Friend Seeker (Perry County, Pennsylvania Frontier Series) Page 7

  The youths were not unversed in concealing their passing and Friend Seeker sometimes lost the trail. On those occasions, he was made to accompany the victorious rabbit while the youth explained how he had fooled the fox.

  Gradually, Three Feathers increased the difficulty by including the oldest boys. The older youths became deadly serious about defeating the Seeker. They resorted to more clever tricks and they covered more distance.

  Still, it became rare to encounter a new deceit. Walking backward, wading in streams, swinging into trees, and tying old hides to feet were expected. The rabbits walked logs and stone ridges. They were not allowed to cross the river or float too long distances downstream, but almost everything else was tried. One youth risked scorching by burning a field around him while lying buried within. After circling the field repeatedly without finding tracks, Friend Seeker guessed what the youth had done.

  Mouse-quiet he traversed the charred area without success until his corner vision saw a twig move. Slipping closer he saw that the twig was actually a hollow reed and the rabbit lay completely buried beneath it. Similar tube breathing had been attempted in muddy streams, but Friend Seeker thought the burning and burying unique. He blocked the flow of air through the reed and after a moment the youth appeared earth grimed and round eyed, gasping for air.

  To Three Feathers and the class, Friend Seeker made much of the youth's effort and the boy swelled with pride before the compliments. The lesson was good for both the rabbit and the fox and the incident reinforced a growing awareness in Friend Seeker that each honest attention he paid the youths of the village was repaid with added respect. Recognition of their presence made them friends and serious listening to their sometimes-childish chatter made them admirers.

  The Seeker pondered these revelations, recalling his own youthful hunger for recognition and attention. He ruefully admitted to himself that he still searched for approval. He began to suspect that all men did, regardless of their age or accomplishments. All except Three Feathers, of course. That old man of stone seemed unaffected by good or bad. His primary emotion seemed to be disagreeability—which he heaped upon his student in vast amounts.

  In many ways, Friend Seeker enjoyed the tracking competitions. Physically they were not taxing and provided respite from more grueling activities.

  Large Fish had not yet been called to act as Friend Seeker's rabbit. The Fish had grown remarkably since his severe drubbing by Friend Seeker. He was taller than most men and appeared physically powerful. His sulky presence at the class rear acted like a wet blanket upon those near him and the Seeker often caught the budding giant's eyes studying him.

  If Three Feathers considered the personality clash between Fish and Seeker, he disguised it. Friend Seeker wondered that the teacher did not release Large Fish for he no longer improved and added nothing to the class. Friend Seeker had no fear of Large Fish, but he doubted the Fish's ability to accept defeat gracefully and he saw no way the indolent, clumsy youth could successfully elude him. Friend Seeker did not look forward to the embarrassment of the confrontation and sought alternatives. He found none satisfactory but his experience with the younger boys gave him a glimmering of an idea.

  After all others had been tried, Three Feathers chose Large Fish as rabbit and watched the hulking figure disappear into the forest. Also watching closely, Friend Seeker thought the teacher's expression too bland, as though he too was hiding his thoughts. After a time, Three Feathers nodded to Friend Seeker and the student trotted off on Large Fish's trail.

  Beyond sight, the Seeker slowed to consider his plan. If it failed, he would appear a fool, but it seemed worth the risk. The Fish was not clever. As he was also lazy; his effort would not be remarkable. Friend Seeker had long believed he knew Large Fish's intentions. The Fish would go to the creek. He would wade and swim upstream until he reached the bluff at the swimming place. He would climb the bluff and hide himself in their giant hemlock. In so doing, Large Fish would not have to work hard and if discovered, his acts could be interpreted as disdain for games beneath his participation. If he was undiscovered, his simple scheme would appear clever and well-reasoned.

  Friend Seeker ran directly for the tree. The Fish would move slowly in the water and he would dry himself before climbing the bluff. With luck, the fox could reach the hemlock before the rabbit.

