The Arrow-Maker Part 6

And though you are a Chisera, and have strange intercourse with the G.o.ds, I know you a woman, by this token.

THE CHISERA

Doubt it not, but go.

SEEGOOCHE

Come away, girls.

 

(_They go out, the girls with them. But_ BRIGHT WATER _lingers, and comes back to the_ CHISERA.)

BRIGHT WATER

Chisera--

THE CHISERA

Chief's daughter?

BRIGHT WATER

Call me by my name.

THE CHISERA

Bright Water, what would you have of me?

BRIGHT WATER

Can you--will you make a charm for one going out to battle whose name is not spoken?

THE CHISERA

How shall the G.o.ds find him out, if he is not to be named?

BRIGHT WATER

(_Earnestly._) Oh, he is handsome and strong in the shoulders; the muscles of his back are laced like thongs. He is the bravest--

THE CHISERA

(_Laughing._) Chief's daughter, whenever I have made love charms, they have been for men handsome and strong in the back.

BRIGHT WATER

(_Abashed._) I know not how to describe him.

THE CHISERA

(_Still smiling._) And his name is not to be spoken? (BRIGHT WATER _continues to look down at her moccasin._) If I had something of his: something he had shaped with his hands or worn upon his person, that I could make medicine upon--

BRIGHT WATER

Like this?

(_Takes amulet from her neck and holds it out._)

THE CHISERA

(_Taking it._) Did he give you this?

BRIGHT WATER

He made it.

THE CHISERA

(_Examining it._) It is skillfully fas.h.i.+oned.

BRIGHT WATER

Will it answer?

THE CHISERA

To make a spell upon? Yes, if you can spare it.

BRIGHT WATER

Shall I have it again?

THE CHISERA

When the time is past for which the spell is made.

BRIGHT WATER

Make it, then; a powerful medicine against ill fortune in battle. And this for your pains, Chisera. (_Holds out bracelet._)

THE CHISERA

(_Proudly._) I want no gifts. Keep your bracelet.

BRIGHT WATER

(_With equal pride._) The Chief's daughter asks no favors.

THE CHISERA