Gear, W Michael & O'Neal, Kathleen - People 03 by Gear W Michael

Author:Gear, W Michael [Gear, W Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-05-30T15:32:05+00:00

"Look at him." Brave Man gestured toward Sun Feathers. "All of you, look! Do you see any mark on his body? Do you see any sign that he fought? When evil Spirits kill a Soul Flier-, you can see it in his face, because the soul is driven off in a terrible Spirit battle. Sun Feathers lies before us in peace. Look in his mouth. Do you see blood? Does it look as if his soul was torn from his body?"

Brave Man turned, searching the faces of the Broken Stones. "No, I think he flew to the Camp of the Dead. And there he learned what Power wanted the Broken Stones to do. Knowing that, he gave us a sign--a path burned across the sky. That green fire streaked to the south, toward the home of the Sun."

Buffalo Tail licked his lips, unsure. "True, there would be a mark on his body if he'd died in a Spirit battle. I've heard that before."

Brave Man placed a hand on Buffalo Tail's shoulder. "He was your good friend. His counsel helped you to lead the people. I know how you must feel. But hear me. He went in peace after having lived a full life." Brave Man smiled reassuringly. "Buffalo Tail, you must remember all the times that Sun Feathers cured sickness, the times he Sang to bring courage in war and success in the hunt. He was part of the strength of the Broken Stones. Elders--even those as wise as Sun Feathers--die. At the same time, babies are born to renew the clan."

Buffalo Tail's shoulders sagged. He looked back at the dead Soul Flier, grief growing bright in his eyes. "Yes, I know. But I still feel a hole in my soul that will remain empty."

"So should we all," Brave Man agreed. "Come, let us prepare him.

Flying Hawk, Buffalo Leg, Yellow Rock, and Fat Elk, our finest warriors, will bear his body to a high place. There we will all Sing our praise of Sun Feathers."

"And you will help Sing, help call Thunderbird to carry his soul to the Camp of the Dead?"

Brave Man smiled warmly. "I will Sing with all my heart. I don't bear Sun Feathers any ill will. His first responsibility was to his people--to protect them from harm. One day, when I have passed as many winters as Sun Feathers, I will be as

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