Grey Eyes by Frank Christopher Busch Page A

naming,” said Singing Doe.
    â€œIt was the least I could do. Not only is he my brother’s son, but I am so grateful that you were able to assist in that unpleasant situation with the Eagle twins. The younger one still gives me dirty looks when I see her…”
    â€œHow was the naming sweat?” asked Singing Doe, changing the subject.
    â€œIt was good. Very hot. You should have seen that rabbit come out! You never saw anything move so fast. A sweat lodge with the Grey-Eye magic is always something to see. I’m glad Soaring Star Woman was feeling well enough to attend. She has not been out of her lodge much.”
    â€œFlying Rabbit Boy,” said Singing Doe to the infant in Red Dragonfly Woman’s arms.
    â€œI think that name is appropriate,” added Walking Moon Woman. “I have never seen a baby born so quickly. He was in such a rush to join our family that I almost missed him when he fell.”
    â€œMost of Nisichiwayasihk expected him to have Grey-Eyes like his cousin,” said Red Dragonfly Woman. “Everyone was talking about it, the bigger you got. Where is Little Grey Bear Boy anyway?”
    â€œHe is visiting Soaring Star Woman with his mother,” said Walking Moon Woman.
    â€œAre you still having difficulty with him?”
    â€œ Tapwe ,” sighed Singing Doe. “He has developed quite a temper. A few nights ago he got so angry when it was his bed time, that when he screamed ‘ motch ’ he blew the hides right off the lodge!”
    â€œWe were all so surprised no one moved,” added Walking Moon Woman. “You could see the full face of the Grandmother moon through the poles. He just stood there and said ‘I found the moon, mommy!’ as if nothing happened.”
    The women laughed.
    â€œOur husbands had to find the hides and cover the lodge in the dark,” said Singing Doe.
    â€œWill you try again for a girl?”
    â€œ Tapwe , we will have to,” stated Walking Moon Woman. “The Bear clan must have an heir.”
    â€œThat is a concern for another time,” interrupted Painted Turtle Man. “Now is the time to honour Kitchi Manitou ’s blessing. Creator would not allow the Bear Clan to simply fade away.”
    The others were silenced by his words. Red Dragonfly Woman returned the baby to Singing Doe, who held her new infant to her breast and smiled.
    â€œWell, I have never seen my little brother so happy,” said Red Dragonfly Woman as she stood up to leave. “I am glad I could be a part of this blessing. Let me know if you require anything. The Wolf clan stands ready to give any assistance you may need.”
    â€œ Hiy, hiy ,” said Walking Moon Woman. “May the Grandmother bear bless you with her healing.”
    â€œAnd may the Grandmother Wolf protect you and your family,” replied Red Dragonfly Woman as she left the Bear lodge.
    Walking Moon Woman got up to add wood to the fire. “I wonder when White Willow Woman will come home.”
    â€œI hope Little Grey Bear Boy is tired,” said Singing Doe. “I worry for my baby when he is in a bad mood.”
    â€œI am worried for Soaring Star,” said Walking Moon Woman. “She is not as strong as she once was.”
    â€œDon’t be afraid,” said Painted Turtle Man. “He is high spirited, but that is normal for a child his age. It is we who need to learn how to manage his magic.”
    â€œThat’s easy for you to say,” said Walking Moon Woman. “He only listens to you.”
    â€œ Tapwe ,” added Singing Doe.
    â€œPerhaps I am the only one who listens to him,” grumbled Painted Turtle Man. “We must not fear his gifts; we must learn to live with them. In time, the Grey-Eye magic will benefit all of Nisichawayasihk .”
    â€œCan it help us have a girl?” asked Walking Moon Woman.
    Painted Turtle Man did not answer; he knew his cousin’s wit far too