Black Eagle Dream

A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 16

The sun was setting in Sierra Vista, Arizona. A warm breeze blew through the aged oak trees of the Fort Huachuca cemetery.

The large but fluid black eagle swept over marble town, flying just above the rows of the white headstones.

It landed on a new headstone, and began to rip apart the juvenescent squirrel that had been feeding on the ground.

The indiscretion of the young squirrel was his undoing, that and the youngster had slept through the class his father had once taught the family; about the dangers that lurked from above.

It had no such concerns now.

A sudden gust of wind blew through the trees, which alerted the eagle,
and temporarily interrupted it’s meal.

The black eagle cried out, issuing a challenge. It stared fiercely in the direction of the stout oak trees, searching the perimeter for any threats, imminent or otherwise.

Finding none, the black eagle continued to feast, as Billy Willetto rested comfortably in his new surroundings.

The sun was setting as the black eagle finished devouring the squirrel.
Blood dripped down the front of Billy’s headstone.

The powerful black eagle leapt from its marble perch, and began its ascent, spiraling upward into the blackened sky; as those who have left us, continue to rest another day.

Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved #blackeagledream

A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 17

Sonny Ray had been lying across the queen sized bed in their suite listening to some hawaiian music when Nikko tapped her husband on the shoulder. Sonny Ray opened his eyes. He pulled out one earphone.
“What is it bub?” Sonny Ray sat up. Nikko sat down with a distressed look on her face. “I wanted to tell you this before, but with your dad dying, and the funeral, I, uh,” Nikko hesitated. “What’s going on babe?” Sonny Ray asked.

“A man called our house the morning after you flew down to Arizona. He left a message saying he was a relative, and that it was important that he speak to you.”

“How old did he sound to you?” Sonny Ray asked, his interest piqued now.

“I would say your dad’s age maybe, but I’m not really sure, he said his name was Cyrus, and he was your uncle. Oh, and he also mentioned that he was going to visit a family friend in Antelope Springs. He left a number for you to reach him,” Nikko said as she handed the yellow sticky note to her husband.

“Antelope Springs, as in Antelope Springs, Arizona?” Nikko nodded in the affirmative. Sonny Ray’s mind began churning.

“How do you feel about a detour before we head back to Vegas Maxwell?”

Nikko smiled. She loved that he used her maiden name as a pet name. She picked up her phone off the nightstand. “What you doing?” Sonny Ray asked. “Calling my job. I figure a few more days ought to do. That okay with you big guy?” Her husband nodded smirking.

“I just buried my father, why the hell not,” Sonny Ray replied. After Sonny Ray and his family had their breakfast they checked out, and then got on the road, bound for Antelope Springs.

Sonny Ray had no idea how much his life was about to change.

Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved #blackeagledream

A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 18

The old man wrapped his wool blanket around his shoulders, and walked out into the cool crisp air of the mountains in northern Arizona. Cyrus was an unusually large man.

He stood six foot seven inches, and though an older man he was not diminished in the grace of being a man. Cyrus had long thick wavy curly hair that flowed well past his shoulders.

Being a man of both the land and the sea, his skin was beyond brown.

His silvery mane seemed to enhance the dignity of his years.

Cyrus had spent most of his life on the big island of Hawai’i living and working in Waipi’o valley;

harvesting and replanting the kālo his ancestors had carried across an epic oceanic journey to the Hawaiian islands, centuries ago.

Dwayne had decided to take a week of vacation to look after Cyrus, who had been feeling poorly for the last couple of days. Dwayne was feeling uneasy. He knew that Cyrus had wanted to be cremated and have his ashes put at a place known only to Cyrus and Dwayne.

But with the big reveal; aka Sonny Ray, those plans had to be altered.

After Cyrus died, he wanted Dwayne, and hopefully Sonny Ray, to take him to the place that they have camped at for many years.

Their camp was near Shiprock Mountain in New Mexico on the Navajo Nation.

Dwayne offered to handcraft a casket and take him there, but Cyrus insisted on being cremated. He would not elaborate, and Dwayne, out of respect for his old friend didn’t press.

Dwayne had not seen the black eagle around for the last several days, and had asked Cyrus about it.
“I believe the black eagle has other business to attend to,” Cyrus said without elaborating.

Dwayne considered himself to be relatively educated, yet he never lost sight of the fact that there were things going on the universe that people could not explain away with a certainty.

For example, for as long as Dwayne could remember, rarely did a day go by that an eagle, or hawk, or the tiniest of the falcons, would without fail, fly over, near, or around when Cyrus was in the vicinity. It didn’t matter where he might be.

