The Owl and The Horseshoe
- PERUSAL COPY -
This is a perusal copy of the final cut for the 2017 production and is intended for viewing by
members of The Friends of Tuckabatchee only.
Debra, Liz, Ann, Jeanna, Bob, Rose and I have applied our major and minor corrections and
edits. However, while we were tackling “the big stuff” in the dialogue, and trimming down our
running time for the play, we may have missed a few things in punctuation, directions, lighting
and sound/music cues and character names/line associations, and such. Now, we need “fresh
eyes” to take a look and to make notes before we print our final script for production and for
auditions.
Should you find something we’ve missed, please make note of the type of correction it is, the
page number, and the character (if it’s dialogue). For example:
Dialogue: page 3, Little Flower, “ My Mother, I feel as if t hough my stomach is filled with many
butterflies. I must have had too much of the flavored sofkee and bread.”
Correction: “My Mother, I feel as if my stomach is filled with many butterflies.”
Lighting: page 20, it says “ lights on Sunflower Woman” but she isn’t in the scene
Correction: delete Sunflower Woman
Sound: page 1, [ SOUND: C racks of lightning, wind, rain and rushing waters of the flooded creek ]
Correction: it says rushing waters but it’s a small creek. The correct sound for what is
happening might be “splashes of the overflowing waters of the flooded creek”
Of course, I’d like to have everyone’s comments as soon as possible but let’s set our deadline
for Noon, on Monday, April 10th. Hopefully, that should give everyone ample time to read
through and make a few notes. Given, the corrections are minimal, our final production script
can be ready next week.
After you have read the script, and whether or not you have any corrections, I would like to
hear from each of you. My email is t [email protected] and my phone is 324-3492.
Thanks!
The Owl and The Horseshoe
ACT I SCENE 1
[ PROLOGUE: Morning, outside Hillabee Town near the Tallapoosa River, Time of the New Leaves, 1796 ]
[ MUSIC: Native d rum and flute ]
[ SOUND: Cracks of lightning, wind, rain and rushing waters of the flooded creek ]
[ LIGHTS: L ightning flashes ]
[ STAGE EFFECT: A staged tree falls into the water, the ground is scattered with limbs ]
[ SOUND: The storm subsides but rushing waters continue, birds chirp as day breaks ]
(We hear the creek’s rushing waters)
LITTLE FLOWER
Help! Someone, please! I am slipping into the creek! I have nothing to hold on to! Please... (screams)
[ SOUND: splash, roaring rapids ]
[ SPOTLIGHT: B ROWN HAWK and YOUNG EAGLE ]
YOUNG EAGLE
(calls out to Little Flower) Hawk, that sounded like Little Flower! Where is your sister?
BROWN HAWK
After the storm she went to gather more fallen sticks for the fire...she was going to…
( B OTH, at the same time realize…)
BROWN HAWK / YOUNG EAGLE
...the creek!
BROWN HAWK
Eagle, we have to find her!
YOUNG EAGLE
Hurry, run to the village and get help!
(B OTH run, YOUNG EAGLE to UPSTAGE and BROWN HAWK to OFFSTAGE)
[ SPOTLIGHT: F ollows YOUNG EAGLE as he runs Upstage to “the creek bank” ]
[ MUSIC: f rantic and tense ]
YOUNG EAGLE
(Calls out along the creekbank at SR) Little Flower, where are you?
LITTLE FLOWER
(hidden from view behind a rise of ground at CS) Eagle! I am down here!
( YOUNG EAGLE spies LITTLE FLOWER a nd runs, leaping towards the ground at the creek’s edge, his hand extended)
2
YOUNG EAGLE
Flower! Give me your hand!
LITTLE FLOWER
I cannot reach!
[ BROWN HAWK returns, out of breath but sees YOUNG EAGLE stretching to reach into the creek. ALL V ILLAGERS
ENTER , calling for LITTLE FLOWER along the creek bank ]
YOUNG EAGLE
Hawk! Help! Grab a limb and lower it to me so I can reach her! Hold on tight!
(BROWN HAWK g rabs limb and extends it to YOUNG EAGLE. VILLAGERS now knowing the situation run to help,
linking hand after hand to create an anchor for SOARING EAGLE and BROWN HAWK as they struggle to pull L ITTLE
FLOWER up, from the water.)
YOUNG EAGLE
I have her! Everyone, pull!
(ALL VILLAGERS pull in unison and part as the T HREE CHILDREN emerge safely from the edge and stumble,
exhausted between the parted V ILLAGERS t o DSC. The relieved VILLAGERS form a semi-circle around them,
applauding. )
(O VERALL VISUAL ACTION: Young Eagle quickly jumps in between the shoreline and water, reaching his hand out to LITTLE FLOWER. He appears
to be struggling on the shore. BROWN HAWK quickly picks up a large limb, extending it to YOUNG EAGLE. VILLAGERS have quickly gathered to help
and grab hold of BROWN HAWK, others cheer “I’ve got you, Brown Hawk” , “Hold on tight ,YOUNG EAGLE”, “The whole village is holding on to you all!”
Little Flower is pulled to safety, gasping for breath as OTHERS for the Council, arrive at the scene. ALL become focused on LITTLE FLOWER, including
SUNFLOWER WOMAN, her Mother, who rushes quickly to the scene. YOUNG EAGLE rubs his leg)
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Little Flower! My child, are you alright? You should not have gone so near the water.
(looks to EAGLE) Thank you, Young Eagle, you have saved Little Flower, you will be forever in my favor.
YOUNG EAGLE
She was in danger. I know that others would have done the same to help her. (extends his hand to help Little
Flower to stand) I will always be around to help, but you really should be more careful. ( smiles to her)
LITTLE FLOWER
(embarrassed, stands) Thank you, Young Eagle. Thank you, Brother. I am sorry I was not careful. In the future
I will be. ( noticing his injury) Oh, Young Eagle, you have injured your leg. C ome to our huti; Mother will see to it.
YOUNG EAGLE
It is not so bad, Little Flower, (gently) but thank you. (he smiles, LITTLE FLOWER smiles then BOTH nervously snap out of
the moment).
(MENAWA, GRIERSON, SINNUGEE, WOMEN, WARRIORS, join the huddle around the scene)
HILLABEE MICCO
It is good to see so many here today. W elcome to the mother town of the Hillabee. I wish to extend a special
welcome to our esteemed leader, Menawa, who has journeyed up river from Oakfuskee Town to share Council
with us. Great Spirit has shown good favor to our town and spared us from the wrath of the storm.
3
(Surprised, Y OUNG EAGLE, LITTLE FLOWER and B ROWN HAWK look to one another, embarrassed)
HILLABEE MICCO
(continues) H ow is it our People have survived for thousands of Seasons? ( looks at everyone) Hand in hand,
working together and looking after one another; this is what Spirit has taught us. It is why we stand together
this day.
(General nods of approval throughout V ILLAGERS)
MICCO
For their courage and action, Young Eagle and Brown Hawk will receive their name of honor at the time of
Poskeeta.
(A LL react in positive support)
MICCO
On this day, we will celebrate the lives of our youth, our future. In Council we will share tobacco and offer
smoke and prayers to Great Spirit so he might provide us with ample harvest, hunting and good health.
