Saving the Wind People

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“Bird I think it’s about time you earned your name.” Bird’s mother had mentioned to him only yesterday. The words echoed in his mind like the beat of the Indian drums echo through the sky. In the Wind Tribe in order to earn your name; you must do something to help the tribe. Bird has talked to his chief, Big Cloud, but all he said was to do something helpful. Big Cloud was an old man, and soon his son, Deer’stail would take his place. All Bird wanted to do was earn his name before his chief passed on. He wanted to prove himself to him, before the end.

Bird couldn’t sleep at all that night. He was too busy trying to think of ways to earn his name. All of a sudden, out loud he yelled, “I got it!” He almost woke everyone in the large longhouse he lived in. He got out of his bed, and ran outside to the woods. It was dawn; the morning hunters would soon be up and ready to hunt. Bird was racing through the woods looking for a new water source.

“I see something!” A hunter yells. Bird was too concentrated on finding water to hear the hunter’s deep voice. Swish! An arrow just misses his head. He sees a spear heading straight for him. He jumps out of the way just in time to be hit in the foot by another spear.

Bird screeches, like a baby bird begging for food. The spear had cut deep into his foot. The hunting group rushed over to their "prey” only to realize it was Bird. The strong men dropped their spears and arrows, and carefully picked up Bird. The slow, long walk through the forest was hard and painful for Bird. It felt like a million miles to Bird. Once they finally got back to camp, the men carried him to Leafmint’s tent. Bird had never been in the wise healer’s tent before. He was always very careful when he was growing up...

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...t his chief, who had a look of pride on his face. Even though he knew he was almost ready to leave the Wind people and join the stars. He also knew that he should let Deer’stail give Bird his name, but he stood up and got out his drum. With that the ceremony began. Bird looked to his mother. She was a lion. The pride Bird had been longing to see on her face was finally there. Bird would finally earn his name.

“With the power of the wind I name you “Flame’ssmoke.”Flame’ssmoke formerly known as Bird couldn’t stop smiling. He had made his mother proud, and earned his name before Bigcloud passed on.

“WHOOSH.”There was a gust of wind and a whisper from Bigcloud saying “It’s time.” With that he gracefully fell into a deep forever lasting sleep with the stars.

Flame’ssmoke had not only achieved his goal, but was the last Indian named by the great chief Bigcloud.

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