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 Song
of the Eagle: Wanbli's Song: By Steven Kelley
About the Book:
Lifetimes ago, a Native American youth of the Together People
captures Wanbli the eagle. The eagle manages to escape, but the spirit
of Wanbli is now guide for the young man. The seeing eyes of their
hearts are entwined. A young girl and horses are captured by a war
party of Eastern tribesmen. The girl is daughter of Tall Bear, a
fierce warrior. Tall Bear immediately rides away in pursuit of his
beloved daughter, Quiet Dove. The young man decides to follow when he
realizes she may very well be the love of his life. In order to find
her he must enter enemy territory to the East.
Song of the eagle is both a spiritual journey and a quest to rescue
the girl. During the course of the chase the young man enters into
manhood. Will he find the girl of his dreams? Will he find a song from
the eagle? The circle of life seldom is fulfilled as expected. The
beauty is in the changing. Although set in a time period long ago, it
will show people with strong morals and a complete sense of family
survival. These qualities are reflected and have always been a part of
America. There is the continuity of a circle within the pages of the
story. To find Wanbli's song you must read this book. The reader may
just find a song for his or her own heart in the journey.
Steven Kelley:
The author Steven Kelley is uniquely qualified to write Song of the
Eagle. He was raised on an Iowa farm located along the banks of two
rivers. It is a region where Lakota, Meskawki, and many other Native
Americans roamed freely before being invaded by the pioneers. The
author's nurturers told him the stories of the tribes that came before
him to the land. The first Americans have always fascinated and
captivated his heart. It has been a life dedicated to researching
their history and celebration of the circles of life. The author has
taken up the Native American craft of flint knapping, making
arrowheads, spears, and war clubs. He does this in the traditional,
primitive way using antler tools. Steven currently resides with his
wife and children along the banks of Boone River near Stratford Iowa.
He continues to walk close to Mother Earth and Father Sky. He has
found a new heart song. It is Song of the Eagle, and he now shares it
with you.
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"Hear the words of your chiefs!" Grandfather intones, "that you may
decide what to do. The council realizes the injustice of the thieves
that have stolen the horses and the young girl."
War hoops break out among the men briefly. They are certainly ready
for pursuit, and blood. The owner of a stolen horse walks to the front
of the crowd. He offers his war cry. With everyone's attention he
asks, "May my words be heard?" With a nod from the chiefs he
continues, "Running Deer will bring you the scalps of those who stole
the horses. Not one will escape my wrath! The girl will be safe, I
will rescue her."
With this revelation the warriors erupt into war cries of their
own. Grandfather again quiets the group to speak. Stern is his tone
now. He says, "No man can tell another man what to do. All we can do
is offer advice, but it will be your decision. If we chase these men
we will catch them, of course. We will gain the ponies and the girl.
We might even gain their horses and possessions. We would all rejoice
in this victory. Yet, this could possibly bring war upon the Together
People from the Eastern tribe. They are rumored to be the man-eaters
that have strong alliances with many of our enemies. The children who
saw them say they have the roached hair and adornment of the East.
Many among us have been snatching horses, and women, from the Eastern
tribes for most of our lives. When I was young, they took one of my
sisters. I still think of her, and pray for her. Many of their women
have been adopted into the Together People as wives. Horses, and many
coups have been counted in our own war parties among the Eastern
People. Without such things, how can men become warriors? Of course no
one can stop a father from avenging the kidnapping of his child. It
remains your decision whether to take action and perhaps bring a
large-scale war to our village. Wankan Tanka is always with us, though
the Great Mysterious also councils all other people. Who would be
favored in a war between us? Perhaps the Together People, perhaps not.
How many more sons and daughters will be missed? How many more horses
will be taken? The council thinks the father, Tall Bear, will best
avenge this matter. After a while it may be wise to go and reclaim the
horses, and perhaps a few women as well. For now we advise to wait for
Tall Bear to return with the girl. We all know that he will capture
the horses, if at all possible. He may kill the raiders, or they will
escape. Either way, no one can blame a father for defending his child.
The council has spoken."
With these words Grandfather and the chiefs begin to walk back to
the council lodge of Hocoke. They truly believe that no man can tell
another the decision that he must make. They also know that whatever
happens, the men will listen to the elders and chiefs. The course of
action will have to be for the best of the community of Together
People. No one says much after the council moves away. In their hearts
they know the words of the chiefs are true. Besides, there is the
prospect of foraging into the enemy lands in small war parties. This
will allow them to regain much more than they lost. A few war cries
are given for good measure, but the warriors drift off to resume their
tasks. They look forward to evening council when they will tell
stories of pillaging and counting coup with the eastern tribes, to
buoy up their wounded pride.
Coyote Boy has observed everything. He does not forget his
throbbing fingers, but the words, "Who can tell another man what to
do?" Resound within his head. He knows what he must do. His heart sees
and tells him. The boy slips away to find his pony. He must help bring
back the girl, Quiet Dove. When he is passing the lodge of Thunder
Fox, a petite figure walks from the shadow of the Teepee. It is
Meadowlark. In her hands she holds the rein of woven buffalo hide.
Coyote Boy knows the four-strands weave. It leads to grandfather's
favorite horse. The large ebony colored mare is a powerful runner of
fiery disposition. The horse snorts and stomps in anticipation of a
race with the wind. Meadowlark is hopping about as she tries to keep
the fury of the horse contained. Holding the horse in both hands, she
nods her head toward the animal's back. "Get up on the horse,' she
pleads. The boy shifts the bow and quiver of arrows to secure them
over his shoulder. He tries not to use the wounded fingers, but it is
nearly impossible. He swings up onto the horse in an economy of
motion. The horse whinnies softly and snorts. The mare knows this boy
well. Many hours of riding through the last few years have bonded the
two. Grandfather and the boy admire the horse for beauty,
intelligence, and speed. Meadowlark hands the rein to the boy. Then
touches his leg and speaks. She looks to Mother Earth for the words.
There are buffalo robes for your saddle, use them to stay warm at
night", she says. She holds two deerskin pouches, which she hands to
the boy. She continues, "One has pemmican, and willow bark for the
fingers; the other is a sacred pipe that your grandfather gives to
you. Wear Grandfather's bundle across your back, as he has shown you."
"Does grandfather tell me to go?'' The boy asks. Taking the
bundles, he arranges them as instructed. He intended to slip quietly
away in search of the girl who captivated his awakening manhood. Quiet
Dove always seemed to be on his mind these days. He knows he must find
her, to be complete. If Grandfather forbids this, he cannot go.
"Grandfather tells you to follow the seeing eye of your heart,
young one. He says, 'No man can tell another what must be done,
especially in the affairs of the heart'."
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