[SOUND: T he cry of a Red Tail Hawk]
(ALL look up, some point upward, smile)
MENAWA
The red tail hawk sings over us! He must surely agree! People of the Hillabee, I am honored to be here and to
give my talk this day. Thank Great Spirit, the Giver of Breath, for sparing all of the towns of the Hillabee and
the Oakfuskee. I am joyful. May these young people who were spared see many seasons of new leaves!
MICCO
The call to Council will be shortly. Until then, good morning to all.
(VILLAGERS go about their business, chatting with one another, picking up limbs and sticks, etc)
MICCO
Menawa, your presence after the storm has raised the spirits of the Hillabee People. Yet I feel the talk you
bring to Council concerns a far more troubling storm. I speak of the message you sent by runner from
Oakfuskee Town.
MENAWA
Yes, my talk concerns the unrest that grows throughout the nation of the Muscogee. The promises the Great
White Fathers make, they do not honor. They say they want to share the land and live in Peace. Yet, they take
more and more. Already, some of our people speak of war (stresses) but now is not the time. I say we give the
White man no more land and (emphasizing) most importantly, we watch, we listen and we wait. We should
prepare and unite as a people and when the time is right, we will be ready. (switches focus) Brother, let us talk
no more of war and white people. Instead, let us enjoy this moment of happiness. L et us celebrate, partake of
the accee and allow the women to dance!
(M ICCO, MENAWA EXIT)
(LITTLE FLOWER, still embarrassed from the commotion she had caused)
4
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
This day is a celebration for all. Even moreso, we celebrate the many days and seasons ahead for you and all
Hillabee young people. ( pauses to add emphasis) ( t ucks a strand of Little Flower’s hair back into place.) You have
learned many of the responsibilities expected of you. ( adjusting tone to more strongly make her point) M y Little
Flower, in only two moons, in the time of the red berries, you will enter your fourteenth season. (firmly. proudly)
Today, My Daughter, you will dance as a Hillabee woman ( smiles).
LITTLE FLOWER
This is good, My Mother. (embraces her mother, ) Mother, I am sorry for the trouble I caused this morning. That
was not the action of a woman.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Little Flower, that was an accident. The ground beneath your feet gave way. Anyone walking there would
have been pulled into the creek. Your action was one of courage, not fear. You stayed above water until
Young Eagle could get to you. Now, go quickly to our huti, the others are ready to begin.
[ LIGHTS: Out ]
[ MUSIC: l ight and airy ]
ACT I SCENE 2
[ LIGHTS: U p ]
(The W OMEN are seated in the square ground near the council house. The war cries of the W ARRIORS are heard and the women respond to one
another to indicate their interest in what has been spoken by M ENAWA. LITTLE FLOWER is seen securing ribbons to her dance regalia)
LITTLE FLOWER
My Mother, I feel as if my stomach is filled with many butterflies. I must have had too much of the flavored
sofkee and bread.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
(laughs, untangling a ribbon on her belt) Oh! I do not think so. You are only nervous. I know you will dance well.
Have you not danced before?
LITTLE FLOWER
Yes, Mother, but no one looked at me when I was dancing then. Now, all our people will look because they
know this is my first time.
(The drums signal the first dance would soon begin. The women and young maidens begin walking to the center of the square ground. Taking Little
Flower’s hand, Sunflower Woman steps into the circle. T he soft beat of the drum begins slowly escalating to a faster rhythm.)
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
The dance will soon begin. Are you ready, My Daughter?
LITTLE FLOWER
Yes, My Mother, I am ready.
(Forgetting the butterflies in her stomach, L ITTLE FLOWER joins with the women and other girls that will be dancing as
Women for the first time)
5
(B ROWN HAWK and the other young men and warriors are gathered across the stage from the Women.)
BROWN HAWK
Look, Young Eagle, I see Little Flower. I did not know she would dance on this day. I think she is still a child
and not old enough to dance with the women, but she does look pretty and not at all like the drenched girl from
this morning.
YOUNG EAGLE
My friend, you only have the eyes of a brother when you look at Little Flower. Your little sister will one day be a
beautiful woman and many warriors will seek her favor. See how graceful she...
BROWN HAWK
Young Eagle, are you serious? That is my sister you are speaking of. How can you say this?
YOUNG EAGLE
She is the sister of Brown Hawk, not Young Eagle and (feeling embarrassed) I am talking about the future, not
now, Hawk.
(YOUNG EAGLE glances at the group of women. His eyes lock with those of LITTLE FLOWER. YOUNG EAGLE grabs
his stomach, as if it were full of butterflies.)
YOUNG EAGLE
(Shows interest in LITTLE FLOWER as she passes by)
LITTLE FLOWER
Oh, My Mother, this is such fun ( becoming anxious) but when is our dance to begin? How do my ribbons look? I
hope I will always be allowed to dance with the women!
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
(laughing) Your time to dance is very soon, and yes, My Daughter, once you dance as a woman, you will always
have a place in the circle. Of course, Little Flower, you will do very well. I am proud of you and so is your
father. For now you should be calm and watch. To watch is to learn and the time is near for you to learn many
new things.
SPOTTED FAWN
(joins LITTLE FLOWER) I can hardly wait until you and I can dance this dance, and I know which of the young
warriors I want watching me. (leans in) I also know which one you want watching you.
LITTLE FLOWER
Oh, Spotted Fawn, has this not been the most exciting day? Are we not too young to think about dancing for a
warrior and…(grins, giggles with hand over mouth)
SPOTTED FAWN
We are not that young. My sister dances as a woman and she is only one summer older than us. ( quickly
returns to her desired topic) I will tell you about the one I would choose to watch me dance (pauses, grins) and to
be more than just friends with. (takes a big breath and excitedly blurts it out) I will watch your brother, Brown Hawk!
LITTLE FLOWER
Brown Hawk? That mischievous...(Before she could finish calling her brother any names, SPOTTED FAWN quickly
but quietly interrupts …)
SPOTTED FAWN
6
Yes, Brown Hawk is spirited and he will one day make a fine, brave warrior. He has strong arms that I would…
(pauses, embarrassed by her own thoughts) ...arms that I would love for him to hold me with. So there, now you
know. I do not at look at Brown Hawk as a brother as do you.
LITTLE FLOWER
You have not spoken of this before. How long have you had feelings for my brother?
SPOTTED FAWN
My feelings for him have been growing for many suns, but today those feelings seem so clear to me. Now, as
for who you should watch…(turns LITTLE FLOWER to see). There is your answer.
(B rown Hawk and Y oung Eagle walk toward the girls. A RUNNER ENTERS, finds MENAWA a nd is seen explaining
news of interest. M ENAWA signals to MICCO that something urgent needing immediate attention and sharing with ALL )
BROWN HAWK
Your mothers would like for you to come sit by them b efore the dancing begins.
(F AWN and F LOWER looked at each other and smile)
SPOTTED FAWN
I told you so.
LITTLE FLOWER
Yes, My Brother, we will come. Where will you and Young Eagle go? (almost afraid to steal a glance at Young
Eagle)
BROWN HAWK
My Sister, we will dance the dance of the warriors, just as you will dance with the women.
LITTLE FLOWER
(sweetly) My Brother, I am so proud of you and also of you, Young Eagle, ( bravely looks at Young Eagle and
smiles)
(BOTH, suddenly feel the flutter of butterflies, place their hands on their stomachs)
(The MICCO abruptly moves to CS, signaling for the attention of all present)
MICCO
My people, Menawa has just received news which must be shared with each of you.