  The hemlock grove lay empty and the Seeker quickly scaled the great tree, each hand or toe hold as familiar as an old moccasin. One limb above Large Fish's favorite he stretched out hoping he had guessed right, and listening for the Fish's approach.

  Time dragged and only the singing of insects broke the quiet. Later, boys would cluster here and shrill voices would mix with creek splashings. Could even Large Fish be this slow? Friend Seeker began to question his reasoning.

  Finally he heard sounds from the creek. His heart raced as he waited, knowing it must be the Fish, but fearing to be certain until his eyes saw.

  Again there was silence and Friend Seeker could imagine Large Fish drying himself so he would not leave wet splotches on the cliff. Then he came, grunting with effort and dislodging shale that muddied the creek. The Seeker could have found his trail by moonlight!

  High in the tree, Friend Seeker could not see the Fish but he heard him begin the climb. He settled himself into a position with his back to the climber and pretended to be peering across the forest.

  The Fish did not see him until close below. At his startled grunt Friend Seeker jumped in surprised alarm, almost falling from his perch. Avoiding looking at Large Fish's jaw hanging astonishment, he clapped himself fiercely along the head and spoke with great chagrin.

  "Trapped! You trapped me like a snared rabbit, Large Fish, and I didn't even hear your approach!"

  He risked a look at the Fish but the big youth had still not recovered. "I lost your trail at the stream and sought our old lookout in hopes of seeing your movement. Instead, you crept upon me quieter than a panther. How will I explain this to Three Feathers?" Again he clapped his hand to his head, observing that Large Fish was beginning to understand.

  Friend Seeker gave the Fish no opportunity to ruin things by speaking too soon. "We must tell Three Feathers at once, Large Fish. This will not please him, but the quicker he knows the sooner it will be over.

  "Come, we will go to him at once and I will explain how silently you stalked me so that I nearly fell from surprise, but you will have to tell how you did it, for I too wish to learn your secret."

  The run to the village was made in silence and Judging from his intense expression. Large Fish was laboring with his explanation. Friend Seeker laughed to himself. How Large Fish's mind must be broiling. He lacked the will to admit the truth and could not fully believe stumbling into such luck.

  Three Feathers and his class listened in silence to Friend Seeker's enthusiastic explanation of his entrapment by Large Fish's cunning stalk. The class was delighted and the Fish began to swell with importance.

  The Fish explained in detail his trackless course up the creek and his climb up the cliff face following his hunch that Friend Seeker might, after losing his trail, use the lookout in trying to find him. As he spoke of his climb and Friend Seeker's astonishment and almost fall from a limb, the students listened raptly, slapping their thighs in appreciation.

  When Large Fish had finished, Three Feathers dismissed his pupils and they departed, surrounding a firm-jawed and arrogant striding Large Fish. The teacher's eyes told Friend Seeker to stay.

  They sat silently for a time, with Three Feathers' smoke rising between them. Finally the teacher leaned back with a sigh and half a chuckle. "Now, oh Seeker, I would hear the true story."

  Friend Seeker grinned, undismayed that Three Feathers had not believed a word of it. He explained his actions and waited the teacher's comments.

  "Why did you do these things, Friend Seeker? Why bother when Large Fish is not your friend?"

  The Seeker frowned, selecting the right words. "To defeat Large Fish is not di
fficult. He is a poor opponent, Three Feathers. Yet his size makes him feel that he should be special. Defeat rankles him and he broods on it. By overcoming Large Fish, I make an enemy, but losing under circumstances he does not understand will make him less unfriendly yet wary of trying again. He has gained respect in the eyes of those who matter to him and he will not risk losing it. For a while, Large Fish will be easier to handle." Slightly embarrassed by his lengthy explanation, Friend Seeker added, "At least those were my thoughts, Three Feathers.'

  Again the teacher smoked silently, his eyes half-lidded as though nearing sleep. Finally he spoke. "Your reasons are sound, Friend Seeker. Your thoughts ran deep and your performance was believable to those expected to believe. Only a few moon turnings ago you would also have believed Large Fish a powerful challenge. Now you play with his thoughts and roll him about as you wish.

