Death's Horse Throws A Shoe

Part 8

Jeb had gotten stronger the last few weeks and the ache in his back had lessened to a mere inconvenience. If he moved wrong, he would be reminded again of the bullet that had buried itself in him. Life in the camp was peaceful, but Jeb was getting edgy. He never liked to stay in one place for too long. He had a profound sense of wanderlust and wanted to move-somewhere, anywhere. Something kept him put even when Red Bear would allow him to ride a little bit, he always came back. The old Indian's demeanor suggested that he knew that Jeb would not leave. The nagging feeling that there was more to learn about his mother, and that Red Bear would eventually get around to it. Jeb still did not know what the old man's connection was with his mother and how much he knew about Jeb. He figured it would all come out sooner or later Whenever that was. He was starting to get impatient.

The weather had begun to turn. Jeb figured he had been in the camp for nearly a month. Edward was evasive when asked what day it was, saying that it did not matter only that the seasons turn and time moved on regardless. After a while, Jeb stopped asking. It was definitely getting colder. The air had a nip and it would be snowing soon. Jeb and Edward spent most of their time gathering wood and hunting for meat to smoke and skins to keep them warm. They collected wild grasses for the horses and stored everything in one of the tepees. Red Bear looked into the sky and said that winter would be harsh one. Jeb did not want to think about spending an entire winter in the camp but did not say anything.

The snows came quickly and they were stuck for the winter. Jeb spent his time helping Edward with the camp's chores and all that time it seemed that Red Bear did nothing but stare into the fire. He would sing occasionally but Edward could not or would say what the words meant.

The days wore on and the snow piled up the sides of the tepees in drifts three feet high and they spent a great deal of time around the fire. Jeb was gnawing on some smoked venison when Red Bear looked away from the flames for what seemed like the first time in weeks. His dark eyes pierced into Jeb's soul.

Then he spoke, "It is time."

Jeb was stopped up short. In the three months he had been with the pair, Red Bear had never spoken English only his native tongue. It took him by surprise and he sat there stunned. Red Bear rose and entered the tepee that Jeb had laid for so many days. Edward got up and beckoned Jeb to follow. The fire was already roaring when he pushed the flap aside. The old man was preparing for something, taking herbs from the walls and mixing them into a bowl. Edward set out some items: a shaker, the old man's pipe and a skin with water in it. Red Bear mixed the herbs and with it a little water. He stirred it silently while Jeb sat and watched in silence.

When Red Bear spoke again it was in Navaho and Edward translated. "It is time for you to open your mind. Unlock the memories that hide within. Only then can you begin your true healing."

Edward handed the bowl to Jeb and motioned for him to drink. He drank. The potion was bitter and reeked like old sweat. Red Bear told him to drink it all.

The boy took the empty bowl and translated, "You will relive the events of your past all the way to the beginning. Some of the visions will not be pleasant."

Jeb's vision began to blur. Red Bear began to chant.

"He calls to the spirits of the land to help you with your journey. He calls to your spirit guide. You can lean on him when things get rough. He's also asking that they protect you from the Coyote who would like for you to see lies for his own entertainment." The chanting continued. "You will regress, see events from now and moving into the past." The chanting became more energetic and the shaker rattled with the tempo. "Do not fight it. It will be easier if you just let go."

Jeb could not stop himself from resisting, but the herbs and the chanting and the acrid smoke of the fire clouded his mind. He knew that his eyes were open, but the view darkened before him. It was like watching his life in reverse. He was in the camp and then laid up and wounded. He relived the visions he had while fighting for his life, but he watched as an outside-away from his body and yet still feeling everything that he had felt.