(M ICCO, indicates to M ENAWA to take CENTER. As M ENAWA reaches his mark..)
[SOUND: howling wind and the piercing cry of a screech owl]
(MENAWA freezes, as does EVERYONE)
MENAWA
(stands in silence, acknowledging a sense of dark forbearing) N ews of great concern for all Muskogee people has
come to Hillabee Town.
[S OUND: the call of the owl becomes louder]
(ALL, talk softly among themselves.)
7
MENAWA
Even the screech owl protests and gives his warning. The White Fathers in Washington have made their plans
to dispatch an agent into our Territories.
ALL
(Murmurs of disapproval arose from the large group of Hillabee people)
NO! Hmmph! A White to teach us to live on Red lands?
MENAWA
(with obvious contempt in his voice) It seems the white fathers think the red people should learn to use the plow
and the loom, and we should no longer hunt or live as our grandfathers have lived for generations.
ALL
(Angry shouts from warriors, women begin the shrill keening sound which had been made by native women for eons of
time. Laughter of disbelief and mocking is heard)
MENAWA
(allows his people a moment of emotional responses then, holds his hand up for silence.) W hen the day was still
young and I spoke with you, I said we will watch and we will wait. In several moons, a Federal agent will come
to our land. His name is Benjamin Hawkins. When he comes, we will listen ( stresses) and we will watch him.
We will learn what the White Fathers of Washington intend for our People, and we will be ready.
WARRIORS
(Eager to fight, shouting, war cries)
MENAWA
We must not allow ourselves to be pulled into their trap. We must be careful with the White Fathers. Let us
give them no reason to place blame on our people for any problems they may have devised for the purpose of
increasing their soldiers in our lands. Remember this, we are the Hillabee, and we will be ready. (pauses and
looks to the sky) We will be ready! Let us call our Ancestors to join us in our dances and in all things we must do
to be prepared for war!
(ALL WOMEN are called to dance. D RUMS begin but before dancers can assemble, the loud screech of an owl is heard. ALTERNATIVE: Given an
appropriate traditional dance can be choreographed, one full dance is completed and before a second dance begins, we hear the owl) )
[ SOUND: Owl Screech ]
[DIRECTORIAL NOTE: Owls seems to be flying into the village. screeching louder and louder. Women pull their children closer. Men reach for their
knives, preparing to defend their families from the unseen enemy all around ]
VILLAGERS
A screech owl! What can this mean? Evil spirits have entered into the village!
MICCO
(calms the crowd) Brothers, Sisters, let us calm ourselves. Perhaps the owl screeches at a predator.
VILLAGER 1
We should surround the village with cedar!
(other V ILLAGERS agree and comment)
8
VILLAGER 2
Yes, we should protect ourselves!
MICCO
Clearly we are shaken by the owl. Thus, we will protect the village as tradition calls. I will lead a party of men to
White Oak Creek. There, the cedars grow large and will provide enough branches for us to cover our hutis.
[ LIGHTS: Out ]
[ MUSIC: Haunting, spirit flute, heartbeat-like drum, winds ]
ACT 1 SCENE 3
Outside of Sunflower Woman’s huti, later the same afternoon
(SUNFLOWER WOMAN and LITTLE FLOWER are tanning hides and making leather lashes. LITTLE FLOWER is becoming more frustrated with her
task, wipes her tears in frustration from the task )
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
This is all we can do today. Tomorrow we will begin the next process of making the skin soft. (gathers the
tanning tools as she speaks) Little Flower, you must learn not to be so quick to shed tears. While the life of a
Hillabee woman is good and we have many wonderful events to make us happy, there are also hard times. To
endure, we must be strong both in will and body. The days in your future may require even more strength, and
I want you to learn to be strong.
LITTLE FLOWER
Mother, thank you for teaching me to be a strong Hillabee woman. What is going to be different in the times
ahead?
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
My Daughter, listen to me and keep these things in your heart. The happy lives the Hillabee are now living will
not continue. This change will not happen soon. Before you have seen as many seasons as I, our people will
no longer be allowed to live on the land of our Grandmothers.
LITTLE FLOWER
But why, Mother?
WARRIORS
(ENTER WARRIORS, whooping, carrying branches of cedar. VILLAGERS stop chores and gather water and sofkee to
offer the men)
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Before the sun sets on this day, My Daughter, you will know. (quickly shifts attentions) Come, we must take
water and sofkee to your brother and father.
(SUNFLOWER WOMAN and LITTLE FLOWER quickly gather jugs and fill bowls with sofkee)
(WARRIORS bring branches through audience, and are greeted by wives and daughters offering water and sofkee to the weary men)
9
BRAVE HUNTER
(with a cedar branch in his hands) My people of the Hillabee, listen well to my words. Today as we traveled, the
sound of the owl traveled with us. If we slowed our walk, the owl slowed his flight; if we ran, the owl would fly
ahead to the next bend, and there he would wait for us.
THE WOMEN
(sighs in fright and a few gasp)
BRAVE HUNTER
We do not know if the owl warns of an evil among us now or if his warning is for the future. (slowly looks into the
faces of his people, his eyes resting on his family) We met many others who had heard the cry of the owl. One
man said a great sickness might come; another said a great drought was the warning. Yet, of all the talks I
heard on the owls, there was one that continues to trouble my thoughts. (quickly returns to task and also to create
a privacy for further discussion) Women, take your children; go to your huti and place the branches of cedar over
the entrance. Ask the Great Spirit to protect us.
(The W OMEN and C HILDREN gather their share of the cedar branches for their hutis and EXIT)
(FAMILY r emains as others return to their hutis)
BRAVE HUNTER
(wipes moisture from his face) My wife and daughter, come and sit. There are words that must be spoken, words
that come from my heart.
(S UNFLOWER WOMAN and LITTLE FLOWER sit near the feet of BRAVE HUNTER)
(BROWN HAWK followed the lead of his father and placed the bowl of sofkee to his side)
BRAVE HUNTER
The troubling words were given to me by a man from Tuckabatchee. He was a Knower, a Prophet. He wore
many medicine bags and had a divining crystal. He said he had traveled village to village for many seasons. In
every village he visited, always, someone would ask if the crystal could divine anything of the white people
increasing in numbers throughout the land. “How many will come?”, “Will they trouble our people or will we live
in Peace?” In each village the answer was the same: the crystal would turn dark grey. The Knower understood
this to mean the answer was still unclear or yet unable to be revealed. This morning the Knower came to a
place along the river, where, in a time before, stood great and tall trees. There, he saw many homes being built
from the trees. I asked the Knower if what he saw could be Trade Houses but he said, “ No. There were a few
traders there but this was different.” He told me these were homes for families.
LITTLE FLOWER
Families? Like ours?
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
I feel I already know who these people are, but (to LITTLE FLOWER) let us allow your Father to finish his talk.
BRAVE HUNTER
Yes, Sunflower, your feelings are clear on this.The people the Knower saw were white ( to LITTLE FLOWER) and
like our families, there were mothers, fathers and children. These families were not alone and this is what the
Knower meant when he said this was different. Also, built from the trees was a stockade. Through the gate and
on top of its walls, the Knower could see white soldiers. He did not dare journey closer but as he thought about
the sight before him, he took the divining crystal from its pouch. He said the sun was bright with no cloud to
hide the light, and the crystal sparkled more brilliantly than ever before.
