaze at the other longingly. Our separate bodies seem strange. We're of one mind, encompassing past lives who were us to what we've become. Jes-ee-ah aches to hold us. His long thin arms reach out for us so we step into them to embrace. Ah. The joining of flesh completes us. We gaze lovingly at each other with new eyes. We're so beautiful! There's a stirring of that spirit from the bundle. It is happy to be dwelling in living flesh again. :We're to carry on with its sacred task Geased by Good-eyes.: We're nodding our head. A smile blossoms on our lips and awe fills our eyes. With effort, I can return to myself as a single person but Jes-ee-ah completes us as I've never imagined how wonderful that could be. Oh, how I love my other self! His brown chest presses against mine while below, our sticky cocks come together. Our hands reach low for flexing butts, enjoying their sensual movement in rhythm to our rubbing. Our faces fit into that place between shoulder and neck to breathe in our sweaty lime smell, enflaming passion! There's a rising deep from inside us that we allow to come forth. The joy of it brings tears to our eyes. 'You are returned to me, Krist-o-fer.' 'Yes, Owopspec! Our love never died.' The white youth Joins with his Indian brave as it was between them. We're panting for breath. Jes-ee-ah's eyes widen and I'm also looking down at the result of them being together again. Its sweetness is smelled in our noses. The afterglow of male love felt in us is like our first time. Our eyes fall to the raw scars over our left breasts. It stings from sweat. Jes-ee-ah's eyes lift to the small bundle hanging down from our neck. We smile knowingly. Soon, we're to wear rings in an outer recognition of our bond. We finally manage to clothe ourselves and leave the bedroom, hand in hand. Running Water watches our approach to the table. He then turns to grandfather with worried eyes. Something unspoken passes between them. Our mother enters the room with plates of steaming food which are placed before us. We eat like ravenous tigers. Grandfather is seated at the end of the table. He's staring at us. Our mother, too. Why are they looking at us that way? We set our forks down. It had taken two helpings of food to satisfy our hunger. We're remembering the savory taste of it but not what it was. Winna turns to grandfather with that same look our uncle had given him earlier. "How are you both feeling?" the old man asks. "Satisfied. Thanks for the meal," we utter together. That draws Winna's worried stare. She looks at her son and then her eyes fall on me. We give our mother a shy grin. "We're okay. Together as it was meant to be and the joy of it!" "Ah, na'a. Teh ee-to!" Winna's eyes widen after giving her my thanks. "Mike. You speak Siksika without a trace of accent." I'm glancing at Jes-ee-ah. From him, I'm able to speak Siksika as he draws on my strength to be whole. Running Water enters the room with his jacket on. He offers his farewell with eyes that won't look at us. We did catch him glaring at grandfather. "Can you clear the table, Winna?" The woman gets up to do as grandfather asked. He gestures that we follow him. Did we do something wrong? Jes-ee-ah assures us that we're to be given instruction on our new bond. We are taken to that small room in the back of his house. We sit down beside Jes-ee-ah. Our hands clasp. Grandfather reaches out with his hand coming over ours. We're feeling a pulling in our heads. I'm instinctively resisting it because I'm unfamiliar with the man's touch but my lover isn't. The shaman peers deep into my eyes. We feel very naked but that's silly; he'd seen us without clothes during the ritual. No. I'm feeling open to him in a way that I've only permitted my other self to See me. I slowly relent after my other self's plea to allow grandfather. The old man frowns. He stares long and hard at both of us while Feeling him deep in our heads. No thoughts come from him yet we're sensing his deep concern about something. Jes-ee-ah knows. The shaman speaks. "With our Father's aid, that spirit in the bundle has been Passed." We're both nodding our heads. The utter joy from it! "Joy, yes. But there are dangers you must be warned about," the shaman explains. "I See those others within you. The temptation is great for them to relive their lives though you. Do not let them." We're remembering Krist-o-fer's loving embrace with Owopspec in the bedroom. They had momentarily taken over our bodies. "Yes. That is what I mean. Their spirits are from an earlier part of your existence. Draw on their experiences and wisdom but do not bring them forth to the Now." We sense them deep inside us. At rest for the moment but how easily it had been for them to possess us. "And there is another danger," continues grandfather. "You're acting as One in thought and deed. I must teach you to be separate selves because it is in this way that your spirits will learn and grow during their time on our Mother. I am not trying to sever your bond. It cannot be broken except in death and that will claim the both of you together when the appointed moment comes. You need to learn control." We were fearing what grandfather was telling us. To sever our bond?! No. He's saying that we... ah. I need to remain Mike and my other self needs to be Jesse. It is difficult doing that. We are utterly together. We want and need to be that way! "Listen to me!" scolds grandfather. The shaman pulls our hands apart after much effort. We peer at each other with pain in our eyes from the separation of our physical bond. Grandfather can try but we're always Connected in spirit and thought. My other self is pushed on to make a space between us. Our hands reach