Carla Hinsey

“Brother, he is too little to go!” Red Fawn exclaimed.

“He is not, he must go!” Yellow Elk shouted, then added softly, “Red Fawn, you must allow him. You can not let your fear stand in his way. He must fulfill his rights.”

“What if something happens to him? What if he dies like his father? I could not bare to loose another one,” Red Fawn cried softly.

“Sister, he is the only son of our chief. He has to do this. Our people need him,” Yellow Elk pleaded.

I was outside of my mother’s teepee, listening to my uncle’s arguments on my behalf. My name is Little Bow and I am twelve years old. I have to complete a Vision Quest before the age of thirteen. If I am successful, then I can began my training to be a Great Chief and Warrior like my father.

“Little Bow, do you remember everything I told you?” Uncle asked.

“Yes I do uncle,” I answered, “I have everything I need in my pack. I am ready to go.”

“Now remember, you only have three days to get to Spirit Peak. Beware the animals, some will help you and some will try to trick you,” Uncle cautioned me.

“I know uncle.” I replied.

“Your father couldn’t be more proud of you today than I am, Little Bow,” Uncle stated with tears in his eyes.

I pushed my canoe into the river and jumped inside. I started paddling upstream towards the mouth of Turtle Creek. From there it would be a day hike to the top of Spirit Peak. That is the most holy place of my people. All of the warriors of my tribe have made this journey before me on their own vision quest.

It took me most of the day to reach the mouth of Turtle Creek. I steered my canoe to the bank and climbed out, pulling my canoe up on shore. Many have been here before me and the campsite was well used. I took out my buffalo hide and spread it out. Then I cleaned the old fire pit. When I was set up, I went in search of wood and kindling. After returning, I pulled from my pack my fire starting tools. I had my flint and striking stone and after a few minutes I got a small fire going. The sun would be setting soon. I went to the river to catch dinner. By the time I had my trout cooking over the fire, it had turned to night.

As I sat by the fire eating, I heard a faint rustling in the leaves of the trees over my head, followed by a “hoot hoot.”

“Wise owl, is that you?” I asked.

“Yes, Little Bow, it is I,” answered the owl, “I have come to talk with you.”

“I was told I would see you tonight,” I told the owl.

“I have counseled many before you,” the owl said, “Beware the trickster and heed the warnings of an old friend.”

“How will I know which is which?” I asked.

“You must look inside of your heart, the truth will be inside you. Remember, after tonight, you can not eat or drink anything until after your vision quest. Your mind and body must be empty to receive the Great Spirit’s guidance,” the owl warned me.

The following morning I headed up the worn path towards Spirit Peak. By noon I was tired. I stopped to rest under an old hickory tree. Behind me I heard branches breaking in the thickets. Shortly after, an animal emerged.

“Coyote, is that you? Are you following me?” I stammered.

“Yip Yip!” replied the coyote, “It is I. I’ve come to tell you a secret. Many have gotten lost on the path to Spirit Peak, but since Coyote is a friend of man, I will tell you the way.”

“Thank you, Coyote, I am happy to see you,” I answered.

“When you reach the fork in the path, you must take the left, for the right is a dead end and full of danger,” explained the coyote.

With that, Coyote turned, tucked his tail, and disappeared into the thicket.

It was time for me to go. Before long I came to the fork in the path. In the middle of the path was a giant bolder, taller than a man. To the left was the path Coyote told me to take, it was a gentle, sloping path. To the right, the path climbed steeply. It was dark with overhanging trees and fallen logs.

“Hissssss,” came a voice from beneath the rock.

“Snake, stay where you are,” I said in a shaky voice, “Do not come any closer.”

“Do not be afraid, Little Bow, I will not hurt you,” answered the snake, “I am the guardian of the path. You must choose the right way.”

“Coyote has confused me,” I said, “Now, I do not know which path to take.”

“What is inside your heart?” asked the snake.

“Uncle tells me a true man must have a strong heart. He says challenges and sacrifice are important to test a man. He must overcome his fears to become a brave warrior and a great chief,” I said to the snake.

“Your uncle is right to teach you such things. The easy way is not always the best or the right way,” said the snake, “You must go, choose a path.”

I took the right path. The hike was steep and before long the trees had blocked out most of the sun and the path was dark. I was thirsty, hungry and tired, but I kept on climbing. Finally I reached the top of Spirit Peak.

There was a small cliff about twenty feet below the summit. A Strong rope dangled down to the ledge. I climbed down to the ledge. I took from my pack the items for my sacred ritual. I spread my blanket out and arranged everything according to the ceremony. I smudged myself with sage and made my offerings to the four
directions. To the East, new beginnings, the South, sowing of seeds, the West, the harvest, and the North, inner reflections. Then, the sky, the Great Spirit, and the ground, Mother Earth.

After I had completed the ceremony I sat and waited. Before long I heard the piercing cry of an eagle. I closed my eyes and I looked to my right. I was soaring with the eagle. We soared into the sun and to the Great Spirit. He showed me many things. I would grow into a strong and fearless warrior. I would become a wise and respected leader of my people. A new and strange people would come to our lands and there will be much conflict. Our way of life will change forever.

It was dawn when I returned to my body. The Great Spirit had filled me with great happiness and great sadness. Mostly he filled me with a purpose of life, for that I am proud. I know my uncle and mother will be proud too. I can not wait to return home to share this with them.