Jesse has inherited his Grandfather’s ranch and now must fight his father to keep it while on a quest to find Coyote and his spirit animal.

I hope everyone who is reading my story is enjoying it as much as I am writing it. Thanks again to Hope of Hopeeternalreigns for her help in editing. Love ya Hope.

Thank you all for your kind words and comments. Barb

Chapter 5 Coyote

In some Native American lore, Coyote is the maker of all things. In some, He was the deity that decided that death should be a part of life. Jesse did not know how Coyote would fit in with the Christian teachings of his mother and Grandmother. Still the Native American culture was to respect Mother Earth and spirits abound. Jesse liked that about the culture. Some spirits are good while others can be evil. Jesse came out here at the request of his Grandfather. He already found that he could speak with and understand the wolves with which he was traveling. This did not unnerve him as it opened his mind to other things. It was his task to cleanse his mind and spirit and seek the higher spirits that dwell within eternity. Somehow he knew his questions would be answered.

Jesse had a fire going in the lodge and the smoke was drawing out of the hole well enough. Around the fire he had placed four large rocks. On top of those rocks he placed another large flat rock that he could pour water on to make steam. He gathered more fire wood to use. Because it was wet he would sit it aside to dry or place it on top of the flat stone to coax the water out of it for his steam. His Grandfather always told him when it came to firewood; gather as much as you think you need, then gather that much again. Jesse made a bear bag for his provisions and hung it between two trees. While he was fasting and praying, he maybe tempted to eat, but with the provisions more difficult to get to, he thought it would be easier not to give in to the weakness of the flesh. Just as he was about to enter the lodge, he saw a lone figure walking toward him from the south side of the lake.

Jesse walked over to Big Spot to share the roof as he watched the lone man approach him. As the man came closer, Jesse noticed that he wore buck skin. He, also, wore some sort of headdress. Over his shoulder he carried a homemade longbow and a quiver of arrows. In his hand, he carried a walking staff that was intricately carved and painted. The man made no noise as he approached. Jesse thought the rain may have drowned out any noise, but the way the man walked Jesse could tell the man could sneak up on a keen-eared deer.

Jesse didn't say a word as the man approached. When the man walked under the roof with Jesse and Big Spot, he said, “You have picked a good place to seek Coyote. This was once a sacred place to the People. The lodge looks good and sturdy. I see you have met the wolf.” Jesse was surprised to see the old man from the cemetery.

“How do you know I am seeking Coyote? Did you walk all the way here? May I ask, who you are? Where did you go after we met at the cemetery gate?” asked Jesse.

The old man laughed, “You are one full of questions. The Great Spirit sent me to help guide you on the journey you are about to take.”

Jesse said, “I am sorry. I have forgotten my manners. Please come in to the lodge. It will be warmer. I will fix you something to eat.” Jesse walked over to his bear bag and took it down. Soon he had a small meal fixed for the old man. “I am sorry that I can not provide better. I was beginning my fasting and cleansing today.”

The old man said, “I do not fast as I used to. My body has become more frail with age. Still I get around and I am strong enough to pull the bow. Tonight I will teach you the cleansing rituals of the People. Tomorrow I will fast and pray with you.”

“As for your questions; I am what the white men call a shaman, but the People had a different name for those who sought the higher spirits. I move faster than one might think. Also, it is not such a long walk up here. I know how to live off the land. The Great Spirit sends me the creatures that are willing to give up their lives so that I might live. I have an ulterior motive as well. I am here to train my replacement.”

Jesse said, “I don't understand. Your replacement?”

“Yes Jesse, my replacement if you are willing. As I said, my body is becoming old and frail. I do not have many more years left. Our People will need someone to lead them in the old ways once I am gone.”

“But why me?”

“You have heard the wolf and have spoken with him. That is a rare and special gift. The Great Spirit has seen your heart. It is good and strong. Your spirit is free and unencumbered by the excessive greed that so many have. I know you have just inherited you Grandfather's ranch, but you would be just as happy to live up here with the spirits and the animals.”

“My Grandfather was special to me. He taught me to respect Mother Earth and the lore of our ancestors. He taught me the legends surrounding Coyote. My Grandmother and my mother gave me the teachings of Christianity. And I was baptized in the church when I was young. I have to resolve the two teachings in my spirit.”