out to each other. The old man quickly turns and sits between us. "My children. I love you both dearly so understand why I'm doing this!" His arms come around us. Not in a hug but to keep us apart! Winna gasps at the doorway. We're turning to her and it pains us to see the tears in her eyes. Jes-ee-ah glances at me for a long moment before he rushes to his mother. They embrace. I'm held down over the floor by grandfather's arms held tightly around me. My eyes close. I Send my urgent plea for my other self to come back to me! He shares my loneliness but my outstretching arm finds only empty air. "Winna. Take your son from the room." I open my eyes to see my other self being taken away. Our eyes meet for a brief moment. Such longing was seen in our eyes. I'm calling out to him. "Jesse... Jesse. Come back to me! Jes-ee-ah..." "Mike. You will see him again soon. I want you both to feel this pain and learn from it. Listen to me! You must find a way to control your bond with him so that you'll remain as yourself and Jes-ee-ah can be himself." I glare at the old man. His dark eyes are soft and filled with such understanding that makes me feel ashamed. My anger spills out of me. I hear my voice trembling when asking, "When can we see each other again?" "Soon. I want you to tell me how you're feeling, Mike." I'm afraid to be alone. My eyes close and Sending my thoughts out to my other self and Hearing him Answering me comforts me. I'm being shaken. Hard. "Tell me." "It hurts! We need to be together in each other's arms or to see each other. Please!" "Do you not feel his Presence here?" the shaman asks. He's pointing at my heart and then at my head. I'm slowly nodding. "Your bond with Jes-ee-ah has helped make him whole but don't allow him to draw too deeply on your support like a crutch least he not grow strong on his own. You've shown him the path out of himself. That is good. If he is to be shaman of our People, he must learn to stand on his own two feet." I understanding what grandfather is telling me but... Oh, Jes-ee-ah! :Listen to him, Mike. He is a very wise man. We're going to see each other soon. I promise! Do you want Good-eyes to possess me?: Fear grips my heart. He had done that to be with me, I mean Krist-o-fer. :No. They are dead and these are our bodies now.: :Would you possess me, Mike?: :I wouldn't do that!: :But you were, love. I almost couldn't go to my mother just now. You were Calling me to you and that's when I understood the danger grandfather was warning us about. I have been depending on you too much. Using you! That maturity you'd seen in me wasn't real. Not from myself but coming from you. I need to grow up on my own.: :Without me?!: :No, silly. We're never going to be apart in thought or spirit but I need you to stand away a little bit to give me some room to be who I am.: I've been holding my breath. It's released and I accept my lover's plea. Grandfather's arms relax around me. He's staring at me to see if I'll bolt from him. "Okay. I understand now. Please teach me what I need to learn." "That is good. You are speaking as Mike now and not saying 'we'." I'm glaring at the old man. His words had stung me but they are true. Why am I so quick to feel anger? I see his understanding and there's a relaxing sensation in my head. He's Pulling away from me. I'm rushing to hug him so that he won't go and leave me utterly alone. We stare at each for a long moment. With my new eyes, I truly see him as my grandfather and recall all the times we've been together. Ah. When Jesse was with him, I mean. It's difficult to separate my memories from his. "Mike. Isn't this the day that you celebrate the Rising of Jesus Christ?" My eyes widen. Yes. How could I have forgotten that today is Easter? The old man pulls from my arms. He looks at me, making me realize that he's waiting for me to answer him. "Ah. I'd planned on going to church but with everything that's been going on..." "You should go, Mike." I'm struck by him calling me 'Mike' that sounds strange when he's been speaking to me in Siksika. I peer at my eagle's feather that's draped over my left shoulder. In a small voice, "Can you call me Short Hair?" "Ah, Short Hair. That is a good name Jes-ee-ah has given to you. Yet you are white and should not turn your back on your own beliefs." I'm struck by his words. "What do you think about Jesus Christ?" "He was a great Teacher sent by our Father." I smile. "Okay. I'll go to church but I don't know what time service is in Chinook or even if they have a Lutheran congregation. I shouldn't risk going back to Havre to attend the Easter Service as I've planned. Grandfather is nodding when his ears perk up. I hear a car honking its horn. One long blast followed by two short honks. "Come with me now, Short Hair!" Something has frightened this old man. He takes me by the hand through a small opening in back of this room. I didn't know it was there, being covered by a thick animal's hide. We step outside. I'm led at a run past a pile of refuge and the rusting remains of a pickup truck. He's heading for a small stand of trees. When we enter them, grandfather turns to peer out. :Mike! There are five Havre Policeman at the door. They have a warrant for your arrest!: :What about you?: :Mom has me hiding in a closet. They aren't asking about me, only you!: :Grandfather is hiding me in some trees out back.: I sense the relief in my lover. He hears the house being searched. Winna tells them that I'm not here. I'm afraid that Jesse will be discovered but he assures me that he's hiding under a pile of tarps his grandfather stores in the closet. After many heartbeats, the officers are leaving. They warn Winna that if she sees me, I