10 Years After

Chapter 20

The Eagle is in a hurry to get home.The woman they found in the Nevada desert has not shown any improvement.Is it time to seek medical help from others? They could go to a hospital and confine her there.But something tells him ,this is not the answer.
He is not like his Indian brothers.He has 2 degrees to his name.Beside being a lawyer,he is also a geodetic engineer.His profession had shown him how progress can make your life easier.How science can save your life.How to make it longer,by following the do"s and dont's of life.
The era of his great grandfather's method of healing belongs to the past.But his Indian brothers still cling to the tradition of old.His grand father is aware of this.He tried to introduce modern technique to his healing.You can often hear him saying to his patients that there are capsules,tablets,medicines that can alleviate their pain faster than herbs.It is not always advisable to self medicate.They have a drug store being manned by licensed pharmacist that could advice them.They are also Indians.They are always ready to serve the Indian community.
Being exposed to modern ways,modern beliefs,modern practices,he can't remove the feeling that the woman is more safe in where she is now,in their home.His great grandfather is a good herbal doctor.Even he,despite being educated in the Western world had seen miracles done by his great grandfather.His knowledge is almost mystical.
Since they had taken the woman to their home,he always visit her before going to work.He also visits her at night.Even in his dreams he is often with her.Her cries torment him.
It is no different tonight.He woke up perspiring.He heard the woman shouting for help.He hurried to the guest room.He held the woman's hand."I'd like to help you.Show me how..Your condition is not getting worse but I see no signs of improvement.If I can only take away your pain ,I will.I'm willing to make it my own."He looked at her face.The bruises had turned bluish now.It's a good thing ,her faced had been spared.Her arms and legs are in a splint.She looks like a doll whose body parts are supported by wood.He went back to his room.
He had another dream.He saw an eagle flying alone.He knows it is his spirit brother.He landed on top of a rock protruding on a mountain top.The eagle looked at his sorroundings as if checking if everything is well in his territory.He then flew again.He swooped downwards.He flew up again.He expected to see a rabbit in his claws but to his surprise he has a rose in it.He woke up again.It's morning now.Time to go to work.He put on his office clothes.He went to the guest room.He took her hands into his and suddenly he uttered a cry of pain.
It is her mother who came at once.Seconds later,his grandfather followed.They found him on the floor.He tried to stand but he can't.His great grandfather and mother carried him to a nearby chair.
"What happened?"asked old man Bear.The Eagle shook his head.He is in pain.He is perspiring heavily.The pain in his legs and arms are unbearable.Old man Bear touched his great grandson's legs.He was surprised."How come you have broken bones?Did you hit on something hard?.The Eagle shook his head.The great grandfather couldn't fully understand what happened but he got a hunch his great grandson is not telling them everything.He'll know it in time.As of now he has to get a wheelchair for The Eagle so he can move about.
There are also stories circulating that the Old Man Bear has a dying woman in his care.Some women brave enough had confronted Nara about this."Is she still alive?"asked Wild Flower.Wild Flower is one of the Indian girls who is after The Eagle."Of course she is.!She is recovering slowly"said Nara.
"Is she beautiful?"asked Wild Flower.Nara answered truthfully."As of now her face is bruised.But I'm sure she is beautiful.Every time I rub some medication on her I could feel the contour of her face.It's delicate.