But the three oak leaves at the end of this branch were fully grown, fat leaves with deep, irregular lobes.
It was as Owl Carver had said. This branch called out to him from the forest.
He went up to the tree, and as Owl Carver had taught him, he said, "Grandfather Oak, please let me have your arm, to take with me to make strong medicine for our tribe. I promise I will not hurt you, and I will leave all your other arms untouched so that you can grow strong in this place."
It was a small, new branch growing out of the tree at eye level. When trimmed and stripped it would be just the right size for a medicine stick. He would dry the leaves and keep them, too, he decided, as part of his medicine bundle.
With his knife he reverently cut the branch away from the tree trunk.
A voice behind him said, "My son."
He jumped, startled.
At once he recognized Sun Woman's voice. As always, a warmth flooded through him at the sound.
Still, he was angry with himself. How could he let someone slip up on him like that?
He turned. He looked into his mother's brown eyes, level with his. Not so long ago, he remembered, he had to look up to see into her eyes.