The Legend of Black Wolf - Sully's Journey Home

Chapter Nineteen

        A great sadness hung over the camp upon Cloud Dancing's return and drums beat an ominous rhythm which told him something bad had happened long before he came in sight of his tribe. One of the young braves who had not made his spirit quest yet waited for him at the edge of camp, earnestly dragging him to Black Kettle's camp as fast as he could. The young one spoke of Owl Through The Trees ascending to the spirits, and Cloud Dancing's heart grew heavy with the news. He had been the eldest in their tribe and was greatly loved by all. The winter had been a hard one for him, and he had needed Cloud Dancing's help many times recently, but had pulled through and found new strength as the spring had returned. Now the medicine man felt guilty that he had been away, searching for Black Wolf, when his fellow brother had needed him.  

        Black Kettle met him there as he stood listening to the drums, his face solemn.

        "Owl Through The Trees has left us for the spirit world. There is much to do." The Chief said to Cloud Dancing. They stepped inside his tent to discuss what had happened. Cloud Dancing sighed and asked about details. "In the heat of the day, when all was quiet…that is when the Great Spirit called him. His wife has been waiting for you. I asked others to gather supplies." Black Kettle said.

        Cloud Dancing nodded apologetically and the two talked about what would be needed for the ceremony. "I will go to her at once." Cloud Dancing said. "I should have been here."

        "Cloud Dancing." Black Kettle called his medicine man back before he could walk away. "She is not angry with you. We understand you have much to do. As our eldest member, he must be given all the honor we can give. The spirits must know how we loved him." Black Kettle had a sad note in his voice. The shadows that fell on his face from the flames of the fire showed that it had been a long day for the Chief. He had often looked to Owl Through The Trees when considering tough decisions of how to lead the tribe. His wisdom would be greatly missed by all. Cloud Dancing nodded, the two shook, and he went directly to Owl Through The Trees family tent.

        It was late when he returned to his own tent, and Snow Bird was waiting for him. She was glad to know that he had tended to his tribe upon returning. He ate heartily as she sat next to him by their fire, their son slept soundly off to the side.

        "And Black Wolf?" She asked after a long silence. She'd known he had gone looking for the white man earlier in the day. After hearing of their tense discussion about listening for prayers, she had not been surprised that the white man had stormed off. Cloud Dancing was often a man who was hard to understand. Many found his wisdom of the spirits hard to follow, even though it was correct.

        "I cannot find him. He built his fire high on the ridge, but was gone west by the time I got there." Cloud Dancing said quietly as he finished his meat. There was a bit of frustration in his voice. She, too, worried that the strange white man might get himself into trouble if he tried to do too much on his own. She had seen him when he had arrived, almost starved to death and heart sick. She knew her husband felt responsible for Black Wolf after saving him from the dark spirit that had haunted him. For whatever he had learned while being a warrior for the white war chief, living in the wilderness here was not something that came to anyone easily.

        "You have much to do tomorrow. It will be fine." She said as she offered him more to eat. But Cloud Dancing shook his head at the food.

        "Yes, much must be done to honor Owl Through The Trees as he begins his journey back to Mother Earth. I have no time to go search for Black Wolf tomorrow." He drank long from his cup, trying to hide his concern for where Sully might have ended up. She touched his shoulder to comfort him.