It was as if they flew over him to observe him, or that they were now getting the opportunity to see someone they had only heard of in their world, and just had to see him for themselves.

They had no fear of Cyrus, and soon his son, Sonny Ray would begin to understand why this was so.

Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved #blackeagledream

A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 19

Sonny Ray exited interstate ten and took interstate seventeen north bound for Antelope Springs.
Nikko and Raye slept peacefully as they headed out of Phoenix. This gave him some time to try to figure out who this guy was, and want he wanted. Sonny Ray recalled as a little boy going on a trip from Ohio to Pennsylvania. His father had taken the family to meet some of his people.

Billy’s children were received with a polite indifference. For Sonny Ray, this was his earliest recollection of memories of the less than subtle niceties of those with skin lighter than grey.

Sonny Ray had no memory of who he met, or even what he did while there. So if he had an relative that he didn’t know about, he certainly could not recall who that might be from that branch of the family tree. The questions began to pour out from his mind. If he did have an uncle why did his father never make mention of him? How did this old man know who I was? Sonny Ray was determined to get some answers.

Dwayne answered the phone on the forth ring. “Hello?” “Uh, hi my name is Sonny Ray Willetto, and I received a message from a Cyrus who said I could reach him at this number. Are you Cyrus?” “Hi Sonny Ray, no my name is Dwayne Notah. I’m a family friend of Cyrus. I know you’re wondering what this is all about, but if you just hear the old man out, I think you’ll understand why he contacted you. There was a slight uneasiness in Sonny Ray’s deportment. The two men spoke for several more minutes. As a result of their continued conversation, Dwayne asked for and received the cross streets where Sonny Ray was waiting.

Dwayne gave a brief description of himself and his truck trying to allay any reservations Sonny Ray might have about meeting him. After hanging up Sonny Ray went into the little mom and pops store to get the girls something to drink. They had had both fully awakened, and we’re both getting a little excited about the whole situation. “So what is this guy’s name?” Nikko asked, opening her cold drink. “He said Dwayne Notah.”

Dwayne stepped off the porch and walked out into the small clearing amongst the ponderosa pines of his mountain home. Cyrus was feeding the black eagle when Dwayne approached him. “So Sonny Ray finally showed up did he?” Dwayne had to smile. “How did you know it was him?” Dwayne asked beaming. “A little bird whispered in my ear,” the old man replied smiling. “Now go pick up Sonny Ray, and if you would, pickup a bag of Bluebird flour so I can make some fry bread tonight.” Dwayne was about to reply but just nodded, smiling as he walked away.

Sonny Ray and Nikko leaned side by side against their car. Little Raye leaned against her mother sipping her drink. Dwayne said he would be there in fifteen minutes or less. A police cruiser exited the highway, and pulled into the parking lot of the little convenience store. Officer Bob Fritz parked a couple of lanes over from the suspicious couple. Officer Bob looked over at the young family, smirking at them as he approached the front door of the market. Sonny Ray behaved like he had not noticed the arrival of the local yokel.

It was a gorgeous day, the air fresh, cool and crisp.

The young family was observing the San Francisco Peaks. Sonny Ray felt someone’s eyes on him. He turned slowly, casually.
“Excuse me boy, would you mind telling me what in the hell are you doing?” Officer Bob asked, looking upward at the large Hawaiian. His first emotion was reactionary, but he knew his family was more important than over reacting to this, unprofessional type of cop. Nikko had picked up Raye and stepped onto the sidewalk giving her and her daughter some space in case things got out of hand.

“What is it you want officer?” Sonny Ray’s voice was flat. “What I want Indian, is for you and your colored girlfriend there, and your brat, to get in your car and get the hell out of my town.”

Sonny Ray looked at officer Bob with gleaming eyes.

“We appreciate the small town welcome, but we should be on the road and out of your friendly little town shortly.” Officer Bob snorted and was about to continue his verbal assault when Sonny Ray continued.

“Generally I avoid pointless conversations, like the one I’m having with you, but I wanted you to know that I am not american indian, not native american, but native hawaiian, and secondly, my wife is not colored but more of a cocoa brown,” Sonny Ray was doing his best to play it straight.

“Harwaiian my ass,” officer Bob said sarcastically.

“Yeah I get that a lot,” Sonny Ray interjected.

“I watch reruns of Harwaii five-o all the time, and you don’t look much like that harwaiian Kona,” Bob said scoffing in retort. Sonny Ray knew that some of his dad’s people were culturally clueless, but damn.