should turn myself in before anyone gets hurt. Their last remark had sounded like a threat. Anger fills me. Then great fear. I tell grandfather what's happened. He frowns. A thought strikes me. "You had posted a lookout for them!" "Ah. Hawk-swooping-down was expecting this to happen. We'll wait here for a while until my nephew comes. "I should turn myself in. I don't want to put any of you in danger." The old man grips my shoulder and smiles. "We will attend a council this evening where Quiet-before-the-dawn will advise you on what should be done." A pause. "Short Hair. You have a good heart to think of others before yourself. My son has chosen well." I'm beaming to hear this from our grandfather. I glance down at my chest, for the bundle that he's given me. "Eiiii! There is my nephew now. I will ask him to drive us into town." A white jeep is seen speeding through a field to our right. I follow grandfather out of the trees while keeping my eyes out for police cars. There are no roads behind the house. When we near, the Indian leans across to open the passenger side door. The old man gets in. I'm forced to press against him and I barely manage to get the door shut. "Oki, isah kinaim. Et Sah-kee-otokan em Nit-aapi-otas," the shaman says to introduce the two young men. "How ne tucka," I ask One-white-horse. He answers me in English. "I am fine but you need a place to hide." I'm reverting to English. "Do you know where there's a church in town?" One-white-horse looks to his grandfather. "I to take him there?" "Ah. This a big holy day for Short Hair. He go to celebrate Easter. I with him." "Sah, aaahs!" One-white-horse exclaims. "Ah ne took..." They've reverted to speaking in Siksika. Grandfather asks his nephew to find a church in town. He will attend me to pay respects to the One who has Risen on this day. We're driving through Chinook when a sharp pang settles in my stomach like a load of bricks. I'm missing Jesse real bad. The danger has passed for the moment. Tears fill my eyes. I'm wiping them away before anyone sees. One-white-horse points up ahead. He stares at my face a moment then accelerates through the intersection when the light turns. "There is a church coming up on the right," the Indian says in a low voice. "My cousin's wife's friend from work goes there." I think he'd noticed the strong emotion on my face. I'm embarrassed. One-white-horse pulls up to the curb. I look out my window at the wooden church and it bears a cross above its steeple. An announcement board welcomes those to celebrate Easter with their Lutheran Congregation at midnight (last night), this morning at eight, eleven, and three o'clock this afternoon. I remember seeing the time displayed on the dashboard. It's 11:12am right now. I'm opening my door and get out. Grandfather struggles to step onto the curb so I help him. This has me realizing his age with sadness. "When should I come to pick you up?" asks One-white-horse. I'm looking at grandfather. "In about an hour, I think. The service should be over by noon." With the raising of our hands, we watch the Indian drive away. I lead the old man to the church doors. They're closed since service has started but I don't think anyone will mind that we're coming a little late. I'm feeling self conscious about my appearance. I don't have good clothes on; only a pair of jeans and a short-sleeved shirt that's lacking a tie. My eagle's feather dances along my back. When I look the shaman over, he appears better dressed than me with a good pair of pants and shirt. No feathers in his hair. How come? We're joined by other late arrivals: young parents with a baby being held in the woman's arms. I greet them, holding the door open so they can go in ahead of us. Grandfather stays close to my side. It's very crowded inside. We take our seats near the back of the church. The preacher is quoting from the Bible. A familiar passage about Mary Magdalene's discovery of finding Christ's tomb empty. I'm looking around, admiring the stained glass windows along the upper walls and especially behind the altar. I peer at grandfather. He's also looking around but I can't read anything from his face. Our eyes meet. When he smiles, I smile back. I'm relaxing over the bench and concentrate on taking in the preacher's words. He has a nice voice to listen to. Strong and filled with articulation but too, he can speak softly and almost I can imagine that he's the 'gardener' comforting a distressed Mary when she'd asked him about the open tomb and not believing that it's really Him who's Risen and speaking to her. The preacher holds out his wrists. That's how Jesus proved to doubting Thomas who he was. We're asked to turn to page 248. The congregation rises and we sing. I'm holding the song book open between grandfather and myself but he doesn't join in singing. I'd forgotten myself for a moment. He isn't Christian. The preacher asks us to pray. I kneel over the bench and start speaking the words along with the others out loud but my eyes shut real tight. My words come from within when I Ask God for strength, to help guide me along the path set out by our grandfather so that Jes-ee-ah and me can be together while remaining separate selves. I utter 'Amen'. I'm returning to my seat and notice the old man's understanding eyes falling on me. Another lesson from the Bible is given us. I'm not really listening to the preacher because of my deepening loneliness for my lover. It's really beginning to hurt! Grandfather grips my shoulder. I turn to him with a weak grin and try listening to the rest of the sermon. The offering baskets are passed through the congregation. When it comes, I put money inside for the both of us. The ushers