10
BRAVE HUNTER
(cont’d) He knew he must ask Great Spirit to grant him vision. Softly he asked: “What is the meaning of this
place? Will a time soon come when there are more white people here than Red?” As he stared into the crystal,
a circle of red appeared. This he understood to be our people. Then, all around the red circle, the clear crystal
turned like the frost of Winter, the color of the skin of the white people. He had the answer.
(SUNFLOWER WOMAN, unable to control herself, keens and LITTLE FLOWER begins to cry)
BROWN HAWK
(also in tears, bolts up and frustratedly shouts) My Father, I will not allow this to happen. I will fight to the death for
my town and my people!
(falls momentarily silent as they all look to one another)
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
(Quickly snaps back to daily routine) Little Flower, will you take the water bottles and fill them at the spring?
BRAVE HUNTER
(to his son, knowing that what he asked was normally the work of the women) B rown Hawk, go with your sister to
keep her safe. We need broken sticks for the fire as well. I will help your mother finish with the cedar. Go
quickly. We should all be inside before it is dark.
BROWN HAWK
Yes, My Father.
(brother and sister EXIT to gather firewood and water)
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
(concerned) There are more words that should be said. I know this by your eyes. Is there some evil that we
should fear now and not just in the future?” (she listens closely, reacting throughout his response)
BRAVE HUNTER
I believe what I saw with my own eyes. Why would the owls come to screech? The Knower said the owls were
also warning us to be cautious of evil spirits and witches. I worry that much sadness may come to all of our
people. I can still hope many seasons pass before we fight the white people, but it will happen. I fear most for
our children. What will become of them if our way of life is no longer the same?
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
(fearful) My husband, what can we do to keep these visions and spirits away from us?
BRAVE HUNTER
We can only be strong and ask the Giver of Breath to protect us. (embraces tenderly kisses his wife)
[ LIGHTS: S LOWLY FADE, LEAVING THE COUPLE IN A SMALL TIGHT SPOTLIGHT ]
[ MUSIC: m ysterious, foreboding ]
11
ACT I SCENE 4
[SOUND: B ubbling sounds of a spring fed creek ]
(ENTER BROWN HAWK and LITTLE FLOWER walking near White Oak Creek, each, carrying a clay water bottle)
LITTLE FLOWER
(breathless) H awk, it is getting very dark. I do not even see the moon in the sky. We need to hurry and fill the
jugs.
BROWN HAWK
Flower, I too am uncomfortable.
( OFFSTAGE, E AGLE calls to H AWK )
YOUNG EAGLE
Brown Hawk, let me help. (takes the jar from Little Flower and bends down to quickly fill her then his jar) Let us go
now before blackness covers the sky. We can gather sticks along the way to the village.
[ SOUND: O wl screech ]
Did you hear that? BROWN HAWK
[ EFFECT: nearby tree limb shakes ]
YOUNG EAGLE
It is the owl. Quiet. Little Flower, take my hand.
LITTLE FLOWER
I am frightened. (she shivers) It is so cold.
[ SOUND: O WL screech ]
YOUNG EAGLE
Hold on tight and stay together. When I say go - we run.
[ SOUND: Owl screech ]
[ Choreographed movements: “ SHADOW DANCERS” appear in united group, each, overly adorned in White Feathers or Red Feathers OWL
PUPPETEER or DANCER appears in the CENTER of the DANCERS as they sway back and forth, as though tugging on one another to stay together.
OWL spreads its wings and issues a haunting and deafening screech. DANCERS separate into RED and WHITE and anchor in position to the LEFT and
RIGHT of the OWL DANCERS take on stances of warriors in battle, as one side leans towards the other, then the balance shifts. Two DANCERS a
woman who laughs and another that cries and keens in grief. The sights are phantasmal and the sounds increase and overlap into a cacophony of The
Unknown.]
[ SOUND: Owl screech ]
YOUNG EAGLE
Run!
[ MUSIC: Drums beat at quickened pace, with flute shrills and rattles ]
[ SPOTLIGHT t urns red and flickers to create a “moving/motion” effect ]
(ALL jump up and run in place as the shadows swirl around them; crying, laughing, keening, whooping. The effect is as if they are trapped in a
nightmare and running in place but unable to get away)
12
LITTLE FLOWER
My legs are giving out! Hawk!
BROWN HAWK
Hold on Little Flower!
LITTLE FLOWER
I can not run any more!
YOUNG EAGLE
Hold on, Little Flower!
(LITTLE FLOWER stumbles. Y OUNG EAGLE and BROWN HAWK are pulled down with her.)
[ SPOTLIGHT: OUT ]
[ SOUND: MANY OWLS screeching ]
(IN THE DARK, A LL are heard breathing heavily)
[ LIGHTS: O UT ]
[ SOUND: screech of the owl ]
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Little Flower? Brown Hawk? Young Eagle?
LITTLE FLOWER
Mother?
[ LIGHTS : UP ]
(Young Eagle, Brown Hawk and Little Flower suddenly find themselves in the village, huddled on the ground together and being surrounded by others
who have heard the commotion)
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
My children, what happened? You came running into the village swatting your hands like you had disturbed a
nest of hornets. Are you hurt?
BROWN HAWK
We are not hurt, My Mother. ( begins to rush speaking) It was not hornets or bees or even animals. We have
seen ( pauses) things we are not sure of and…
LITTLE FLOWER
They were everywhere and I could not run fast enough, then…
BROWN HAWK
We ran and ran...
BRAVE HUNTER
Settle yourselves. Slowly now, what happened? What did you see?
YOUNG EAGLE
(catching his breath, calming) I was on the path gathering sticks for the fire when I saw them (points to friends) by
the spring. It was getting dark so I helped fill the water jars. That is when we heard the screech of the owl.
13
(VILLAGERS react)
I too heard the owl … As did I!
The owl flew barely above our heads! ... So close we could have reached up and touched him!
MICCO
Many in the village heard the owl. (to the three children) Did you see anything else, anything at all?
BROWN HAWK
Yes, we did. We saw shadows and shapes that seemed at first to be real and then disappear only to be seen
again further up the path.
LITTLE FLOWER
Some were laughing, others were crying.
HILLABEE WOMAN
I too saw these things (pauses) and one of them pointed a finger at me. What does it mean?
MICCO
It is difficult to say. People from every village have heard the owls and seen the shadows and shapes. Some of
the beloved men say these things are evil omens of the future, while others see the owls as our ancestors,
lighting a path of change for the Hillabee. Brave Hunter spoke to me of a troubling vision in a crystal shown to
him by a Knower. So, in this time, it is difficult to say what any of these things could mean. Remember this my
people. Remember the Night of The Owl.
[ LIGHTS: OUT ]
[ MUSIC: “ Owl Theme” (2 minutes) use theme throughout ]
14
ACT 1 SCENE 5
Six years later
[ SPOTLIGHT: NARRATOR ]
NARRATOR
Six years had passed since the New Leaf Season of the owl, the name the Hillabee people now called the time
the owls and images made their visits to the village. For the Muscogee, storytelling was a way to preserve
history. When the story of the owls was told, children would cling to the skirts of their mothers. Even the older
ones would hurry through the woods on dark nights. No one had provided an answer as to why the owls and
the ghostly figures had come to the village. Many said these strange things were omens of some terrible event
in the future. With these warnings, the Hillabee continued with their lives.
