CHAPTER SIXTEEN #3
When they returned to Czanna's lodge and stepped through the open tepee flap, Briella came face-to-face with Red Fox.
"My father wishes to speak to you, Poka'aki. And, to you, George."
"He does?" Briella asked. "Do you know why?
"I do not know," replied Red Fox. "All I can tell you is this: he wishes to speak to you."
"I see. Then, of course, I will go there with you. Are we to leave now? Or would you like to share a meal with me here in my sister's lodge first?"
"It would pleasure me if we could go to my father now and take a meal together later."
Briella nodded. "Then, it shall be."
As she followed Red Fox toward his father's lodge, Briella couldn't help wondering why Red Fox's father was asking to see her.
Yes, she knew him. She had met him several times in the past, although he had paid her little attention then.
Indeed, she was more acquainted with Red Fox's mother and his sister, Sweetgrass Woman.
Also, why had Weasel Plume specifically asked for her to accompany Red Fox to his lodge now? She understood the reason for him singling out George. But, why was he asking to see her?
Was it his intention to try to forbid her from marrying his son? Scold her? Perhaps curse her?
Or was he simply intent on pleading with both her and Red Fox to refrain from marriage? Unfortunately, if that were his purpose, the request would come a little too late.
She inhaled deeply to try to dispel the melancholy hanging over her, but the mood remained, leaving her no option but to blindly follow both Red Fox and George.
She recognized Weasel Plume's tepee at once from the pointed blue triangular shapes along the bottom edge of the dwelling to the black weasel silhouettes painted upon its center.
Even the ear flaps at the top of the lodge mirrored the blue triangular shapes at its base, though the tepee flaps were also painted with the stars of the Seven Brothers on the top of one side and the Pleiades constellation on the other side.
These images, portrayed upon a white-tanned buffalo hide, added to the quiet beauty of the lodge. Additionally, several other painted lodges of family and clan members were encamped alongside it. She recognized them all.
It reminded her of her youth when she, George and Red Fox had traipsed around these lands from morning until dawn.
As she entered into the lodge, she followed Sweetgrass Woman and sat down next to her near the entrance to the right.
Weasel Plume lay on his bedding at the back of the tepee, directly across from the entrance.
The medicine man, First Rider, and his wife, Liliann, were attending to him, and the rapid beat of the medicine drum told Briella more than words could have that the man was very ill.
A small fire in the center of the lodge brightened it a little, while along the left side of the lodge sat Weasel Plume's wife, who was crying beneath her blanket, which she held over her head.
She didn't peek out from the blanket until Red Fox murmured, "Oki, nitsitapiimiksa, hello, my family.
I bring Poka'aki and my partner, George, with me as my father has requested. "
Amazingly, Briella witnessed Weasel Plume rise up onto one arm and look outward. He said in English, perhaps for her benefit, "You have brought her here."
"áa, I have done as you requested."
Both First Rider and Liliann, made room for Red Fox as he squatted down next to his father. Taking hold of his father's hand, he murmured, "I'taamaissko'taahkayo'p, we have all arrived home safely and joyously."
"Joyously?" asked his father, again in English.
"Indeed, yes," answered Red Fox. "It is always a joyous occasion when we are able to return to camp."
For a moment, Briella wondered if Weasel Plume knew she spoke excellent Blackfeet. But, the thought quickly vanished when he coughed.
Clearing his throat, Weasel Plume said, switching from English to the Blackfoot language, "As you know, I wish to speak to you, my son, before I die, and I would like to say a few words to your woman, also."
"But, I…we—" Red Fox protested.
"I know she is your woman, so do not pretend she is not."
Red Fox then turned slightly and held out his hand toward Briella. He asked, "You heard what he asked?"
Briella nodded, and, rising up, she stepped around the fire, pacing in back of the others. When she reached the back of the lodge, she squatted down, sitting upon the calves of her legs, and, reaching out, she took hold of the hand Red Fox extended to her.
When Weasel Plume also held out a hand toward her, she took hold of it with her other hand, and when he looked up at her, she smiled.
Speaking once more in English, he said, "So pretty you are, my daughter-in-law.
It is no wonder my son is so much in love with you that he was willing to walk away from his family to be with you.
" When Briella started to speak up, Weasel Plume uttered, "No, no.
I know it is true. You need not try to calm this old man.
You see, I know now that the heart leads the minds of men, and this is how the Creator of us all intended it to be.
I ask only one favor of you, my daughter-in-law.
Be kind and ever faithful to my son. I was wrong to argue with him because of his marriage to you.
I know now you will make him a good wife. "
"I…I…" stammered Briella. "I will do this to the best of my ability. But, there are—"
Red Fox suddenly squeezed her hand, and Briella bit her lip before adding, "I love your son with all my heart, sir, and I will endeavor to make him happy in all ways that I can."
"It is good," said the elder. "It is good."
Reverting again to the Blackfoot language, Weasel Plume said, "And now, my son, I have a favor to ask you.
My sits-beside-him-wife wishes to become one of the sacred women in the Medicine Lodge Ceremony this summer.
By doing this, she hopes to beg favor of the Creator to restore my health.
The ceremony starts tomorrow. I would like you to be there.
I would like your woman to be there, too. "
Red Fox answered in sign, saying only, "Yes."
Briella did the same.
The old man sighed and lay back against his pillow. He murmured, "Then, I am very pleased. Very pleased, indeed."