walk forward to the next row. This gives me the opportunity to fill out a visitor's card with my name and the town that I'm from. Grandfather has also taken one. I glance at the name he's writing with his pencil: 'He-who-runs-up-mountains'. He lists the 'Blackfoot Nation, Chinook' as his address. The preacher places our offerings on the altar after lifting each basket upwards unto Him. Then he's explaining that those who are Confirmed may come forward to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ. People in front go up first. I'm noticing how well dressed they are in silent procession. An usher steps back to our pew. I decide to go forward in spite of my street casual appearance since God doesn't mind how we look on the outside. It's the inside that counts. He knows the trials that I've faced this day. I gesture for grandfather to wait for my return. I'm one of the last to go forward. A sharp pang fills my stomach when I feel alone all of a sudden. The minister comes before me. I kneel, allowing him to place the Wafer on my tongue instead of taking it in hand. Tears fill my eyes. I'm missing Jesse so much! I try struggling to my feet but they won't respond. The minister grips my shoulder and I startle some. We look at each other for a moment. He's the one who'd been preaching. A big man. He wears a beard that surprises me for some reason. His hand waves to attract the attention of one of the servers of consecrated wine. A small glass is removed from the tray and he hands it to me. I'm drinking it down and muttering my thanks to him when handing the glass back. The preacher traces the symbol of the Cross over my forehead. He's uttering some words, in Latin? There's a burst of Light in my head! I breathe out. I'm getting to my feet and feel strength returning to me. An usher leads me back to my seat. I sit down beside grandfather. Something happened back there that I'm trying to understand. When everyone stands with books in hand, I get up and sing this joyous song from memory because I didn't hear the page number. "Alleluia! Alleluia. Christ is Risen! Alleluia. Alleluia! Alleluia..." At the end of the service, everyone turns to each other and gives an Easter greeting. I notice the curious stares given to the Indian standing beside me. He raises his hand in silent greeting to them. Then the organ plays and people start filing out of the church. We're greeted by the ministers. I have to quickly step out of the way from being ran over by an eager altar boy who runs to his mom waiting for him by the door. A bearded man comes to face me. I'm clamoring for words. "It was a good service." He studies me without saying anything for a long moment. "You are greatly troubled," the minister comments solemnly. "Yes... Father." Grandfather comes to my side. The two old men nod to the other in a sign of respect. "This is He-who-runs-up-mountains," I introduce. "Ah, yes. You are shaman of the Blackfoot Tribe. It was good seeing you in attendance today." He nods. "I came with my grandson." I'm beaming to hear grandfather say that. The minister addresses me. "You are in good hands then. Follow the path he has set down before you and you'll find inner peace." I stare at the preacher. A woman attracts his attention before I could ask him how he knew! Grandfather is turning for the front door. I'm following him outside with a question begging to be asked. "How do you know each other?" Grandfather smiles. "It is always good to know the shamans of other spiritual paths." A white jeep is parked at the curb. Grandfather gets in before I could ask him anything further about that. I climb inside. The door is shut and One-white-horse speeds off. I'm startled by a strong plea in my head. :Mike! My mom wants to take me home but I don't think we should go back there in case the police...: :I'll ask grandfather.: "Winna wants to take Jes-ee-ah home but we don't think she should!" The old man speaks in a low voice. In old Siksika that has me drawing on Krist-o-fer's knowledge to converse with him. "Tell Jes-ee-ah that Winna and him should not go." "Ah-ee, aaahs." I'm Sending that to my lover. One-white-horse is staring at us and he nearly rear ends a car that's stopped for a light. I'm pushing against the dashboard when he brakes hard. My left arm flings out to secure the old man. "Watch the road!" scolds grandfather. One-white-horse drives noticeably slower through Chinook after that. I'm glancing at his stone hard face. A smile crosses my lips. A small voice inside me shares my musings that that's to be expected from an Indian brave when scolded by an Elder. That came from Krist-o-fer. I'm looking around with concern. One-white-horse isn't driving us back to grandfather's house. Maybe he's taking a different way to get there. "We're going to my nephew's house. It will be safer for you there in case the police are watching mine." I know that grandfather can read my thoughts. A sinking feeling comes to me. I'm not going to be joining Jes-ee-ah there but he promised we would see each other! "Sah. He must wait at my house until tonight. In darkness, he'll be able to slip out the back way and join you." "Oki, aaahs!" One-white-horse gives me a startled look. "How do you know to speak in Siksika, Short Hair?" "From Jes-ee-ah." I'm closing my mouth because I don't want to tell him how. One-white-horse makes a left turn onto a dirt road. Lots of potholes. We're bouncing over our seats. I'm glad to be wearing a seatbelt, prompted by that close call we had in traffic earlier. One-white-horse parks before a small wooden house. It can't have more than a bedroom and kitchen, much to my disappointment. How can Jesse and me have privacy when we're together tonight? We get out of the pickup truck. I'm looking around at the rolling meadows stretching into the distance and its sense of familiarity speaks to me. I like this place. I'm feeling the need to walk so I do, forgetting all of my cares in my search for something. No, someone. It's with a sinking feeling that I know he won't be found. 