The men continued to meet at the square ground outside the council house. They drank the black drink and
smoked their pipes. They talked of the owl and the shapes that moved without touching the ground. They
talked of ways to stop the tide of white intrusion into their lives.
Even then, differences of opinion were beginning to make small rifts between the people that would open the
door for change. Just as the days of the warm season had changed into the long days of the bountiful crop,
change was coming for the Hillabee people.
(ACTORS appear in pantomime-style vignettes)
[LIGHTS: O n BENJAMIN HAWKINS]
Federal Agent Benjamin Hawkins had been sent to live among the native people. He praised them for
accepting new ways and listened while the beloved men warned of the trouble this would create. Hawkins, to
prove the successful lifestyle that could be obtained by following the way of the whites, used trader Robert
Grierson and his Creek wife, Sinnugee, as an example.
[ LIGHTS: OUT on HAWKINS, U P on G RIERSON and S INNUGEE ]
Trader Robert Grierson had lived among the Hillabee for thirty years, opening his trade house just across from
the main village on Hillabee Creek. Many remembered their grandfathers talk about the rum, colorful beads
and trinkets that had been traded for the skins of the deer. During the time between the first encounter with the
trader and his goods and the present time, many enjoyed the easier life created by those goods. The result
was a major change in the lifestyle for the Hillabee. As the beloved men predicted, the traders and the people
who had followed them wanted more than just deer skins. They wanted what was most precious to the
Hillabee. They wanted their land.
[ LIGHTS: OUT on G RIERSON and SINNUGEE, U P on Y OUNG EAGLE / SOARING EAGLE,
BROWN HAWK / BRAVE HAWK and M ICCO ]
15
NARRATOR
(cont’d) During the time of Green Corn Ceremony, after the New Leaf Season of the owl, Young Eagle and
Brown Hawk were given their warrior names, Soaring Eagle (steps forward) and Brave Hawk (steps forward).
Little Flower and Spotted Fawn were approaching their 20th Season ( they replace one another young/older).
Little Flower knew the time was nearing when Brave Hawk and Spotted Fawn would be married. She also
knew Soaring Eagle would soon build a huti for her, and they too would be husband and wife.
[ LIGHTS / SPOT OUT ]
(ALL b ut LITTLE FLOWER EXIT)
[LIGHTS: ON SUNFLOWER WOMAN]
(L ITTLE FLOWER, with a basket of finished chore items, crosses to S UNFLOWER WOMAN)
LITTLE FLOWER
Mother, I have finished my morning work. ( smiles and hands basket to SUNFLOWER WOMAN) Now, I need to go
to the Grierson Farm to work for Sinnugee. ( showing excitement) She has been teaching me to weave on her
looms. She likes what I have done so far and has offered to trade a piece of cloth for my work.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
(not exactly pleased) H mm, that is well, Little Flower, but please return home before darkness falls. Do you also
plan to talk with Soaring Eagle today?
LITTLE FLOWER
Yes, Mother, before the sun is low, I am to meet him at the bridge. We will talk as we gather twigs and limbs for
the fire. ( curious) M y Mother, what will you do this day? (plotting, she quickly suggests) You could come with me
and work for Sinnugee. She has much work to be done, and we can trade our work for lace or brightly colored
beads…( secretly thinking of her wedding dress) or more of that beautiful white cloth I will use for my…(pauses,
attempting to cover truth)...I mean, use for a dress, like one Sinnugee might wear.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
(laughs) M y, how quickly your words come today! (now, toys with her) Or My Daughter, you could trade your work
for something useful, like...hmmm (pretending to think). Oh, I know! You could trade a ll your h ard work for salt.
LITTLE FLOWER
(mortified) Salt??
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Oh yes, you have meats and skins to cure. We do need salt. ( eyes her, awaiting response)
LITTLE FLOWER
(a little disappointed, gives in) Oh...well...yes, of course, Mother. I could trade my work for...salt.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
(laughs) Oh Daughter. How your face looks right now. It is your work and you may trade for whatever you wish.
LITTLE FLOWER
(realizes the joke) Mother! You are a trickster like the rabbit! You already know what kind of dress I want to
make! Do you not?
16
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
(changing from sadness to that of joy) My child, do you think I have no eyes to see and no ears to hear? I know
you and Soaring Eagle share much love. I also know there will be a wedding celebration soon. The mother of
Soaring Eagle has already spoken to your aunt and grandmother about this, and you know the special feeling I
have for him.
LITTLE FLOWER
(excited, near tears) Mother, does this mean that you approve of my marrying Soaring Eagle?
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Yes, you silly child, and your father will be very proud to call Eagle his son. Your Grandmother, your aunt and I
have begun to prepare a proper deerskin dress for your ceremony. (pauses, taking a firmer stance) W e expect...
(softer) we hope... you will be married in the Creek way, as a young woman of the Wind Clan. You must decide
in your own time and with your own heart. ( pauses, smiles and kisses the cheek of LITTLE FLOWER)
LITTLE FLOWER
Thank you, My Mother, for your blessing. I will give thought to all you have told me.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Give thought also to the reason why I no longer work for Sinnugee. Your father and I agree with many of the
Hillabee people on this. While we do understand that some of the items received in trade are good and have
made our lives easier, we also see many of our people relying too much on the white man and his trade goods.
(pauses to reflect) Little Flower, do you remember the time of the owl?
LITTLE FLOWER
I do, Mother. I will never forget.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Remember what I told you about change coming for our people? Since the owl came much change has taken
place. When the traders first came, the people saw the beads and trinkets and liked them. Now, traders come
with axes, iron pots and muskets.
LITTLE FLOWER
But Mother, are these things bad for our people, that we have a stronger axe to cut trees, a larger pot for more
sofkee or a musket to hunt deer or protect the village?
LITTLE FLOWER
(surprised to hear her mother speak of Soaring Eagle and their children) My Mother, please do not fear for me or the
Hillabee people. We are strong. We will keep our home and our land. You are right, some of the Hillabee are
living more like the white families, and our traditional items are no longer honored in the trades. I now
understand why you will not work for Sinnugee (stands a little taller) and when I see her today, I will tell her I will
no longer work for her.
(S UNFLOWER WOMAN embraces her Daughter)
[ LIGHTS: OUT ]
[ MUSIC: quick, “traveling” music ]
17
ACT I SCENE 6
Trader Grierson’s Farm
[ LIGHTS: UP on G IRLS and MOTHERS hard at work weaving on looms and cracking nuts in mortar bowls ]
( LITTLE FLOWER, E NTERS )
SINNUGEE
Little Flower, I am glad to see you this morning. (remembering) I have something for you. ( gets a bundle of folded
cloth from a basket) As we agreed, here is the cloth you wished to trade for your work.
LITTLE FLOWER
Thank you, Mother Sinnugee. I hope the work I have done for you has been pleasing... and the cloth is
beautiful... but there is something I must tell you…
SINNUGEE
Ah, yes, this is a very fine cloth, indeed. It is quite popular with the young ladies along the Savannah River and
even Charleston. (suddenly changing her thought) Little Flower, I do not mean to pry... (but is obviously prying) is
there a p articular reason you want the cloth? I only ask because this cloth has been a popular choice for
wedding dresses.
