The Arrow-Maker: A Drama in Three Acts

Seegooche

(As the Chisera comes out of the hut.) If you are angry, Chisera, turn it against our enemies of Castac.

The Chisera

You know that I cannot curse.

Tiawa

Is it true, Chisera, that you make no bad medicine?

The Chisera

Many kinds of sickness I can cure, and give easy childbirth. I can bring rain, and give fortune in the hunt, but of the making of evil spells I know nothing.

Seegooche

But your father, the medicine man – he was the dread and wonder of the tribes.

The Chisera

Aye, my father could kill by a spell, and make a wasting sickness with a frown, but he thought such powers not proper to women: therefore he taught me none.

Wacoba

But you will bring a blessing on the battle? Oh, Chisera, they do not tell us women, but we hear it whispered about the camp that the men of Castac are five and twenty, and even with the youths who go to their first battle we cannot make a score of ours. It is the Friend of the Soul of Man must make good our numbers.

The Chisera

Even now I go to prepare strong medicine.

Wacoba

Come away, then, and leave the Chisera to her work. (Going.)

Seegooche

May the gods befriend you. If we have your blessing, we care little for another's curse. (Going.)

The Chisera

Stay. After all, we are but women together, and if a woman may give counsel, women may hear it.

Tiawa

Would we might hear yours to-day!

The Chisera

When the smoke of the medicine fire arises, so as to be seen from the spring, do you come up along the creek as far as the black rock.

Women

Yes, yes!

The Chisera

When you hear the medicine rattles, stand off by the toyon.

Women

By the toyon – yes!

The Chisera

But when the rattles are stopped, and the singing falls off, come up very softly, not to disturb the Council, and hear what the gods have said. If the men speak against it, I will stand for you.

Seegooche

Our thanks to you, Chisera, for this kindness.

Tiawa

And though you are a Chisera, and have strange intercourse with the gods, 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 gods 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 fashioned.

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

But if a Chisera choose to confer them? (With sudden feeling.) What question is there between us of Chief's daughter and Chisera? We are two women, and young.

Bright Water

(Uncertainly.) The Chisera is the friend of the gods.

The Chisera

And therefore not the friend of any tribeswoman? (Passionately.) Oh, I am weary of the friendship of the gods! If I have walked in the midnight and heard what the great ones have said, is that any reason I should not know what a man says to a maid in the dusk – or do a kindness to my own kind – or love, and be beloved?

Bright Water

(Moved.) Therefore take it (offering bracelet again) as one woman from another – and you shall make a charm for me for love.

The Chisera

(Taking the gift.) I shall make it as though I loved him myself.

Bright Water

(Startled.) Oh, I did not say I loved him.

The Chisera

(Smiling.) No?

Bright Water

(Studying the pattern of her moccasin.) Is it true, Chisera, that you have been called to the Council that decides upon the war leader who is to be chosen in my father's place?

The Chisera

I am to inquire of the gods concerning it.

Bright Water

(Diffidently.) Chisera, I have heard – my father thinks – Simwa, the Arrow-Maker, is well spoken of.

(The first note of the love call is heard far up the cliffs. The Chisera starts and controls herself.)

The Chisera

(Coldly, in dismissal.) Simwa needs the good word of no man. It shall be as the gods determine.

(Goes over to hut. The love call sounds nearer.)

Bright Water

(After a moment's hesitation.) Farewell, Chisera. (She goes.)

The Chisera

(Looking up the trail.) Ah, Simwa, Simwa, what bond there is between us, when, if I but pronounce thy name in my heart, thy voice answers.

(The love call is repeated far up the cliffs above her hut, and she answers it, singing:)

Over-long are thy feet on the trails,        O Much Desired!!Dost thou not hear afar what my blood whispers,

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