Page 82 of Red Hawk's Woman

Effie smiled her thanks at them all, stepped toward her tent, and, after pulling back its flap, she settled onto her blanket cross-legged. With another deep breath, she picked up her journal and pen, and without hesitation, began to scribble down notes.

The lake before him was a deep blue, surrounded by stands of willows, cottonwoods and balsam. It was a beautiful spot, a beautiful water.

It was also a treacherous loch, and legend had it that it was haunted by water creatures that could lure a man to his death.

Many an Indian soul had been lost to this body of water, and to this very day, no Blackfeet warrior dared enter into its realm without penalty.

But Red Hawk was desperate. If any body of water might house the sea dog, this would be the one.

Having purified himself in the sacred smoke of sweet grass and sage, he stood at the edge of the lake. Perhaps he would find the sea dog here in this pool, perhaps not. There was a good chance he might lose his life.

All he knew was that he had to try.

Summoning his courage, for fear of the unknown held sway over him, he prepared to take the plunge into the water. But first Red Hawk lifted his voice to the heavens, offering a prayer to the Above Ones:

“Haiya, haiya, thank you, A’pistotooki, for guiding me this day.

Haiya, haiya, thank you for allowing me to understand that the Thunderer now follows me.

Haiya, haiya, I would ask for your help again, A’pistotooki, for the Thunderer is a worthy opponent.

Haiya, haiya. A’pistotooki, I know you cannot take sides.

Haiya, haiya, but, Creator, I must find my spirit protector though I am far from my home.

Haiya, haiya, A’pistotooki, I seek your guidance that I might find the sea dog.

Haiya, haiya, I am following my vision that I might help my people, and I have discovered that the one I love also needs help. She is the one you know as the water being, Effie.

Haiya, haiya, know, A’pistotooki, that I think both can be done without one harming the other.

Haiya, haiya, Creator A’pistotooki, have pity on me.

My needs are simple. Help me to help my people and the water being.

Haiya, haiya, haiya, my prayer is done.”

With this said, Red Hawk swallowed hard and plunged into the water. Nothing immediately happened. Heartened by this, he swam from one end of the lake to the other. Though he searched on and on, he found nothing but fish, and certainly not large fish.

His mood sank, and he began to think he would have to search for the sea dog in the north country, which did his cause of defending Effie little good. For, with his hands tied morally against battle with the Thunder Being, what use was he to anybody?

Disappointed, Red Hawk surfaced, noting that the sun had long since left the sky. Day was turning to evening. Shadows were already shooting across the water.

Setting his feet on the muddy bottom, Red Hawk walked to shore. So many shadows were there that he could not tell the real thing from a reflection. He saw it, there in the water, but turned his back on it.

“Otahkohsoa’ tsis!”

Red Hawk spun around. Something had called his name.

Then he saw it. It was black, long and slimy.

A sea dog. Surely, not the same sea dog he had once confronted in a time long past. Indeed, this looked to be more snake than fish.

And then, from the water, again came the call, “Otahkohsoa’ tsis!”

“I am coming,” Red Hawk called out, and wading into the deeper water, he submerged himself. It required no small degree of stamina to confront the large, snakelike creature. Still, he swam toward it until at last he came right up to it.

The sea dog opened his mouth to show two sets of fangs. Terror filled Red Hawk’s soul, but he remained steadfast, and he said, in thought, “I am here.”