WOMEN WORKERS
(Cover mouths, giggle and whisper amongst themselves)
LITTLE FLOWER
(caught off-guard) Well, I...yes, I can see how s ome might like the cloth for..t hat...but...I…
WOMEN WORKERS
(giggle again)
SINNUGEE
(to save LITTLE FLOWER from further embarrassment) It is alright, child. I was only suggesting a possible use for
the cloth. W hatever you intend for it, I know it will be beautiful.
LITTLE FLOWER
Thank you, yes, it would have been ( frustrated) but Mother Sinnugee, I have not come to work this day.
SINNUGEE
Oh, is your family not well? I understand if you need to leave.
LITTLE FLOWER
No, everyone is fine, thank you, but what I want to say is ( takes a breath) I will not be returning to work here.
(hearing this, all the W ORKERS stop then slowly “work” and listen)
SINNUGEE
I see. May I ask your reason?
18
LITTLE FLOWER
Of course. I do owe you that. You and your husband have been very kind to give me work, and for that, I am
grateful. (standing a bit taller) M other Sinnugee, today, more than ever before, my eyes have opened to a
situation that grows more troubling.
SINNUGEE
Little Flower, what is it that troubles you so?
LITTLE FLOWER
When trades between red and white people first began, many of our traditional items could be used for trade.
Now, the traders are only interested in deer skins and other pelts. They no longer place value on our items. If I
am to be ...no...( thinks, stands strong) I AM a Hillabee woman of the Wind Clan, how could I wear a dress made
of this cloth on the day I become the wife of Soaring Eagle? It has been made by the hands of white people!
(The other W OMEN quietly agreeing as they hear this)
SINNUGEE
(laughs) Little Flower, I now hear your Mother in your words! I have expected this from you. Sunflower Woman
and I have always been friends, and we have shared many talks on how unfair the trades have become for the
Hillabee people. When she told me she could no longer work here, I was saddened, but I understood her
reasons. I also understand yours.
LITTLE FLOWER
Yes, Mother Sinnugee, I must follow my heart on this. Thank you for understanding.
SINNUGEE
Before you leave, please open the cloth I have given you.
LITTLE FLOWER
(surprised, she unfolds cloth to find a bag of beads) Oh, these are beautiful beads!
SINNUGEE
They were made by my grandmother - in the old way. I felt I knew what you wanted the cloth for (smiles, winks)
and the beads would have looked nice on it, but I believe they will look even better on a deerskin dress worn
by a Hillabee Woman of The Wind Clan.
LITTLE FLOWER
Thank, you, Mother Sinnugee. I will wear them on the day of celebration. I do hope you and your family will
come ( looks to all the WOMEN) and all of you as well!
SINNUGEE
Of course, we will.
(W OMEN, e xcited, ad lib) Oh, yes! I will be there! All of my family will come!
19
LITTLE FLOWER
That is good! I must go meet Soaring Eagle. I will tell him to hunt more rabbits so we can feed everyone!
(EXITS)
(WOMEN, SINNUGEE laughter and ad libs) G oodbye! See you at the celebration! I will bring bread!
[ LIGHTS: Out ]
[ MUSIC: “happy-go-lucky” ]
ACT 1 SCENE 7
A small bridge on the trail
[ LIGHTS: U P ]
LITTLE FLOWER
Now, where is he? Eagle, are you hiding again? ( looks around) We have much to do! (realizes EAGLE is not
hiding) I suppose he is still finishing his chores. Goodness! Today has given me much to think about (sits and
yawns). I will rest... just for a moment...Eagle will be here soon (yawns as she sits to rest. As she fiddles with the
beads she hums herself to sleep)
[LIGHTS f ade all around]
[SOUND: Dreamlike transition of baby , owl. , cannon. Warriors fighting]
[DIRECTOR’s SOUND NOTE: Little Flower dreams that she and Soaring Eagle were married and their child, a little girl that looked like her mother, was
playing in front of their huti. In her dream, Little Flower was happy and content and all was well with her people. Then suddenly, the child screamed and
the sound of the owl with its chilling cry of death was heard throughout the village. War whoops and sounds from a large gun filled the air. Little Flower
awoke from her sleep and heard herself crying for her child.]
(S OARING EAGLE rushes in to her side, waking her)
SOARING EAGLE
Little Flower, my Flower, why are you crying? Who is this child you are calling for? (pulls Little Flower close)
LITTLE FLOWER
Oh, Soaring Eagle. ( tears stream down her cheeks) I dreamed we were married ….and our child and…and the
owl came again. There were warriors fighting and loud sounds that I have never heard before.
SOARING EAGLE
Little Flower, it was only a dream (leans into her) but I like the part about us being married ( smiles, then, changes
tone). Some of the beloved women do have dreams which talk of the future. ( changes thinking) Oh, b ut the
owl...and our warriors fighting? That does upset me. I will pray to the Great Spirit that those things do not come
true. ( wipes the tears from Little Flower’s eyes and kissed her cheek, then, takes her hand). Come, walk with me, I
have words to say that will chase the fear from your heart and make you happy.
LITTLE FLOWER
Just seeing you makes me happy, My Eagle.
20
SOARING EAGLE
Little Flower, I wish to see you happy every day. ( holds her) Brave Hawk has told me that he will ask you to talk
with the aunt and grandmother of Spotted Fawn. The two of them will become one very soon.
LITTLE FLOWER
Oh, that is good! When did he plan to tell his mother and sister?”
SOARING EAGLE
He plans to tell his family when he returns from his trip up river. That will be in two suns.
LITTLE FLOWER
Why is he going up river?
SOARING EAGLE
The river mussels are big and there is an oak tree filled with much honey. Also, there is a small Cherokee
village nearby where the women make bowls from a different color of clay. We will trade for some of this clay.
It will make a good Hillabee bowl. (notices an eagle flying overhead) Look, Little Flower, the eagle has come to
guide the way for me and to give me courage.
LITTLE FLOWER
Courage? Whatever for?
SOARING EAGLE
(Takes a deep breath, gathers his courage and lifts Little Flower’s chin to look in her eyes) It is time. Little Flower. If
you are ready, then I too am ready for you to become my wife.
LITTLE FLOWER
(puts her finger on his lips to quiet him) I am ready to become the wife of Soaring Eagle.
(SOARING EAGLE picks up and spins her around until they both are dizzy and laughing. He pulls her close and holds her)
[ LIGHTS: OUT ]
[ MUSIC: joyful, segues into Ceremony ]
21
ACT 1 SCENE 8
[ SPOTLIGHT: NARRATOR ]
NARRATOR
And so, Little Flower and Soaring Eagle would be married. Their lifetime friends, Brown Hawk and Spotted
Fawn, planned their celebration for the same day. As was tradition, Soaring Eagle and Brown Hawk gifted
honey and pelts and built the hutis for their wives. For so long, many had looked forward to this special day
and prepared gifts of pots, arrows, blankets and bowls of food. When the day of celebration came, Little Flower
wore the traditional deerskin dress.