“Kono was the characters name, not Kona. Kona is a town on the big island,” Sonny Ray replied, trying not to laugh.
“Well now, all I know is that you kind of look like the local injuns in this area, and it is my duty to keep safe all the law abiding folk in these parts.”
“Okay you found me out. I am, and so is he!” Sonny Ray said, pointing to a man pulling up in a truck.

Officer Bob turned in the direction of the vehicle to see who was approaching.

A call came across his hand held radio. He turned away for a moment.

“Watch your ass boy.” Officer Bob jumped in his rig, tires screeching as he disappeared down the street.

Sonny Ray motioned for his wife to get in the car.

This trip was about to get cut short.
“You alright babe?”
“We’re fine,” Nikko replied.
“Sonny Ray?” A voice called from behind. Sonny Ray turned in the direction of the voice. “Are you Sonny Ray?” Dwayne asked politely. “I am. Dwayne right?” Dwayne introduced himself and the two men shook hands. Sonny Ray then introduced his family. “I see you just met the local calvary,” Dwayne stated.

“Strange little man,” Sonny Ray said, a little more relaxed now.

“Well after that warm Antelope Springs welcome I’m thinking we should be on our way.” Dwayne always tried to remain positive in every situation. Dwayne waited for Sonny Ray and family to load up, and then they were off.

The old man added more wood in his stove. He loved cooking outdoors. Dwayne had surprised Cyrus with this stout 1800’s wood stove.

Dwayne found it in Gallup, when he was returning home after buying a beautiful bay horse from an old cowboy on the outskirts of Austin, Texas.

Dwayne saw the stove sitting on the end of a loading dock of an old general feed store.

They hammered out a price and the employees even helped him load it on the stock trailer he had.

He only had one horse to haul, so there was plenty of room. Cyrus sat quietly, deep in thought, as he waited for his guests to arrive. Cyrus knew that Sonny Ray was not going to believe anything he said initially.

Fortunately, he had shrewdly retained all correspondence with Sonny Ray’s mother, as well as a few photographs he had managed to hang on to over the years.
Still, he would be starting this conversation with a complete stranger, and Cyrus knew he would have to address a few things.

Dwayne pulled into his long, and narrow driveway with Sonny Ray and family close behind. It was lunch time and Cyrus hoped they had an appetite. Dwayne closed the door of his truck and walked back to the slightly uneasy family. “I believe Cyrus is out in the back cooking us some lunch,” Dwayne said trying to sound upbeat.

They followed him, going through a small wooden gate. It was heavily wooded, but Dwayne had worked hard last summer to create a space that would be functional, but not overly invasive to the natural surroundings.

Flames flickered upward as the smell of mesquite wood permeated the area. The small group approached quietly as Cyrus was cooking some fresh steaks on the wood burning stove. “Cyrus,” Dwayne called out, so as not to startle the old man. Cyrus turned and gazed upon the small family. He smiled politely and looked intently at Sonny Ray.

The young man met his gaze, a question mark fluttering between his eyes and the eyes of this stranger.

It was a quiet introduction, but not an awkward one. Sonny Ray extended his hand, and as he did the old man stepped forward and enveloped the young man with a firm and kind embrace. Sonny Ray reciprocated and embraced the old man as well. They both stepped back and looked at each other.

“Mommy that man is really tall and he is really brown,” little Raye proclaimed.

That fact had not escaped Sonny Ray’s notice.

The small group looked at Raye. The old man chuckled. Sonny Ray introduced his wife and daughter.

The afternoon went by with easy conversation, and laughter. Cyrus was both happy and relieved to have finally met Sonny Ray. Cyrus knew much had to be accomplished in the next few days. For now he needed rest. He would sleep, and he would dream.

Yes Cyrus would dream as he had every night for as long as he could remember. Dwayne awoke early the next morning and put on a large pot of coffee. The smell of coffee brewing soon began to fill the air.

Sonny Ray, like a salmon in search of its birthplace, swam down the hall towards the warmth and smell of inherent familiarity.

Cyrus made his way on the short path from the hogan to the back of the house. He ducked down through the doorway as the two men looked up from the table. “Good morning Cyrus,” Dwayne said, reaching for another coffee cup. Dwayne poured a cup of coffee. Cyrus sat down slowly, as Dwayne slid the hot coffee in front of him.

Cyrus and Sonny Ray had not yet spoken much to each other.