“Jesse, I can only lead you part way down the path. You will have to ask the Great Spirit or the Christian God to enlighten you. I will tell you my own path when you have come back. Now it is time to begin your journey.”

“One more question before we begin. If my journey takes me away from here, would you watch over Big Spot for me until I return? Also, I am supposed to check in with George every two days. You may have to do that for me. I have a satellite phone in my pack. I crossed paths with a puma on the way up here. I only managed to scare him off, but I believe he will be back for revenge soon.”

“The puma approached me down the trail as well. I told him if he did not want to be eaten and his hide to be on my lodge he had better move on. He is walking with a limp from our encounter. He will stay away while I am here. Sadly you will have to face him on your own later. Your horse will be safe with me while you are gone.”

“Thank you sir, I do not know what to call you,” said Jesse.

“My name is Mathew Two Bears. I have had people call me shaman, but I do not like the term. You can call me Matthew or teacher. Our People didn't have a written language. Mr. Two Bears makes me feel so old.”

“Then I will call you teacher. My Grandmother tried to raise me to be respectful of those who deserve it. To call you Mathew would go against what she taught me. Let's get started.” For the next hours, Two Bears began to teach the cleansing rituals to Jesse. As mid-night approached, Jesse began adding water to the flat rock to create the steam. He added more wood to the fire to heat the rock. As the two men began to pray, the rain seemed to increase. The steam increased, but the fire did not seem to burn itself out. Jesse followed the old man in the rituals. About morning, Jesse began to sway from fatigue, but he continued to concentrate on his prayers.

The two men continued to pray throughout the day. As the evening approached, Two Bears left the lodge to Jesse. The old teacher had helped start Jesse on his journey. He could do no more as it was up to Jesse and his spirit to finish. When Jesse returned to the living world there would be more to teach him. His job was to keep watch on the lodge and let no one disturb the occupant inside.

Jesse moved into a trance like state as mid-night of the second day arrived. He was beginning to see things out side of the lodge. He was looking down on the old man as Two Bears sat under Big Spot's roof to watch the lodge. He heard the chants of the People. He concentrated on these chants which began to take him higher. Jesse did not feel fear; instead he felt a deep respect for the People. There was a white mist around him. The chants grew louder. Out of the mist walked the largest Coyote he had ever seen. The Coyote stood tall enough to look him in the eye.

Jesse bowed deeply to the Coyote. “Coyote, it is my great honor to meet you. I am unworthy to be in your presence.”

{{Rise little wolf. You have shown yourself worthy to come before the Great Spirit. I am but a messenger. The Great Spirit and his Son are expecting you. Please follow me.}}

Jesse tried to rise, but found that he could only walk on all fours. Coyote was now taller than he was. He walk behind Coyote and noticed that he was seeing things in black and white like in his dreams. Also, he noticed that his sense of smell and hearing were more alert. Jesse was concentrating on following Coyote through the mist and didn't have time to notice any other changes.

The mist slowly began to clear and it appeared to Jesse that he had entered into a throne room. People all around were singing sweet songs to the Great Spirit and his Son. Coyote walked before the dais and bowed before the Great Spirit. Jesse lay down behind Coyote refusing to look up at the Great Being. “I have brought the one known as Jesse Hartman as You have asked.”

The Great Spirit looked behind Coyote to see Jesse shivering in fright. “Do not be afraid my child,” said the Great Spirit. “Come here My little she wolf that I may speak to you.” Jesse was confused at being called a she wolf, but he stood and walked over to the Great Being. He sat before the Great Spirit with his ears turned toward Him. The Great Spirit reached out and scratched him behind the ears and stroked his fur lovingly. “Coyote has changed you into this form so that you could come before Me and that I may speak directly to you. I am pleased with your spirit little one. You have shown respect toward those around you. And you have followed My teachings. Still you have much to learn. My servant Two Bears will help guide you, but it is My voice that you will hear when you seek Me in the still quiet of fasting and payer.

“I will turn your fur white, so that the wolves of the pack will know you are special to Me. You have seen both sides of life's gender. Your Grandmother raised you as My special little girl. Your Grandfather raised you as My special little boy. Your natural father was not evil when he was younger. He grew away from Me in his youth. He took his anger out on your aunt and then your mother and you. Yet you continued to show him the respect due to a father.

