Golden Fox shuffled back and forth below in the camp. The wolves and dogs had stayed above the rim of the canyon with White Elk. The snow had begun to fall once more, and every time she tried to stare up at White Elk, the snow hit her in the eyes and forced her to look away.

Dances In Storms gave her a sideways glance as she took the path to the top of the rim, carrying two humpback robes with her. Two women followed her and carried much wood.

When the women came down, they only shook their heads and hurried back into their lodges.

Golden Fox stomped her feet to get warmth back into them.

I am too cold to stay out here much longer. With Father Sun sleeping longer, the cold is harsh. Do I sit out here and make a fire?

“Daughter, you cannot do this any longer.” Sky Bird reached for her and tried to turn her around. When she refused to turn, her mother walked around to face her. “Little one, you could freeze as hard as a stone! Deer Woman made us all a good meal, and we wait on you. Stands His Ground even waits. A man should never have to wait on the food he hunted.”

Her mother sighed. “Your hair is stiff and your lips are blue. Must I ask Stands His Ground to carry you?”

“No, I will.” Eagle Thunder scooped up his granddaughter and carried her to his lodge. “I will keep her this night, as I am alone.”

Once inside, he offered her a bowl of food.

She shook her head and scowled. “I am not so hungry.”

“It is the food Deer Woman made.” He shook his head. “Women! Stubborn as rattlesnakes. They shake their tail and move their heads sideways, and Wolf grabs them from behind.” He moved the bowl and scooted closer to her. “You must remember that too much worry makes the belly hurt. Your teeth grind and crack when there is no reason. White Elk is not wounded, in pain, or going to the campfires in the sky.”

She put her head on his shoulder. “He has no belief in himself. His father told him he only had a half-Soul because he is albino—told him to forget trying to go on a Vision Quest, that he never would be able to talk to the Spirits.” She pounded her fists on her legs. “He dreams, Grandfather! He told me that is how he found me, through his dreams.”

He pushed the bowl of food at her. “Do you think he would still be up there with Dances In Storms if he did not have some kind of beliefs? Would he not walk away? He would have no respect for the Holy Woman and he would leave. He listens. She speaks to him and he responds.

“A person’s Spirit would turn black, crumble, and blow away if they did not have some kind of belief. A person could not breathe in and out without belief that they could. They would have no emotions. They would be as empty as last season’s bird’s nest. White Elk would not love you as much as he does if his heart had no beliefs.”

“You are right, Grandfather. I am being silly. You are an elder, and I know what you say to be true.”