It was however, with a quiet effortlessness that each man moved in, and around each other’s space, and neither felt ill at ease because of it.

“So what are your plans today young man?” Cyrus asked Dwayne. “I was going to make a run into town, and go look at a horse, and then pick up some more groceries.
Did you need me to pick you up anything?” Dwayne asked. “No, I don’t think so,” Cyrus replied. “I think I’ll take Sonny Ray with me if you don’t mind,” Dwayne asked. “That will be fine, it gives me a chance to visit with the two young ladies. Dwayne, don’t you stay gone too long. Sonny Ray and I need to get acquainted.”

“I won’t Cyrus promise, Dwayne replied, patting the shoulder of the older man with gentle respect. Cyrus finished his coffee.

With the two men headed into town, Cyrus decided to cook a fine breakfast for the two sleeping beauties. The aroma of fresh food cooking soon coaxed the girls to abandon their warm and snug bed. In no time at all, Nikko and Raye were engaged in a delightful conversation with a virtual stranger, who had such a presence and gave the impression of someone they had known for some time.

Dwayne left the dirt road and turned onto the hard top that would take them right into Antelope Springs. Dwayne and Sonny Ray had talked some, but Dwayne detected that Sonny Ray appeared tired, and was probably reserving some of his questions for Cyrus. After a short drive they arrived at the little mom and pops market. Soon they emerged with a basket full of groceries.

Dwayne was supposed to go look at a horse before shopping, but his cousin Rocket called. Rocket had mixed up his dates, about having to help his uncle round up some cattle in Chinle. So they would meet up another time. After loading the groceries they headed out of town, and back to the house.

After breakfast Cyrus invited the two ladies to accompany him on his morning walk. They both agreed, and soon they set out on an adventure. This well traveled path had been taken by Cyrus many times over the years.

Today, it was done in health that was surely fading, but with a spirit that soared with unspeakable joy.

“Young lady this old man needs to stop for a moment to catch his breath,” Cyrus said.

“Of course, little Raye could use a break too,” Nikko replied.

She was observant that Cyrus was in a weakened state, but she did not feel it appropriate to question him.

Their rest break was broken by the furious flapping of a low flying bird.

The large black eagle seemingly dropped from the sky, like a predatory base jumper.

It landed on a stump next to Cyrus, who himself sat resting on a fallen tree. “Oh my goodness,” Nikko said as she instinctively pulled her daughter closer. “Look mommy an eagle,” Raye declared.

A smile of approval came across the old man’s face as he observed the little girl.

“Can I touch him?” Raye asked, looking to Cyrus for approval.

The old man gave a kindly smile and said, “No little one I’m afraid the black eagle wouldn’t stand for that, but if you like you can sit with me, and we can look at him together.” Raye nodded in the affirmative, and her mother cautiously sat her on Cyrus’ lap.

The black eagle observed the two girls attentively, burning their image into its memory.

“So I take it that this is more than just a casual acquaintance between you and this eagle,” Nikko said. Cyrus looked obligingly at his old companion. “Yes young lady we have been together a long, long time.” Cyrus began to cough. “Are you okay?” Cyrus nodded that he was fine.

“Did you buy him at the store Mr. Cyrus?”

“No Raye we met a long time ago in place called Africa.”

“It must have cost you a small fortune to ship him here to this part of the world,” Nikko said. Cyrus turned his attention from the eagle.

“No young lady it cost me nothing,” Cyrus said, matter of factly. “You must have had a good friend working in Customs then,” Nikko concluded.

“No young lady, you see this black eagle followed me here,” Cyrus said unobtrusively. “This bird, this eagle followed you from Africa?” Cyrus nodded once more.

“You know I have read stories, and seen the news of cats and dogs getting lost, and finding their way back home, but I must say, this is a bit much,” Nikko said, exasperated.

The old man began to get drowsy, and appeared to fall asleep sitting on the log. He opened his eyes after a few moments and smiled sleepily at the little girl who now stood quietly nearby.

“You know little Raye, I had a dream about you and your mommy.” Cyrus said it in such a way so as not to frighten the little girl. “You did?” Raye said, eyes wide with anticipation. “Was it a good dream Mr. Cyrus?” “Oh yes Raye, a very good dream. Would you like to hear it?” “Oh yes, please, please tell me,” little Raye said, clapping her hands excitedly.

Cyrus rubbed his king-sized hands together. Placing his hands face down on his thighs, he began to speak. “In my dream you and your mommy went shopping, and your mommy bought you a pretty dress, and some shoes. Then she took you for pizza. “I love pizza,” little Raye shrieked. “Me too,” Cyrus replied.

