The Ancient Tale of Standing Bear

Introduction

Deep, deep in the ancient forest, heavy with the woodsmell of an hour's old spring shower. Past the ancient oaks and the watchful, patient pines, older than memories. Well beyond the boulder fields whose tombstone-like shapes are spectators to the rise and fall of distant mountain ranges, and not quite to the river, sits the grizzled old woodsman. He has been the guardian of these near sacred lands long enough to have each tree, boulder, stream and field feel as familiar as a comfortable chair in a well occupied home. Tonight, beside the dry smoky warmth of the cool fire, he sits and waits.

Suddenly, the faint but clear snap of a dry twig. Caught beneath the weight of a nocturnal traveler, the dry branch announced the visitor's approach like the crack of a musket shot.

With senses honed to a keen edge by the flint and steel of his chosen way of life, every nerve in his body twitched into life just as battle hardened soldiers react to the cocking of a pistol. Breath came to a halt, the stars spun in the cloudless night sky as seconds passed. The Old Ranger carefully placed the battered guitar against the rock face that framed the mouth of the cave. Not a sound. Not a breath of air passed aching lungs. If this were a friend, surely another footfall would be heard. After all, there is no reason for friends to... Another sound, but it was just the pop of a dying ember. Finally, with eyes stinging from the dry heat of the hardwood fire he could make out the shape of a traveler.

Tall and slender, with a long stride that marked someone who was not a stranger to mountain travel, the traveler came into view. The fire's fading glow reflected off pale blue jeans, a white sweat shirt and long dark hair pulled back into a tight pony-tail.

"Pull up a log," said the old ranger as his gnarled hand made a sweeping gesture that beckoned the traveler to join him and share the warmth of the campfire. So it was with a heavy sigh and the crunch of a backpack hitting the damp ground that she settled into a hollow in the log and leaned back against the tree. Although they had never met before, nothing but silence passed between them for several minutes as they listened to the crickets and frogs network across the valey as the stars continued their infinite journey across the crisp western sky.

When The Old Ranger spoke again, his voice was as smooth as mountain molasses. "Long way up for a lone traveler. We're a day's hike up from the river and six hours from the fire road. What brings you up here?"

More seconds passed before long rehearsed words relplaced the raspy breathing of aching lungs purchased with the strain of a day long march. Her clear voice pleased the mountain man as her story began.

"My village lies beyond your world, but my heart is a neighbor. My father is a wise man of our vilage. He is called a Shaman in tha language of the Havasupai tribe. I am known as Lili-luna or as you would say in your tongue, Little Moon. I beg for your hospitality and wish to draw from your knowledge. If you could part with an hour of your time, my people would be forever grateful." Little Moon continued: "Many generations ago, stories were told by the aged ones of the village, stories about a noble animal with a spirit that was the equal of any warrior. Our people have been divided by many years and over vast distances. Over these many years it is sad but the tale has been almost lost. We can no longer say if the tale is a fable or if it is a true message of pride and great courage. It is for this reason that I make this request for my people and for the small ones who need such tales to learn. Your knowledge of the ancient world is renowned as is your reputation for your skill as a woodsman. Share with us if you can the Ancient Story of Standing Bear."

The Old Ranger spoke: "Your travels have been long and arduous. Your heart is strong and true. Your request is timely, for my memories are still strong." However, in one respect, you are to be corrected. You have requested an hour of my time but there is more to this tale of bravery and character. If you have such a need for this tale, you must be able to witness several sunrises and sunsets to see the meaning of the whole story and learn it so it may be passed on. For this story runs like a bright thread through the long history of this world. It will take some time. Rest now, with the coming sunrise we will begin."

Chapter 1