“When you return to Mother Earth, you will remain as a she wolf for the next seven days to learn from the pack. You must never take a mate from the pack though many will try. I will ask that you come back to this sacred ground once every year to seek Me and to run with the wolves. Your spirit will encourage you to seek Me more often, I only ask that you come to this ground once a year. When you return to your human form you will remain as girl.

“As you have learned, Coyote can be a trickster at times. This time, I think the trick backfired on him. Your Grandmother had asked Me for a granddaughter. Your father will never have any more children. Coyote has made you the granddaughter for which she had always asked. Your meek and gentle spirit matches that of a female. I will let Coyote's choice for your form remain. Running with the wolves will teach you the savage protective spirit of a female wolf over her young. It will teach you the necessity of the hunt. It will also teach you how to look into another's body and spirit. Some you will be able to heal in body and spirit. Others you will be able to give comfort for a safe passage to Me. Still others you will not be able to help as they will refuse it, as they have refused My help in the past. Your natural father will be one of those. Not many years from now, he will suffer a debilitating disease, but he will refuse your offers of help. Do not be mad at Me when that time comes. My Son has paid the price so that all may come to Me, but many will not.

“You will learn other ways to help My People as you grow older. All I ask is that you stay true to Me and yourself. You will know how. Two Bears will help guide you on the way. Now Coyote will take you back to your lodge. Two Bears will be able to speak with you. He will tell George Shilling where you are and not to worry. The spirit of the wolf will be with you to help protect you and to guide your hand. You have done well My child. I know that you will continue in the spirit” With that the Great Spirit scratched the she wolf behind the ears again and stroked her fur lovingly. As He did so, her fur turned to white as the snow and her eyes a brilliant blue.

Coyote said, “Come my child it is time to get you back to the lodge.” Coyote led her back through the mist. As they came out the other side, it seemed as if Matthew Two Bears had not moved from where she saw him last. Coyote said, “I will speak with Two Bears. He has been a friend for many years. It has been but a few hours time on Mother Earth since you left.”

Coyote and Jesse walked out of the lodge to meet Two Bears. Two Bears stood up, “Coyote my old friend. It’s been too long since we last ate together. Let us hunt and then we will feast on what the Great Spirit provides us.”

{{Two Bears it has been too long. It'll be a pleasure to hunt with you again. There are things we must discuss before we hunt, and someone you should meet.}} Jesse walked around Coyote and sat before Two Bears.

{{Good morning teacher. It is my pleasure to meet you.}}

The old man studied the white wolf for a few minutes and with a puzzled look on his face he asked, “Is that you Jesse?”

{{Yes, teacher. How do I look?}}

“If I were a young male wolf, I would want you for a mate. You are very pretty indeed. How do you feel about being a she wolf?”

{{I do not mind. Coyote was playing a trick on me, but he granted one of my Grandmother's payers by giving her a granddaughter. My Grandmother had already taught me the ways of a girl. Still, this will be a new learning experience for me. The Great Spirit has said I'm to stay a wolf for seven days and then I will change back into a human girl. He said that you'll be my guide as I learn more about how to help our People. We can discuss it later when we get back down the mountain. I'm hungry, and I haven't offered Coyote anything to eat. My Grandmother would scold me for my manners}}

Coyote laughed at the white wolf, {{You are very precious to Us. Two Bears would you mind changing into your spirit form and let us hunt together, so that Jesse may make her Grandmother proud. She will not be able to cook in her present form, but that has never been a problem with Me. She needs to start learning how to hunt as a wolf anyway.}}

The old man entered the lodge. A few minutes later, a large brown bear walked out. {{Now , you see little one why I was not scared of that puma. Though we can not change to our spirit animals when ever we like, if we are on an errand for the Great Spirit, He will let us change to our animal forms to accomplish His task. And sometimes if we get to spend time with Coyote, we can run with Him in our spirit forms.}}

Coyote looked over to Jesse, {{Little one you invited us to eat. What do you think should be on the menu today.}}

{{When I was keeping watch three nights ago, deer and two head of cattle came to the lake to drink. But it is not the time for deer. As I was building the lodge, the cattle came back to the lake to drink during the day. Do you think we can take down a cow? That will leave some meat for Mr. Two Bears while I am gone with the wolf pack, and we'll have some meat when the wolves that came with me return.}}

{{That is an excellent idea,}} said Coyote. {{You're always thinking of others. But remember not to forget to take care of yourself. Jesse, you know where the cattle came to the lake to drink. We'll start there and follow your nose.}}