“Then, you and your mommy walked out of the store, and you looked up and saw something in the sky.

Do you remember little Raye?” Cyrus asked, looking at Nikko.

“Yes I remember,” Raye shrieked again. “It was a big bird, a eagle, remember mommy?” Nikko’s mouth dropped slightly open, as the hair on the nape of her neck stood on end. Nikko stood there in stunned silence.

After gathering herself she told her daughter, “Raye could you play over there for a minute. Mommy needs to talk to Mr. Cyrus, okay honey?” “Sure mommy.” The large black eagle had not moved from Cyrus’ side.

The old man sat solemnly, waiting for the questions that would surely come.

Nikko composed herself and asked, “So who are you exactly?”

The old man’s head rose slowly, and he started to speak.

“My name is Cyrus Keali’iwahamana.

I have searched for my son, I have found him and it is my hope that he will look after my friend here, after I am gone.”

“Your son?” Nikko exclaimed.

Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved #blackeagledream

A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 20

“Aw crap,” Dwayne said in disgust. “What is it?” Sonny Ray glanced over at Dwayne. “Federalizes,” Dwayne said, glancing in his rear view mirror.
Officer Bob sat in his cruiser, lights flashing.

After calling in his stop he ran Dwayne’s plates, even though he knew they were clean. Anything he could do to piss off Notah he went the extra mile. “Protect and Serve my ass,” officer Bob mumbled to himself.

He grabbed his minority ticket dispenser and exited his cruiser.

“Well if if ain’t Dwayne the pain Notah, how you doing boy?” Officer Bob asked, placing his hand on the top of the car. “Morning officer Bob,” Dwayne replied. “That’s officer Fritz to you Indian,” Bob said, snappy now. Officer Bob glanced over at Sonny Ray. “What’s your name jackass?” “Sonny Ray Willetto.” “Now what kind of name is that for a harwaiian?” “It’s a uh hapa hawaiian kind of name,” Sonny Ray replied.
“A hapa kappa what jackass?” Officer Bob shot back.

“It is a half breed kind of name I guess officer,” Sonny Ray said with slow deliberation.

“Oh, well why didn’t you say so there harwaiian boy?” Officer Bob spit some tobacco at Sonny Ray’s feet. “I believe I did jackass,” Sonny Ray said, unable to play the game any longer. Officer Bob walked around to the passenger side of the vehicle. “Out,” officer Bob commanded. Sonny Ray complied, and stepped out of the vehicle.

Officer Bob grabbed the suspect and subdued said subject against the hood of police vehicle.

Sonny Ray allowed himself to be handcuffed and sat quietly in the back of the cruiser.

‘He better be glad he met me, and not my brother Whisper,’ Sonny Ray thought, with a wry smile on his face. Officer Bob was steaming. It wasn’t often that a minority mouthed off to him. This Sonny Ray character didn’t even seem afraid of him, and that infuriated him.

Officer Bob had been contemplating a vacation to Harwaii, but now he was having second thoughts.

This here harwaiian was near as mouthy as that Navajo Notah.

Officer Bob had an irrational fear of indigenous people. Like most people who harbored prejudiced feelings towards others, this fear appeared to be the common denominator that fed the hollow leg of officer Bob’s ignorance.

Officer Bob was so steamed he forgot what group he was hating on, but it didn’t matter, as long as he could vent, and make his feelings known. “We should have wiped out all you sons of bitches at the battle of the little big horn,” officer Bob exclaimed, seething now.

“You know officer I am not exactly a historian or anything, but I believe you guys kind of lost the big horn thing. Just saying.

I believe you are referring to the Wounded Knee Massacre. You know where all the brave blue coats shot down women, children, babies, and old people.”

Officer Bob now glared at Sonny Ray through his rear view mirror. “Beat it Notah,” officer Bob said. The pudgy cop shot Dwayne a left handed middle finger as he drove away. After radioing the dispatcher, he headed into town to process the prisoner. Officer Bob had only traveled a couple of miles when another call came in.

There was a tractor trailer roll over on the off ramp coming into Antelope Springs. There were several injuries, and a possible fatality.
Officer Bob turned his indicator on, and pulled off onto the shoulder of the road. Officer Bob stood on a greasy grassy knoll. He pulled Sonny Ray roughly from the vehicle.