'Not until tonight,' I Answer Christopher. I'm following a wind track that's free of snow. The wet ground soaks my gym shoes though. I come to a small rise and turn around to get my bearings. Grandfather is seen rushing into the house. Probably a weak bladder or something due to his age. One-white-horse walks at my side. I look him over, noticing his long arms and legs like I've seen in Running Water. He's slimmer though. A real scare crow of an Indian with a flat butt on him. I'd peeked down at it when he turned to look back at the house. "Isn't it beautiful?" the Indian remarks. "My house is small but it sits on nearly a thousand acres of land. I plan on raising horses here. This summer, grandfather is going to turn his herd over to me because he can't care for them any longer." They'll need water. Indians in the old day didn't need fences to contain them by striking their camp by a river or other source of refreshment. I'm getting the feel of this land from marking the placement of a steep hill to our right we called "Buffalo Watch". It was used to look for the roaming herds that passed through here. I turn to One-white-horse with a grin. "Does the spring up ahead still run strong?" The Indian gives me a startled look. "Ah. Even in the hottest part of summer. How did you know where it was?" We start walking again. I'm keeping my mouth shut. "Did Jes-ee-ah tell you?" asks One-white-horse. The Indian stops when I don't answer him. We face each other and it becomes a staring contest. I'm studying his young brown face and I see his resemblance to Running Water. They could be brothers. His hair doesn't fall as far down his back. Could he be my age? A strong memory returns to me. There was a young brave named He-goes-away who tended to our tribe's horses. That task was left to boys but he had a real knack with them, sensing the herd's mood to know if enemies were about in their intent to steal some away. That was often tried at night. The brave could hear the horses talking it was said. He's shouted out a timely warning on many occasions that brought our warriors running to thwart our enemy's raiding parties. This man looks a lot like He-goes-away. "The land has missed the stomping of horses and the thundering of buffalo but not the grass." I'm smiling to myself. "That is a good idea of yours to bring horses back here." "What did you say? I couldn't catch all your words, Short Hair. It sounds like old Siksika." I'm swallowing nervously in my throat. Those hadn't been my words but Christopher's. My eyes drop from his. "Grandfather told me to expect some strange things from you. I am sorry if I'm asking something that you can't answer." I lift my eyes to his for a moment but rest them on his slim chest. He reaches out to grasp my shoulder. In a low voice, "Did grandfather tell you why?" I'm unable to face him as much as he wants me to. "Sah," answers One-white-horse. I breathe in deeply, catching the faint waft of Spring that is soon to return to these lands. We can leave the warmth of our lodges to follow the buffalo herds and fill empty bellies. Another kind of emptiness is felt in me. I'm Reaching for Jes-ee-ah but sense that he's deep asleep. I waver over my feet when a powerful sensation is putting me to sleep. The Indian prevents me from falling. "You are tired after enduring a ritual. Let's get back to the house." With One-white-horse's arm around me, we turn and head back. I'm shaking my head to clear it. "Thank you for..." The Indian grunts in reply. We stomp our feet outside the door. When we go in, I remove my wet gym shoes while taking a look around. It's one big room. Wooden floors. No electric lights in the ceiling. There's a low bed against the right side wall, a dresser, two big trunks and a closet cabinet. A primitive kitchen is to the left. In between stands a black wood-burning heater like in the old days. I don't see a bathroom. I'm not feeling the need to go. Just wondering where it is for later. Where is grandfather? One-white-horse points towards the bed. I'm staggering there and half fall to the mattress. In only a moment, sleep takes me. I'm shaken awake. A familiar voice is Heard in my head that gets my heart beating real fast. It's Jesse! He steps back from me when I reach out to try reclaiming him in my arms. A sharp pang squeezes my stomach. Our grandfather glares at us in warning from across the room. I sit up in bed. The blanket is pushed back with my feet while my eyes stay on Jesse. He takes another step back. His eyes are downcast. I'm looking past him to the door. Two men are coming in who pull off their shoes. It's Officer Hawk-swooping-down and Elder Quiet-before-the-dawn. I'm looking for One-white-horse and see him standing outside the door. He peers in a moment before closing it. Oh. He's acting as lookout while we hold our meeting. I'm also realizing that he isn't privy to what we'll be discussing. The Indians form a circle when sitting over the floor. We're gestured to join them but from opposite sides to each other. I stare at Jes-ee-ah. His eyes touched mine for a moment but he casts them down at his knees. :What's wrong?: I Send. :Our grandfather fears a return to how we acted this morning.: Fear stabs my heart. My lover glances at me when I Ask, :Does that mean we can't be together tonight?: :We'll see. Mike! I want you in my arms but not