"I understand what Sun Woman says."
Sun Woman and Star Arrow both looked at White Bear. He felt as if the ground were trembling under him. He wished it would open up and swallow him.
"This young man," said Sun Woman. "Your son, White Bear. Half of him is you. It is right that he should see the pale eyes who are also his people."
The earth was tilting. White Bear was falling.
His own mother—betraying him. Sending him away.
"I have always believed that Earthmaker meant some special destiny for White Bear," Sun Woman said.
The shout burst from White Bear. "No!" He did not even remember getting to his feet, but he was standing.
Heads turned toward him. Eyes opened wide. He saw Black Hawk lift a hand to silence him, then lower it again. The three chiefs stared angrily.
Words tumbled out of him. He spoke to his mother, who had turned against him.
"Earthmaker meant me to be a shaman. How can I learn to be a shaman if I live among pale eyes? If I spend many summers and winters away from the tribe I will no longer be a Sauk."