[MUSIC: a festive tune, native flute]
[ LIGHTS: r evealing A LL gathered at the ceremony for the two couples ]
[ MUSIC: single drumbeat is heard, A LL settle into silence ]
HILLABEE MICCO
Now, we celebrate! (Turns, smiling at the two couples) Soaring Eagle and Little Flower, Brave Hawk and Spotted
Fawn (he indicates to them to step forward)
(The new C OUPLES take hands and step forward)
HILLABEE MICCO
My people and friends from other villages, please join me today in honoring these young people as they begin
their new lives.
[ MUSIC: the loud sound of the drums ]
(VILLAGERS cheer and keen as the two C OUPLES embrace, H USBANDS swing their WIVES around)
VILLAGERS
I made a basket for each of you! My grandmother sends you her best beads….
May my arrows bring you good hunt!...May the huti of each new couple soon be filled with babies!
(More cheers and whistles. The D RUMS stop and silence again prevails)
MICCO
I see my people are now ready to join in the fun but first, I must say a few words.
VILLAGERS
(Groans and laughter is heard,indicating a long speech was forthcoming)
MICCO
(Understandingly laughs and speaks in a jovial tone) Yes, in the moonlit nights ahead, may Great Spirit grant
Soaring Eagle and Brave Hawk much strength and their wives with (stresses) MANY children to carry…. ( pauses
VILLAGERS laugh). .. (restates, in a more sincere manner) yes, many beautiful children to carry on the Hillabee
way! In good times or in troubled times, may Great Spirit protect them and all Muscogee People. ( pauses)
Brothers and Sisters, there is much food to share today and after our stomachs are full we shall dance. I have
but one more thing to say….
(VILLAGERS groan bit more)
22
CHILD
I am hungry. When do we eat?
(VILLAGERS laugh, M ICCO laughs and picks up CHILD)
MICCO
Sometimes, even the youngest Hillabee can be more wise than their old Micco. (to CHILD) So, my little wise
one, what should we all do now? (whispers answer in child’s ear)
CHILD
Eat!
(ALL cheer and applaud and head off to eat. (MICCO waves his hands for ALL to go ahead)
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Little Flower and Spotted Fawn, my TWO Daughters, this is the time of a new life for you, a new beginning. I
pray to the Great Spirit that your lives will be happy and long.
(LITTLE FLOWER hugs her her Mother, then, as S UNFLOWER WOMAN hugs S POTTED FAWN, SOARING EAGLE
pulls LITTLE FLOWER away. S UNFLOWER WOMAN, being pulled towards the feasting, EXITS)
SOARING EAGLE
(slyly pulls LITTLE FLOWER to the side) My Little Flower, I think we can let the celebration continue (grins) without
us. Come.
(They embrace then quickly dash off hand in hand)
[ LIGHTS OUT ]
23
ACT I SCENE 9
[ MUSIC: Fades as NARRATOR takes the stage ]
[ LIGHTS: Spotlight Narrator ]
NARRATOR
By the Winter of 1811, many of the Hillabee had begun to adopt the ways of white settlers. Iron axes and
plowshares were used to fell acres of trees and make ready the ground for row crops. Iron hatchets and knives
were replacing stone tools for both hunting and battle. Sturdy skillets and kettles became more commonplace.
Cloth, fancy ribbons and beads brought changes to the traditional Creek way of dressing. Other Muskogee
stood firm, refusing to change or abandon their traditions for the white man’s iron and cloth. The increasing
presence of white settlers, traders and soldiers was an intrusion, a threat to their land and way of life.
Friction continued to grow, as did discontent and unrest. Many began to believe that soon red brothers would
fight and kill one another because of the curse of the white man.
[ LIGHTS : Up on HAWKINS, then crossfade to TECUMSEH as each are mentioned ]
To address the growing division, Miccos and warriors from many tribes were called to gather for a national
council at Tuckabatchee. Agent Benjamin Hawkins would give a talk about his government’s intention to
increase the size of the horse path that ran near Tuckabatchee. Agent Hawkins, a good man but one with a
governmental job to do, had influenced many people of the Tuckabatchee town. Others, too, would give their
talk but no talk was so anticipated as that of the Shawnee leader, Tecumseh. When word that Tecumseh and
his band of warriors were enroute to Tuckabatchee, news spread along the trails and in the villages.
[ LIGHTS: Out on TECUMSEH ]
Despite the discord that gripped the entire Creek Nation, the Hillabee managed to maintain their spirit and
unity. Within the village many stood in the middle realizing that whites did make life easier. Thus, a delicate
balance was maintained.
[ LIGHTS: Up on Family, at half intensity ]
In the time that had passed, the young couples had settled happily into their new lives. Many in the village
believed the two young warriors would be their future leaders, and both were appointed as assistant miccos.
Spotted Fawn had given birth to a son. Little Flower became the mother of twins, Red Fox and Little Deer. All
were inquisitive and bright children.
[ SPOTLIGHT: Out on NARRATOR ]
[ LIGHTS: Full on FAMILY ]
(L ITTLE FLOWER-, preparing the morning meal, with RED FOX a nd LITTLE DEER)
RED FOX
My Mother, are we Red Sticks?
LITTLE DEER
We are not like the white people, are we?
24
LITTLE FLOWER
(Laughing) No, My Daughter, we are definitely not like the white people. I think you mean, are we peaceful?
RED FOX
(impatiently) My friend, Swift Wolf, said his father is a Red Stick, and if his father is one then so am I!
LITTLE FLOWER
I think Red Fox, that you should ask your father that question as soon as he returns from Council at
Tuckabatchee.
RED FOX
I think, Mother, that I will be a Red Stick, ( slings his little bow from his shoulder) and I will kill every white man I
see!
LITTLE DEER
Me too, me too!
LITTLE FLOWER
Oh no…( as she sees SUNFLOWER WOMAN ENTER) M y Mother, did you hear the words of my children? They
asked if we are Red Sticks. (whispers uncertainly) What do I tell them?...
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Yes, I did hear my grandchildren. The same question is being asked all around the town. While they do not
understand what is happening, all in Hillabee are being affected and they are frightened. (looks amused at the
children) At least some of them…my grandson and his sister are ready to take their bow and arrows and fight.
(pulls LITTLE FLOWER closer) M y Daughter, I too have much fear for us.
[ LIGHTS: O ut ]
[ MUSIC: b rief, if any ]
[LIGHTS o n Hillibees returning from Tuckabatchee]
MICCO
Brothers, we are but a short distance from Hillabee town. Let us rest here a short time. Soon, our families will
welcome us home and our wives and mothers will ask us of the talks at the Council of Tuckabatchee. Many
yearn to hear the talk of Tecumseh, as his name has been spoken on every trail and in every village. Many will
also ask us of Agent Benjamin Hawkins and his talk for the White Fathers in Washington. While their words are
still fresh on our ears, let us speak freely from our hearts on what we have heard.
[ SPOTLIGHT: HAWKINS, SR ]
HAWKINS
My red brothers, I come here today to tell you the good news about the new Federal Road. This new road,
which is an enlargement of the old familiar horse path, will bring great opportunity for the Creeks. Stands for
food and rest can be built along the road, and ferries can be constructed. These can be owned by the Creek
people. Money can be made from the many white families traveling through your land on their way to
settlements in the west.
(OFFSTAGE; an uproar)
25
HAWKINS
(agitated) M y brothers and...
W ARRIOR 2
(OFFSTAGE) HAWKINS, you are not my brother and no longer friend to the Muskogee!