As he tried to regain his balance officer Bob shoved him down a small incline. Sonny Ray began to roll down the hill and as he did his head struck a large rock hidden in the grass. Blood began to flow from the gash on his left eyebrow. Officer Bob looked around briefly. The rotund cop labored as he navigated down the small but steep hill. Sonny Ray attempted to get to his feet. As he got to one knee officer Bob kicked the handcuffed prisoner in his stomach. Sonny Ray grunted, the breath being knocked out of his lungs.

“That was for me, and this one,” officer Bob said pausing,

“this is for General George Armstrong Custer!”

Officer Bob said screaming, as he kicked Sonny Ray on the left side of his rib cage.

Sonny Ray could not respond, but if he could he would have let officer Bob know that he was pretty sure Custer was a Lieutenant Colonel prior to getting his ass handed to him.

Not to mention the complimentary indigenous ear exam he had received.

Sonny Ray could not breathe.

Officer Bob grabbed Sonny Ray by the hair and turned him on his side so he could get his handcuffs. He stood over Sonny Ray, as blood flowed down the handcuffed man’s face. “Not so smart now are you pineapple?” Officer Bob snorted. “That’s twice I have been called off you boy.”

Officer Bob secured his handcuffs, and prepared to leave when a shadow fell near officer Bob’s face. In his peripheral vision he could see something closing in on him. Instinctively, he moved away, falling to the ground near Sonny Ray. He stood quickly, looking at the tree line. He turned to scan the immediate area; and as he did the large black eagle dove at his head, with one of its claws making contact with the left temple of officer Bob. The black eagle soared skyward, screeching loudly now.

“Son of a bitch,” Officer Bob yelped, reaching for his face. After seeing his own blood on his fingers Bob began to panic. He rolled onto his beer belly, scrambling to get to his feet. The black eagle circled again.

Bob saw the prodigious bird of prey, and he grew fearful.

Officer Bob hightailed it to his cruiser, and got the hell out of there. Sonny Ray rolled onto his back, as air slowly and mercifully began to fill his lungs. He looked around in a yellow haze. A large shadow crossed over his body as he lay there in the tall grass. Sonny Ray could hear the furious sound of wings flapping near him on the ground.

He raised his head weakly, only to discover two dark eyes staring attentively at him.

Sonny Ray looked at the black eagle again, blinking a few times, trying to get his focus back. He put his head down, opting to concentrate on his breathing instead. He closed his eyes for a few moments. He felt nauseated, and dizzy. Sonny Ray opened his eyes again. He couldn’t get himself to focus.

Without warning the large black eagle took to flight. Sonny Ray raised his groggy head, as the black eagle glided out of his line of sight, seemingly leaving him.
Sonny Ray lay in the tall grass passed out, not knowing the black eagle had circled back around, and now sat observing the young man once again.

The dark eyes of the Black Eagle Dream peered into the soul of the unconscious Sonny Ray.

After today,

this young man would never have a night of sleep where he did not travel

between what it was he knew,

and

what it was he would see;

in the realm of the Black Eagle Dream.

Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved #blackeagledream

A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 21

Sonny Ray was certain he had one, maybe two broken ribs. Although the blood flow had slowed he knew he was going to need some stitches to close the gash on his left eyebrow. Sonny Ray grunted as he struggled to get to his knees.

As he was about to get to his feet, something in the grass caught his attention. It was a silver bracelet. It wasn’t of significant quality this bracelet, it was the kind you bought for someone at the mall, and then had their name inscribed for an extra twenty bucks or so. Sonny Ray gently reached out to pick it up.

On the inscription it read, Officer Robert L. Fritz Antelope Springs Police Department.

Without thinking he dropped it in his pocket. He had to get the hell out of this area; but as he didn’t know the town very well he had to take the chance to continue walking alongside the freeway.

He had walked about a quarter of a mile when he heard someone blowing their horn. Sonny Ray turned gradually to see Dwayne, as he pulled onto the shoulder of the road. After putting on his emergency flashers, he jumped out of his truck to get to Sonny Ray.

Dwayne rushed Sonny Ray to the emergency room at the Antelope Springs Memorial Hospital. As soon as the emergency room personnel had placed him on a gurney, they quickly wheeled Sonny Ray to an examination room to begin assessing the extent of his injuries.

Dwayne had called home and asked Cyrus to put Nikko on the phone. After Dwayne explained what happened, he then quickly reassured Nikko that Sonny Ray was stable and would be leaving the ER shortly. Dwayne sat in the waiting room while the doctors worked on Sonny Ray.