if that leads to us losing our separate selves. Please try to understand.: :I do, love.: A deep breath fills my lungs. I tear my eyes from Jesse to look at the men sitting with us over the floor. Elder Quiet-before-the-dawn is looking over some papers in his hands. Hawk-swooping-down points out something that makes the two men frown. I'm struck by something. The officer isn't wearing his uniform. I remember watching the 'Andy Griffith' show on T.V. as a kid. He was never seen without his uniform even when off duty. Grandfather raises his hands. The room becomes quiet when he utters a prayer unto Wah-Conda. We answer as one voice, "Your blessings upon us!" All eyes go to Elder Quiet-before-the-dawn. He holds up the papers in his hands with a frown. "This is a copy of the arrest warrant for you, Mike." A heavy feeling fills my stomach. "What does it say?" The Elder reads from the warrant. "You are being charged with three counts of resisting arrest, flight from arrest, theft and most seriously, assault on a police officer." Fear stabs my heart. "What about Jes-ee-ah? Is he being charged with anything?" I ask with a trembling voice. "No. And that's an interesting point," answers Quiet-before-the-dawn. "We believe (glancing at Hawk-swooping-down) that they're trying to single you out in the hope that you'll be abandoned by our tribe. Maybe turn tail and run. That's not going to happen, Mike." Relief fills me. I knew that the Blackfoot would stand by me but I'm glad that my lover isn't in any trouble. The Elder continues speaking. "Most of these charges come from Officer Danielson. Detective Eli Kie charges you with flight from arrest and theft. The latter being what he claims is his sacred bundle." "His bundle? But he had taken that from shaman Good-eyes!" The Elder peers questioningly at grandfather. His old voice cracks. "He was a shaman of our People long ago who borne the elk skin bound mystery-man's medicine sacrifice with a spirit." "It has Passed into Short Hair and myself," Jes-ee-ah adds. "That's the rite you performed for them?" asks Hawk-swooping-down. The shaman nods. "We are getting ahead of ourselves. Let us start at the beginning of this story so that you can understand what's going on." Everyone folds their hands in their laps. I recall attending councils in the chief's lodge where the warriors did this same thing when a long account was about to be given them. But, of course, I'm referring to Christopher. "In the moons of my father, his father was shaman of our tribe who crafted a Power Bundle in the hope of bringing a truth to the People." Grandfather's eyes fall on Jes-ee-ah and myself before he continues. "Through his sacrifice, the bundle was borne with a spirit. It is Geased to this sacred task. On my grandfather's death, his son fulfilled his pledge to hide him in a cave deep in the mountains. The Power Bundle was placed in his arms. There it remained. Waiting. Yet a servant of the Dark Master found this Power Bundle and took it for an ill purpose." Upon hearing mention of the Dark Master, everyone makes a warding off gesture to evil. Even me. Grandfather pauses a moment before continuing. "For more than two generations, the Power Bundle waited to be found in the arms of my grandfather. Eli Kie took it. He is the one who murdered a white youth whom that shaman loved and he is the same man who murdered Running Water's lover who had served our People. Eli Kie is a Trickster!" The tiny hairs lift at the back of my neck. I look around the circle and see that no one doubts what grandfather has said. A thought strikes me. How did he know about Eli Kie? Did Jesse tell him? :Grandfather was part of our Passing Rite,: Jesse explains. :He knows what we know about that evil man and how he can be countered.: I'm sensing a dark emotion from my lover. It is anger. That comes from Owopspec upon learning who had killed his lover! Grandfather continues. In a mere whisper, "Strong Heart (Ron) had served our People well. He was chosen to recover the stolen Power Bundle from Eli Kie. Through a vision, he was guided to take it back from that evil servant and he did. Yet before the bundle could be returned to our People, the Trickster confronted Ron. He was shot dead. The secret of where he'd hidden it was kept from being known to Eli Kie yet he knew it was close by. Ron's spirit was Called down to guard over the bundle so evil wouldn't reclaim it. "That spirit also Called out to me. It revealed that a descendant of the shaman's lover would come to find the elk skin bound mystery-man's medicine sacrifice. He is Short Hair who sits before you." My eyes widen in surprise. Grandfather knew! but he didn't tell Jesse or me about that part of his vision. "It has not been easy for Mike because he is not familiar to our ways. Ron's spirit tried Showing him where the Power Bundle was hidden and that Eli Kie had murdered him. That frightened him. My grandson helped open Mike to this truth while in turn, he brought my grandson out of himself so that he could serve the People. Jes-ee-ah is a descendant of that shaman who crafted the Power bundle who sits before you." Jesse endures the stares given him from Hawk-swooping-down and Quiet- before-the-dawn. I give him an encouraging smile. Love bursts in our hearts for each other that we're not ashamed to reveal before the others. Grandfather continues. "I was given several visions. The first was a Call of help from the Power Bundle. The second vision was of my grandson, to guide his path in life. I Saw that when the Flower Moon comes, a boy of my choosing will blossom into manhood. This new one will be filled from the Old. He will walk forward with one foot firmly on our Mother