  "From this you can measure your progress, but do not too often resort to cleverness. Be wise and be cunning, but be also strong and ruthless. Each is a weapon and the warrior must know which weapon to choose for each combat.

  "Sooner or later the warrior must stand. You will fight when you go for Late Star. Do not let your understanding of others weaken your will. Be equally ready to use your club and arrows when that is the right course."

  — — —

  Chapter 7

  During the corn-weeding time, Three Feathers took his student to a special place, They traveled by canoe a short distance upstream to where the Juniata flowed around a rock ledge. Despite regular flooding, an island had formed and a few large trees flourished on the higher ground.

  Three Feathers chose a seat where he could look far down river and Friend Seeker dutifully squatted before him. Drawing forth pipe and tobacco, Three Feathers indicated that his student should this time sit beside him. He removed a coal from a fire-carrying bowl and blew it to a cherry glow. Tobacco lighting often took time and Three Feathers seemed content to wait until his pipe was drawing just right.

  He uttered a satisfied grunt and gestured toward the flowing water. "Have you noticed, nephew, that water flowing away is more restful than water flowing toward you?" Friend Seeker admitted to not having thought about it.

  Three Feathers puffed and examined him from eye corners. "You have labored diligently these past moons, nephew. If you have not shown brilliance in all things, neither have you shirked or complained unduly. "I ask you now if your thoughts have changed. Do you perhaps no longer wish to search for Late Star, or do you no longer desire to seek the warrior's way?"

  "My thoughts remain true, Three Feathers. Only my patience falters. Must I wait until snow falls? Must I first carry logs up Kittatinny Mountain? I wish to return Late Star to his people before he forgets who they are." Friend Seeker was surprised at his own vehemence, but the words felt good and they came from his heart. He braced for Three Feathers' scathing retort, but none came. The old warrior smoked on, seeming to weigh his student's words.

  Finally he spoke, his voice patient.

  "You have grown, Friend Seeker. Seldom do your thoughts wander idly and your words, though often unruly, are now few. You have learned to tolerate small hardships and discomforts and I suppose you have improved some of the skills you will need.

  "Welcome though these things are, your real testing is yet to come. Above all things, a warrior must endure. Few are his moments in battle but long are his trails. Many are his days without fire or shelter and often he is weary unto death. He may suffer wounds and live with a stomach twisted in tension. He may sleep little and eat less but he must endure, for if he does not, his enemy will surely count the final coup. I have not seen you falter, nephew, and that is good, but patience is the brother of endurance and in this you are lacking.

  "First I will speak of your wish to search for Late Star." He blew smoke and became stern.

  "It is easy to think yourself ready and rush south to the Piscataway, but it is also foolish. Your judgment of when you are ready has no meaning, for you know not what you face. We who have traveled the warrior paths, we who have fought both beside and against Piscataway have learned the lessons. If it were not so, our bones would whiten in distant places as those who only thought they knew now molder. We who have seen can make your way possible, though never sure. The ways of war are never certain, for the Great Spirit allows chance to enter combat.

  "Friend Seeker is not bound to his teacher or to wise choices. Because you have recognized your need to improve, you have proven an acceptable student. So you have grown, so you have been wise—to this sun.

  "You speak of snow flying. The snow will be gone before Friend Seeker will be ready to take the Piscataway trail. There is far more to learn than the student dreams. Only the first steps on that trail have been taken, and one does not run along the training path. As moons were needed to prepare your body and will, so other moons will be devoured by other tasks.

  "Properly, a warrior is a member of a society. He is strengthened by brothers to each side. Together their power is greater than their numbers for they act as one and eliminate individual weaknesses. To act together requires special training, for great trust and understanding are needed.

  "The same is true for a warrior fighting alone. He must avoid his weaknesses as he must trust and understand his strengths. To stand alone a warrior must test himself alone. He cannot suppose he can accomplish all tasks; he must know he can from having already done so.

  "Friend Seeker will begin collecting such confidence from this island. His teacher chooses this beginning for it was at such a place in a summer of his own youth that Three Feathers first set forth.