He had called Nadia and Natalia to let them know what happened to Sonny Ray.

Dwayne assured Nadia he would email her all the photographs of Sonny Ray in the emergency room once he got him home to his family. The two men ended up being at the hospital for a few hours.

With the help of Nikko and little Raye, Dwayne was able to get Sonny Ray into the house.

As the afternoon began to fade into evening, the black eagle continued to remain aloft over the home of Dwayne.

Round and round the black eagle dream circled above.

As Sonny Ray continued to drift in and out of consciousness,

he had the strongest sensation that he could fly.

Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved #blackeagledream

A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 22

Officer Bob sat at his desk tapping the eraser end of a pencil on his pudgy forehead. He was tired, but probably more agitated than anything else.

Between that smart ass harwaiian and that redneck who had fell asleep at the wheel of his tractor trailer rig coming into town yesterday.

The truck driver had fallen asleep and ended up killing a resident of Antelope Springs.

Her name was Toni Trusdell.

Officer Bob knew the old lady. She had lived about six trailers down from him. It had been a long week.

Somewhere along the way he had lost his silver bracelet.

The Chief of Police, Shane Edwards had given it to him as a gift.

They were supposed to meet later to discuss an upcoming fishing trip.

Officer Bob knew it was of considerable importance that he locate it; for the repercussions of it not being found, could stir up the pot a bit.

It was quitting time for officer Bob. His belly was growling. Bob had some fried chicken, corn on the cob, and some cold beer at the top of his list of culinary options.

Bob lived in a small travel trailer on the outskirts of town.

He didn’t like people, particularly blacks and indians. Come to think of it, he really didn’t like anyone who wasn’t white.

While on the subject, Bob had decided to add those Harwaiians to his list as well.

Officer Bob, though not having a penchant for any thoughts of far reaching consequence; splished splashed his way through his puddle of life, wondering now and again, in the disquieting recesses of his mind; if his people were coming the new indians, the new minority, of this the newest millennium.

It might be his over active imagination,

but his world kept appearing to be getting smaller and smaller.

Karma baby karma, the windward warrior chanted;

as he pounded on the subliminal door leading to officer Bob’s mind.

Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved #blackeagledream

A Novel by Kawika A. Stafford

Chapter 23

Nikko and little Raye had spent the day and a good part of the evening caring for Sonny Ray. The center of attention now sat at the kitchen table drinking a cup of kava tea. Nikko was exhausted and decided she and little Raye would lay down for some much needed rest. Dwayne and Cyrus were out back in the clearing, starting a fire.

Dwayne had received a call from his grandmother. She needed his assistance. Dwayne loaded up his tool box and headed out. He had hoped to be back in an hour or so. Sonny Ray had a really mean headache. The old man had wrapped his ribs, and put fresh aloe on his various scrapes and abrasions.

Having broken a few ribs parachuting in the Army, Sonny Ray had a working knowledge of the pain.

Cyrus had also put a fresh bandage over the sutured gash over his left eyebrow.

Despite all that had happened yesterday, the only thing Sonny Ray wanted to know was; who is this old man, and what does he want?

Sonny Ray’s thoughts drifted back to officer Bob. He was uncertain what impelled a man like that.

There had to be something more a fortiori, than ignorance.

Sonny Ray pondered if it was congenital hatred, something inherited, passed on like a treasured family heirloom.

Or perhaps it was a beast like signal, being sent out over the DNA highway; only to be embraced by those with the same iniquitious ideology.

He did not hate officer Bob, but Sonny Ray felt this man was very much in need of an expanded world view. And he was just the man for the job. It was now officially on his to do list.

For now though, he needed some answers.

Wincing, he stood up slowly, trying desperately not to breathe deeply. He walked across the small kitchen. The floor creaked, singing a retort of sorts. He gently pushed the screen door open, and descended the four steps. Each step caused him to groan within himself. Sonny Ray looked out into the silhouettes of ponderosa pines at dusk. He approached Cyrus who sat in the clearing alone.

The smell of cedar gently ascended upward, the earthy wood caressing the supple curves of the night.

Sonny Ray walked gingerly out into the clearing. Without a word he sunk down slowly in the chair near the fire.

The flames created illusionary elastic shadows upon the canvas of the starry black lit night.

Sonny Ray sat across the great divide, uncertain what he could believe or trust of any words that might be placed into his ears.
After all, Sonny Ray had abandoned that belief at the age of two, when the most trusted person in his life had savagely scalded his feet and had irreparably scarred his soul.