while his other foot rises along a moon beam. His left hand pledged. His right hand to serve the People." There are gasps from Hawk-swooping-down and Quiet-before-the-dawn. "Yes. Both Short Hair and Jes-ee-ah are reborn spirits from those lovers whom the bundle's spirit has Passed into. It is done." Grandfather grasps my shoulder. My eyes go to Jesse who also beams to hear the shaman's announcement of our love in council. "Very well," says Elder Quiet-before-the-dawn. Hawk-swooping-down also utters his acceptance. "We must aid Mike in his moment of need," asks grandfather. "He was a member of our tribe as Krist-o-fer, that white youth whom our shaman of old took in. I ask that we reaffirm Short Hair as a member of the Blackfoot." Elder Quiet-before-the-dawn speaks up. "I acknowledge that Short Hair is worthy. He's brought Jes-ee-ah back to the People. I've given him an eagle's feather as a sign of his bravery when he faced Danielson. Very well." "I too acknowledge that Short Hair is worthy," says Hawk-swooping-down. "He worked on translating Strong Heart's diary to find where he'd hidden the Power Bundle and who could have killed him. Mr. Augusten told me what happened when Eli Kie confronted Short Hair with a gun. He acted with wisdom to prevent Jes-ee-ah and himself from being killed. They not only saved themselves from evil but escaped with the Power Bundle. Very well." The shaman nods his head. "Short Hair has a good heart. I know this from what Running Water has told me, from what Jes-ee-ah has said about him and with my own eyes and heart, I know how he's acted for the good of our tribe. Mike Yager still needs to undergo a formal initiation before he can be considered a full member of our tribe but for legal concerns, I affirm that as Short Hair, he be granted the protection and resources of the Blackfoot. Very well." My face is burning to hear these nice things being said about me. Grandfather claps his hands once. Everyone is smiling and my shoulder is struck hard by the three men. I'm trying not to flinch. They return to their places over the floor. "Short Hair. Will you accept me as your attorney in these legal troubles that you face?" asks Quiet-before-the-dawn. I sit up straight. "Yes. I do." "Very well. Tell me what happened this morning at your trailer." A big breath is taken. "Jesse and me realized where Ron had hidden the Power Bundle. He had Spoken to me in dreams and left me a message in my laptop. I called Hawk-swooping-down yesterday morning to tell him that we were going to my trailer to get it. When we entered the trailer park, the manager saw us. He must have called Danielson who in turn called Eli Kie but I don't know that for sure. We discovered that someone had torn up the inside of my trailer. The carpet was pulled up and holes made in the walls. Yet my bedroom was undisturbed. The spirit of the bundle prevented Eli Kie from entering there but that left it drained of power, close to death. "Jesse helped me enter my bedroom because I felt the Presence of Ron's ghost." In a low voice, "I was scared of him. We moved things so that the carpet could be pulled up. The Power Bundle was being hidden in a hollowed out space in the floor. We couldn't get to it because the chest of drawers was still in the way..." A cold shiver goes through me. "Ron's ghost moved it aside before our eyes!" The men nod their heads so I continue. "The Power Bundle was found wrapped in tissue paper. Jesse warned that he should remove it from the floor and he held it close to his chest, passing his life's energy to sustain it. Ron's ghost appeared by the door to give us his farewell. He went Above because his task here was completed." My voice is trembling. I take a moment to calm myself. "Jesse left my bedroom with the bundle. I paused at the doorway because of my fear of Ron's ghost. That was silly of me because I'd known that he'd already Flown. That's how we became separated. I'd also lingered in the front room to look for Running Water's drum. It was gone. That's when I heard my lover... ah, Jes-ee-ah's cry from outside. Eli Kie had struck him in his grab for the bundle. Jes-ee-ah was pinned under him. When I took a step down the front stairs, Eli Kie pointed his gun right at my head and demanded that I keep my hands out where he could see them. I did." Hawk-swooping-down asks, "Did Eli Kie identify himself to you as a police officer then?" "No. He didn't. Not until Mr. Augusten had his rifle pointed at him. I really think Eli Kie would have killed Jes-ee-ah and me to get that Power Bundle. If not for my neighbor's timely arrival, he would of done just that. Oh. Jesse acted really brave. When I was talking with Eli Kie from my steps, he kicked the gun out of his hand. I rushed forward but that man pulled on my lover's hair and grabbed his gun. That's when my neighbor came with his rifle and only then did Eli Kie announce that he was an undercover officer. He warned Mr. Augusten that he was interfering with our arrest." "Did Eli Kie ever tell you that you were under arrest and read you your rights?" asks Officer Hawk-swooping-down. "No. He never showed us his badge or anything!" "That's not what he told the Havre Police Captain. Eli Kie claimed that he arrested you outside your trailer and recovered his stolen property. Before he could handcuff you, an 'unknown Native American' assailant struck him from behind. They struggled and that's how Jesse got his black eye when the officer was defending himself. Eli Kie says that your neighbor came with his rifle pointed at his head. He identified himself as an undercover officer to Mr. Augusten but the old man didn't lower his weapon as ordered. Your neighbor faces charges