Free Snow Eagle by Shirley A. Roe

out repeatedly to Sunflower but she did not look at him. She knew that she must make her choice. She had trained all of her life to sit as an Elder, with the good of all of the people as her prime objective. She never thought she would have to sit in judgment of her own flesh and blood. Her own guilt was still fresh in her mind. It had been her plan that had gone wrong and placed her son in jeopardy. A mother's love can overcome many obstacles but the look in her son's eyes could no longer be denied; it was the look of evil. Her soul was in torment.
    Little Fawn sat remembering hours earlier when Snow Eagle had arrived just as they were retiring for the night. She had run to his arms, pulling him close, thankful that he was alive. Their reunion was short lived. Her husband had traveled many miles without rest to save his people. He had important news to pass on and it was not long before bedrolls were set up, the fire left burning and the people fled to hide in the trees. Sunflower had been shocked to hear that White Fox traveled with the Caribou Hunters. Gray Wolf and his men surrounded the camp, laying in wait for the intruders and White Fox. Troubled by her thoughts, Little Fawn's eyes moved to Sunflower. How must she feel having to sit in judgment of her own son? Was she the one that released White Fox? Would the rest of the tribe ever trust Sunflower again? Does she deserve their trust?

CHAPTER SIX

    “We will sit in a Peace Ceremony with the Elders of the Caribou Hunters.” Snow Eagle spoke directly and with respect to Charging Elk. “Our people are tired from our long journey and we have many miles to travel to the sea. My son, Gray Wolf and I will go with you to the Tagish village. We wish you no harm.” Snow Eagle realized the severity of the situation. Custom and tradition would dictate how this discussion proceeded but he must weigh each word carefully.
    “Our chief demands the return of his daughter, she must accompany us.” Charging Elk looked over to Frightened Deer. “Songbird belongs with our people.”
    “The girl you call Songbird is now the squaw of Gray Wolf. He has saved her life and she belongs to him. We will bring three of our slaves as offering to your chief.” Charging Elk let the words sink in, if Gray Wolf had saved Songbird's life, she was then obliged to stay with him. Traditions and customs were the backbone of their society and could not be challenged. Charging Elk was not pleased but must oblige. It also confirmed his earlier thoughts that White Fox's story was false. It was likely that it was White Fox that had threatened the girl's life.
    Dancing Bear moved to remove the restraints on his friend. “No, leave White Fox bound. We are not done with him.” Snow Eagle signaled for Dancing Bear to move away. Sunflower glared at Snow Eagle.
    “I demand to know how the woman's life was threatened and by whom.” Charging Elk's voice was hard and demanding. Snow Eagle and the rest of the Elders knew that this was Charging Elk's right. Eyes turned to Sunflower. Instinctively she looked towards White Fox. Walks with Fire followed her gaze and spoke for the first time since their capture.
    “I knew he could not be trusted. It was White Fox that tried to kill our sister, I will kill him myself.” Walks with Fire glared with hatred at the now quivering White Fox. Snow Eagle sensing the tension growing regained control of the crowd. He rose and asked Frightened Deer to enter the circle; he now referred to her as Songbird. The frightened girl walked towards him but her eyes remained on Charging Elk. Snow Eagle instructed Little Fawn to bring three of the captive slaves into the circle as well. Gray Wolf stared with jealousy at Charging Elk, as he held Songbird's gaze.
    One of the slaves, Walks Tall Woman was placed opposite Songbird. “It will be your choice Charging Elk. You will reject anyone you do not find satisfactory.” Charging Elk looked the tall, strong, young woman over carefully;