  "Even now that time is fresh in Three Feathers' memory. Then his name was Loon Call, and though he hoped for much, his knowledge was little. Perhaps as little as Friend Seeker's. For a hand of days, Loon Call lived alone before returning to his teacher. During those suns he learned many things.

  "For five suns Friend Seeker will avoid all others. He will travel far and never retrace his steps. On the sixth day he will approach the fire of Three Feathers and describe all that he has learned."

  Three Feathers rose and stretched, unmindful of his joints snapping like breaking twigs. He knocked his pipe empty and carefully extinguished each coal with a moccasin while replacing his pipe in his carrying pouch.

  Without words, he raised a hand to Friend Seeker and pushed off in the canoe. The current carried him swiftly downstream, leaving Friend Seeker alone on his island.

  — — —

  Friend Seeker watched the canoe depart with both surprise and pleasure. Although he had trained alone, his time had been scheduled and filled with harsh demands. Days of freedom appeared wonderfully restful. He stretched, then slouched against the warm earth deciding how he could best occupy his time. His stomach rumbled warning of approaching hunger, and he was reminded that without notice of his separation from others he had come away without tools or weapons.

  He attempted to dismiss such worries and return to pleasant thoughts. The early fall weather was clear and he could find berries or catch a fish—which he could not cook!

  He sat up sharply and began to think seriously about his situation.

  Plainly he could survive five days even if he ate nothing other than berries and raw fish, but that could not be Three Feathers' test. What then was the test? He tried to look ahead and immediately saw that the judging would come when he approached Three Feathers' lodge on the sixth day and told what he had done and what he had seen.

  Could he come in and simply say, "I have survived." How the old one's lip would curl. No, he would be judged on how he had improved his situation. Friend Seeker began to look around.

  He wore clout and moccasins. He had no other possessions. He could build a shelter but not on a barren island and a shelter would do little as Three Feathers had ordered him to travel far and not retrace his steps. He had no fire. Grimly he recalled Three Feathers thoroughly destroying each coal from his pipe. He would have to plan carefully and make each
act important and lasting. Otherwise he would return hungry and miserable to the lodge of his teacher.

  First he would leave the island. He chose the far bank of the Juniata. There he would be beneath the Buffalo Mountain and gain distance from the village. If Three Feathers requested he avoid others he would do so. He rose, carefully thonged his moccasins at the ankle and swam and waded to the far bank.

  Ashore, he trotted downstream to an open glade where he wrung out his clout and hung it to dry. Naked, except for moccasins, he found two stones and used them to cut wiry green vines which he fastened into a half dozen rabbit snares. He hung the snares along well-used rabbit runs and returned to the glade.

  He had seen clay close to a small streamlet and returning there, he dug a double handful of the bluest.

  He kneaded the clay into softness and removed any gravel bits he could feel. Returning to his glade he formed the clay into a number of small bowls and placed them on a sunny rock to dry. For each bowl he fashioned a clay stopper, and using a straw, pushed small air holes through each. These too he laid out to harden in the sun.

  Aided by earnest grumbling and his stones, he wore away a sassafras branch and a straight length of hickory from a dead sapling. Using green vine he strung the sassafras into a fire-starting bow. The hickory he sharpened on limestone into a dull point.

  Finding the driest moss and the almost powdery kindling from within rotten logs took time and afternoon sun was lowering before he felt ready to make fire. He chose a downed forest giant and placed his driest tinder in a close circle on top of the log. He wound his hickory starter into his vine bowstring and forced the sharpened tip downward against the log. Then he began sawing the bow back and forth. The friction between log and hickory mounted and heat rose quickly. He paused only to force his tinder closer and within moments a wisp of smoke appeared. He sawed harder and the smoke thickened. Gently he blew on the smoldering tinder and shielded it from unwanted breeze. As the smoke thickened, he saw tiny sparks glow and he nourished them with breath and more tinder. Suddenly, a weak flame darted, strengthened, and grew. He carefully added twigs and sat back to admire his fire.