Fools Crow

White Man’s Dog is “restless” as Cold Maker churns the dark clouds in the distant northern sky. In the near dark, White Man’s Dog looks down the Two Medicine River to the quiet lodges of the Lone Eaters. He looks at the expansive range of the Backbone of the World mountains and notices Chief Mountain. This smaller mountain is the sacred landmark of the three tribes of the Blackfeet—the Pikunis, Kainahs, and the Siksikas. At the top of Chief Mountain are the blackhorn skull pillows of the great warriors, where their ancestors dreamed visions and were made “strong in spirit and fortunate in war” by the animal helpers. 

At eighteen winters, White Man’s Dog has little wealth and no tribal respect. Unlike his father, Rides-at-the-door, who has three wives and many horses, White Man’s Dog has no women and only three “puny” horses. He doesn’t own a many-shots gun and his animal helper is “weak.” He prays to the Above Ones for stronger medicine, but White Man’s Dog must find his own power—he is only allowed the help of a many-faces man.

White Man’s Dog thinks of his father’s youngest wife, Kills-close-to-the-lake, and the way she looks at him. He often catches her staring at him, and it makes him uncomfortable. White Man’s Dog has never been with a woman and his friends tease him and call him a dog-lover. Most women ignore him because he does not own a gun or strong horses.

White Man’s Dog looks to the sky and watches as Seven Persons rises high above Chief Mountain. Despite the brisk wind, White Man’s Dog thinks that Cold Maker will remain in Always Winer Land for a bit longer. As he makes his way to his father’s lodge, White Man’s Dog asks Seven Persons and the Above Ones to forgive his impure thoughts about his father’s wife.