Sonny Ray stared into the heart of the flames, searching for veracity and for charge.

“Young man,” Cyrus called across the great divide.

Sonny Ray looked up, a pensive look that distorted the little boy living behind the walls of the protective mans eyes.

Cyrus had lived long enough to know that words were not worth the paper they were written upon; if they were not honored.

A picture on the other hand, could often reveal truth that required little explanation.

Cyrus moved slowly, like a black man living in America that had just been pulled over by the police; hoping not to be shot down just for existing.

Cyrus had a blanket around his broad and weathered shoulders.

He slowly brought his hand out, and in it he held a yellowed and well worn envelope. Cyrus gazed at the young man, his fingers moving slowly with nervous anticipation, coupled by years of imagined rehearsals of this very moment in time. Cyrus reached across the great divide, and gently pulled the young man onto the ground where he stood.

Sonny Ray quietly accepted the yellowed envelope, and leaned back again into his chair.

He pacified the picture by handling it like a newborn baby, fearful of the universal ramifications for not respecting the past.

The orange flames of the fire continued their elastic fancy dance, as Sonny Ray looked resolutely at the picture. It was a small palm sized black and white photo. Right away Sonny Ray recognized a younger version of the man who sat before him. He looked again, and saw a small boy clinging to the pant leg of the tall man with the long wavy hair.

With an incipient thrust, like a calvary sword in the back of a fleeing child,

it involuntarily caused Sonny Ray to bolt upright in his chair. Sweat began to gather and bead up on his forehead. His ribs hurt like hell, he could not breathe. Cyrus placed his hand placidly on Sonny Ray’s shoulder. Despite the pain Sonny Ray exhaled deeply like he was blowing out a candle. He slowly slid the picture into the aged envelope. His emotional gauges were pegged, he was going in; uncertain if he could pull up in time, the ground coming up quick.

Sonny Ray had just buried his father, gotten manhandled by some vainglorious cop, and now a complete stranger had handed him a picture with him in it.

Cyrus, up to this point had said little. “I know this has to be hard on you but I need you to hear me now yeah? Sonny Ray nodded, head down, unable to speak. “First, I would like to give you my condolences on the passing of your father.” Sonny Ray nodded an acknowledgement. It was getting akward but Cyrus knew he had to push through it. “You are a man, so I will speak plainly.” Sonny Ray looked into the large man’s eyes for the first time.

“Your mother and I first met in Kohala. This was in the forties. She, like all young hawaiian girls of her time were separated from her parents, and were forced to attend a boarding school. There, they were stripped of their Hawaiian culture, their language, their familial bonds.

I was a young student teacher at the time. Your mother and I became friends. Over the years we remained so, even after she left the big island and joined the military.” Sonny Ray winced in pain.
“I recall my mother talking about a hawaiian man she wished she had married when she was younger. I take it you are that man.” A long pause of silence ensued. “I am,” Cyrus said.

“The moment I laid eyes on you I knew you were not my dad’s brother,” Sonny Ray said smiling.

There was yet another quiet moment between the two, as neither man was enjoying this small block of time.
“So, what is it you have to tell me?” Sonny Ray asked straight away.
“As you are aware, your father was not a very discreet man.” Sonny Ray cracked a short lived smile.

“You’re right about that, but I need you to tell me what I don’t know.”

Sonny Ray locked eyes with Cyrus. “Okay. Your mother begged me to come to Ohio to see her while your father was in England for a year. You recall that I’m sure.” Sonny Ray nodded. “Your mom had caught your father with yet another woman. So when he left to England it was not under the most favorable of circumstances. We, we ended up becoming lovers.” Sonny Ray stood up. He walked out further into the clearing.

The stars shone brightly in the sky. Sonny Ray walked back slowly and approached Cyrus. “So why are you telling me this now old man?”

“Sonny Ray, I am your biological father.” Sonny Ray looked intently at Cyrus.

Sonny Ray’s breathing became labored. Sonny Ray turned and drifted back to the darkness and stood alone in the clearing. The large ponderosa pines towered over him. Cyrus stood up and walked into the clearing locating the young man. “I have made a couple of pallets in the hogan. Perhaps we could talk more there.”
Sonny Ray and Cyrus walked a short distance to the hogan.

The rich scent of the earth, the dirt floor of the hogan flooded his senses. It gave him an unusual feeling of calmness.

The low roof, and the shape and size of the hogan gave Sonny Ray the semblance of being in an embryonic state again; wrapped in a protective earthen womb.

The two men would talk more now.

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