Excerpt
Toward the Setting Sun
It was late spring following two winters with the First Light People when Finten
and his six companions prepared to leave with Fire Maker and his daughter, Yamka,
for the land of the Mandans, somewhere in the direction of the mid-summer
sunset. The night before their departure, the First Light People gave a farewell
feast, a special ceremony of departure. Rordan’s choir sang a beautiful song of
farewell, which he had composed in the language of the First Light People.
When we see our sister moon full-bellied in the evening sky,
we will ask her to watch over you, children of the earth.
When we hear the song sparrow, happy in the spruce tree,
we will ask her to sing you happy memories.
When we feel cold winter wind,
we will think warm thoughts of you.
We will always be your people.
Your people will always be our people
Father Finten knew in his heart that here, with the exception of his lack of obedience,
was an example to the other Brothers of what a missionary should really be.
Here was a youth more gifted in prayer than he himself could ever hope to be. Yet, he
could not bring himself to speak his thoughts aloud.
Keallach sat surrounded by the Native boys he liked so much. The boys passed the
goat’s bladder ball from hand to hand until one of them, the youngest, presented it
to their redheaded mentor. Keallach took it, stood, and tossed it high into the air. The
one who caught the ball could be Keeper and guardian of the ball for one sun cycle.
As arranged at the end of their last game, the post of Keeper could then be passed
on in the same manner. This time, Running Deer caught the ball, and everyone was
glad. All the villagers, young and old, applauded with whoops and cheers.
Salmon Spear and Little Wolf presented a beautifully crafted flint knife and
leather sheath to Ailan. The three sat reminiscing about the early hunting and
fishing days when the three had first become friends, nearly eighteen months before.
Ailan gave to his friends the brass fishing hooks and line he’d found on the
beach when first they landed. Bjorn and Ari were not forgotten in the gift giving.
Both men received warm moccasins and long doeskin pants and tops, to keep
away the biting insects on their travels. Similar outfits were presented to Rordan,
Keallach, Ailan, and Finten. Each set of clothing was unique and presented by a
different family. Corn Mother had made a beautiful beaded white deerskin dress
for both Ula and Yamka. The girls, in their turn, each gave Corn Mother a large
tight-woven water basket, coloured in patterns as she had taught them.
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