Page 67 of The Last Warrior

“They are as well as might be expected, living the half-life existence that we do.”

“Aa, yes. I understand. Know I am using all my strength and wisdom to break the spell for our people.”

White Claw nodded. “I am certain you are.”

Silence followed this statement, and, except for the occasional spark which broke away from the fire, all was quiet. Though there were many questions Black Lion would have liked to ask the medicine man, good manners forbid him to speak of such matters until asked.

At last, White Claw said, “You are the first of all our champions the Great Spirit has allowed me to visit while the spell still remains intact. What the reason is for this, I suspect is not about the spell or helping you to break it. For I fear, this you must do yourself.”

“Aa, yes,” Black Lion said. “This I do understand. Therefore, my heart is very glad you are here.”

“As mine is to see you. Issohka, let me begin by telling you the dream I have had of you. Take heed now of what I say, for I have seen your spirit protector, and I bring you news from the lioness.”

Though surprised anew, Black Lion did no more than nod pleasantly.

“This is what I have to say to you,” said White Claw. “There is a new danger, one we in the Clan have not before experienced. My heart grieves to tell you that Red Belly has died, and as you know, he was the last boy of the right age we could send forth into the world in our quest to break the curse. Worse, I fear the Thunderer knows this.”

Black Lion accepted these tidings calmly, yet his soul was filled with dread, for he suspected what other news might be forthcoming.

“If you fail in this quest,” White Claw continued, “I fear our Clan will be doomed to remain in the mist forever.”

Again, Black Lion nodded by way of good manners, though his heart skipped a beat.

“Haiya,” said White Claw, “the responsibility upon you is grave, and could I take the burden from your shoulders, I would do so. But I cannot. Hear me, grandson, your spirit protector has this to say to you: take your wife into your confidence, and tell her what it is you seek. Do not sing the sacred song to her, for if she does not know it, and you have sung it, you will lose your chance to free your people. But your wife may have knowledge of this song. Remember, it is a white man’s song. Haiya, take her into your confidence.”

Though his pulse was beating heavily in his chest, Black Lion said simply, “I will do as you say.”

“Soka’piiwa, that is good. Soka’piiwa. Issohka, grandson?”

“Aa?”

“There is one other particular your spirit protector wishes you to know.”

“Hannia?”

“The lioness sees you are unhappy in your personal life. Do not be.” A gleam, not unlike a spark of laughter, lighted the old man’s eye. “Your spirit protector fears you have misunderstood a detail she told you.”

“Hannia, really?”

“Aa, it is so. A man is allowed the pleasure of his wife, as long as he is respectful of her condition.” White Claw grinned. “Especially when he is only recently wed.”

Black Lion raised a single eyebrow. It was his only reaction.

“Think again on the message from your spirit protector, Issohka,” said White Claw. “Sacrificing the pleasures of the flesh may have many different meanings…not only the one. Ponder it again. Remember the lioness said exactly that though you are married, you, your people, must be willing to sacrifice pleasures of the flesh.”

Black Lion nodded. That White Claw should know the particulars of his dream and of his marital situation did not astonish him. Far from it. Such were the ways and wonders of the old medicine men.

“Think on it.”

“I will,” said Black Lion.

“In truth, one is never too old to love, to show love…or to find love. It is all around us, and one only needs to reach out to bring it into our lives. Mat’-ah-kwi tam-ap-i-ni-po-ke-mi-o-sin, not found is happiness without woman. And so I am here.” He nodded. “Aa, I am here.”

“Aaahs, Grandfather, do you, too, look for love?”

“I have already found love,” said White Claw. “Haiya, I only require discovering it once again.”

Though Black Lion did not understand these words, he did not query further. Instead, he said, “I am truly glad you have visited me. And my heart is happy to learn I have misunderstood the spirit protector’s words, for these last few days have been difficult. Perhaps I can now be a good husband, though I fear I would be happier yet were the task before me not so serious.”