The Time of Trial

The ways of the past are many to follow

Sitting Bird looked toward the rising sun. He knew today was the day he would be tested. He had dreamed of it, and the spirits of his ancestors had been there to guide him through it. He knew the place, and he understood what lay on the other side of the trial. But when he dreamed of the test itself, all he could see was the Hill of Great Stars. Sitting Bird would not know the nature of the test until the time of trial itself.

He wafted the smoke from his small fire toward him, inhaling the bitter fumes. He felt dizzy, and the image of the mountain swam before him again, hazy and wavering. This time his spirit guide, the white-headed eagle, stared at him from the peak. Then his vision cleared, and he once again saw only the sun, now fully risen, felt the clean smoke hot in his lungs. He was no longer troubled; he was at peace.

He rose and returned to the camp. He stood outside the tepee of Hunting Moon and his woman, Bountiful Apple.

"I am ready, Teacher," Sitting Bird said as Hunting Moon slowly emerged. The elder simply motioned Sitting Bird to follow. They strode toward the Ill of the Great Stars.

Sitting Bird stood on the edge and looked up at the full sun, directly above him. An eagle appeared, soaring down out of the sun, circling him, and he understood. He understood why Hungry Wolf had hunted with no weapons, why Standing Tree had held herself motionless beside the camp for two days.

He watched the eagle fly, and he felt the wings inside him spread, embracing the Great Magic. His spirit animal called. He closed his eyes, leaned forward, and committed himself to the ways of his ancestors.

NOTES: ▶︎

Word Count: 300
Submitted for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" 
Prompt: Use the words mountain, fly, apple