because of it." I'm noticing again this man's lack of uniform. "Are you in trouble too?" Hawk-swooping-down slowly nods. "I've been placed on administrative leave for having allowed the two of you to escape before the Havre Police came." "You had to do that! If we had stayed, the Power Bundle would have been seized as evidence and Eli Kie would of had a chance to steal it again. I feared that Danielson could have come or some other corrupt policeman to help him. The rest of the Havre Police don't know what's really going on. They'd have believed whatever Danielson or Eli Kie told them over what we would say." "That is so. Mike. Tell me what happened back at Winna's house." "Okay. Jesse was about to open the front door. I just knew that someone was waiting for us inside and we even saw the curtains moving in the front window. I told Jes-ee-ah to flee! The street was too far away to escape so as he ran, I pressed myself flat against the left side of the door. Officer Danielson charged out with his gun pointed at Jesse. I stuck out my foot. The man fell hard to the ground so I don't know if it was my fists striking him or the fall that left him unconscious." "Officer Danielson is in the hospital," says Hawk-swooping-down. "He suffered a broken hip from his fall and a concussion from your blows. That's why the Havre Police are out for your blood, Mike. You assaulted one of their own." "They don't know that he wasn't acting as a policeman should! He was serving the interests of his employer, Miss Thomas." "We know that," says Quiet-before-the-dawn. "Officer Danielson has given them a different version of events to protect himself. I don't know the details yet but infer from the charges brought against you that his account is similar to Eli Kie's. That you've resisted arrest, assaulted him and took flight with stolen property." "How can Eli Kie claim that the Power Bundle was his property?" I ask. Quiet-before-the-dawn glances uneasily at the shaman. "He is a Native American and can legally own such a thing. I don't know the details yet but that man may be able to produce evidence in photographs of the bundle or a description to prove that it was his. We don't know how long he had it before Strong Heart stole it back from him." I sense something being kept from me. Grandfather looks uneasy and the Elder has his face guarded. Hawk-swooping-down is also puzzled. He too isn't privy to this thing about Eli Kie they are keeping to themselves. My thoughts turn to Officer Danielson. We know that he was acting in the interests of Miss Thomas but Eli Kie serves another master. An evil one. Are those two men working together or was it just coincidence that they were both after me? I'm reaching into my jeans back pocket. "This piece of paper was found on Danielson after I knocked him out." I'm handing it to Elder Quiet-before-the-dawn. "Jesse's name and address are written on it." "Hmm. It would help to know if this is Danielson's handwriting or if it was given to him as a lead to follow up on to find you." "The trailer park manager probably called him after spotting us this morning. I don't know where Danielson would get Jesse's address or why he was waiting for us there." Another thought strikes me. "That officer had parked his police car nine houses away so as to not tip us off. He was waiting for us in Winna's house! How can Danielson explain that away 'cause don't you need a warrant to enter a house?" "Yes. That is so," answers Quiet-before-the-dawn. "Can't we counter charge those two policemen for wrong doing? Eli Kie struck Jesse!" I point out my lover's black eye. "I understand your anger, Mike. Legal procedures must take their course. First, you need to turn yourself in to clear these charges against you. While you're on the loose, you and those with you are in grave danger of being shot by the Havre Police. They want to avenge their fellow officer." Grandfather speaks up. "The bundle must also be given to them." "What?" I shout. "Eli Kie is sure to get his hands on it then!" The old man nods. "I'm expecting him to. But he'll be in for a great disappointment. The spirit within that his master wants to turn towards an ill purpose has already Passed into the both of you. Eli Kie will only have a dead shell. He doesn't know this yet. As a Trickster, he has powers to reckon with that will put anyone possessing this bundle in danger from his lust to have it. He has murdered before." "Oh." My eyes go to Officer Hawk-swooping-down when fear squeezes my heart. "If I turn myself in, what prevents the Havre Policemen from beating me up or worse?" "Mike. The safest thing you can do for yourself and others is to do this. They won't dare harm you whilst in their custody." "I will stand outside the jail while you're in there!" Jesse vows. Hearing my lover's voice startles me. He's been noticeably silent during our council until now. I'm afraid for him though. Once Eli Kie learns that the bundle is a dead thing, he may take his revenge on my lover. Or on me sitting in a jail cell like a trapped animal! AUTHOR'S NOTE: If you would like to learn more about Christopher's love for his Blackfoot Indian brave, Owopspec, read my "Bare Butt Brave" series that's posted on the Nifty Archive at: www.Nifty.Org/ Please address your questions, comments or suggestions in an email to me at: Vince_Water@Yahoo.com "New to Love" is a work of fiction. None of the events or persons portrayed are real, including my depiction of officers from the Havre Police Dept. No disrespect was intended for these fine men and women who serve and protect the public. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of file: NEWLOVE9.TXT The story continues in: NEWLUV10.TXT