HAWKINS
Your white father in Washington has made his decision. The horse path will be made larger, much larger.
Many white families will travel the road. You will accept this road..
(WARRIORS clamor in disapproval)
[ SPOTLIGHT: O ut on HAWKINS ]
WARRIOR 1
Do we not have a choice? This is the land of our people! It does not belong to the great white father in
Washington. Agent Hawkins is not our brother, I have no white Father and I do not want his road!
[ LIGHTS: shift scene ]
MICCO
Soaring Eagle, what did you gather from the talk of Agent Hawkins?
SOARING EAGLE
Agent Hawkins spoke only what those in Washington would have us hear. His talk was hurled at us, arrow
after arrow. (more intensely) Have we given up our Red Grandfathers to become the children of the White
Fathers of Washington? What of the land entrusted to us by the Keeper of Breath? Are we to stand idle as the
White Fathers lay claim to our land for their own children?
WARRIOR 1
You give us many questions, but Brother, what is your answer? Are you Red with Tecumseh or are you White
as Washington?
(WARRIORS respond)
SOARING EAGLE
Like many of you, I, too, find myself torn. Our Grandfathers taught us that we should watch, listen and be ready
when the time is right. We all heard the words of Tecumseh.
26
[LIGHTS: SPOT up on TECUMSEH SL]
TECUMSEH
(P aces to build suspense and garner all attention. When Tecumseh begins to speak, he anchors himself and
gestures in a gentle manner, as though, to invite and embrace all of the Nation)
Brothers, we all belong to one family; we are all children of the Great Spirit; we walk in the same path;
we quench our thirst at the same spring; and now affairs of the greatest concern lead us to smoke the
pipe around the same council fire.
Our country and our most sacred grounds have been seized. Our warriors have been made weak.
Our fathers and ancestors cry at seeing our people made into slaves and cowards. ( p auses, gesturing
all to listen)
I hear them now in the wailing winds.
Brothers, when the white men first set foot on our grounds, they were hungry; they had no
place on which to spread their blankets, or to kindle their fires. Our fathers took pity and gave them
food, medicine and skins. They were given grounds, that they might hunt and raise corn.
Now that we have made them strong, they wish to kill us. Brothers, the white people are like
poisonous serpents: when their bodies are cold, they are feeble and harmless; but invigorate them
with warmth, and they sting their benefactors to death!
Their treaties are made of empty words. They wish to make us enemies, that they may sweep over
and desolate our hunting grounds, like devastating winds, or rushing waters. They do not think the
red men sufficiently good to live. We should suffer them no longer! ( Pause.)
Brothers, my people are brave but the white people are too strong for them alone. Together, we can
take up the tomahawk against them, and cause the rivers to stain the great waters with their blood! If
we do not unite, they will destroy us.
The Mvskoke was once a mighty people. The Georgians trembled at your war-whoop, and the
maidens of my tribe sung the prowess of your warriors and sighed for their embraces.
Now, it seems, your very blood is white; your tomahawks have no edge; your bows and arrows were
buried with your fathers.
(As a final plea and warning) Mvskoke, brethren of My Mother (e mphasized), brush from your eyelids
the sleep of slavery; once more strike for our people. The spirits of our mighty dead complain and
their tears drop from the weeping skies. War now! War forever!
[ LIGHTS: switch scene ]
27
MICCO
We should think about the words of Tecumseh and what the future will be for our people. Should the day of
battle come, on which side will the Hillabee stand? Are we to be Red Sticks with Tecumseh or White Sticks
with the White Fathers in Washington?
(Whoops of agreement from the W ARRIORS. MICCOS confer in agreement)
MICCO
(cont’d) We respect that some of you may not agree with us on the decisions we must make. Any of you with a
different opinion may give your talk. No action will be taken against any brother who speaks his heart.
SOARING EAGLE
Tecumseh urged the Creek to stand together against the white man and when the time comes, to fight these
people. For now, we must continue to watch, wait and be ready.
WARRIOR
Have not our lives been made easier by using the tools of the white man? The Creek have prospered from this.
If we kill them, how will we prosper?
(Two or three warriors near the back of the circle look at each other. One slowly rises)
WARRIOR 1
I and my family have done well with our crops by using the iron plow. Who of you here has not enjoyed the
benefits of this? Are we to prosper from what the white man has shown us, then turn to strike him down?
Where is the honor of the Muskogee in that?
(S everal WARRIORS nod, considering the words)
WARRIOR 2 RED
Brother, you speak of Honor but where is that when we must surrender our homes and our land to prosper
from what the white man offers? Must we trade our traditions? I will fight them until I can fight no more! I shall
stain my war club red and stand with our Micco - as a Red Stick!
(Several W ARRIORS n od, considering, some whoop. M ICCO, SOARING EAGLE, BROWN FOX quickly confer with one
another and appear to agree on an outcome)
MICCO
(holds up hand to calm warriors) My Brothers, with heavy hearts, the micco of the Hillabee have reached a
decision. Now, each of you must decide where you will stand. The White Fathers have taken our land and
threatened our way of life. All must decide on which side they will stand but the Hillabee will no longer straddle
the fence.
(More whoops from WARRIORS. OTHERS remain silent.)
Let us go now to our Families. Give to them your talk on where your heart stands. Council will be called in the
morning and in two suns, every Muscogee throughout (expresses) o ur lands will know where the Hillabee stand.
(ALL but M ICCO EXIT, some LEFT, some RIGHT)
[ SOUND: cry of the owl fills the air ]
28
[ MUSIC: Soft drum ]
( MICCO, heavy in heart, looks upward in prayer )
[ S OUND: A distant cry of an owl ]
[ MUSIC: sharp ending drum beat, rattles ]
[ LIGHTS: Out ]
ACT I SCENE 10
Spinning area at Grierson Farm
[ SOUND: Gunfire, crackling burning building, cries for help can be heard ]
[ FX Fog, flickering fire light effect ]
GRIERSON
(flailing a broken stick) Come no closer!
MICCO
Hold your fire! Do not shoot! We are here to help.
GRIERSON
(Relieved, lowers musket and slowly begins to speak) Micco! My friend, my true friend, thank you for coming.
MICCO
We heard the musket fire across the creek. We came as quickly as we could. (signals to warriors , S OARING
EAGLE, to go ahead to help the injured and scout the damage) What has happened here? Who has done this?
GRIERSON
They were Red Sticks. The attack was sudden. Gunfire came from all around and we fled across the pasture
and hid. We watched as the fire and smoke billowed out of our barn and tradehouse. When the shouting and
the gunfire stopped, we crossed the pasture to the stock pens. We found our horses and cattle slaughtered.
From there, we could see our house and the broken furniture and clothing that had been scattered. Those who
had escaped the attack were gathered at the front porch. As Sinnugee and I approached... (pauses, voice begins
to break) ..that is when we saw the bodies...eleven of them, placed side by side. We could find no words to say.
We stood there in silence ( pauses). Then, Sinnugee pulled me towards the bodies and knelt down, wrapping
her arms around one of them. It was our son. (breaking, angered confusion) Whatever have I done to give cause
for such savagery?
MICCO
I am truly sorry for the loss of your son. The Hillabee had no part in this. Now, as I look upon your grounds and
see this destruction, things that have been unclear to me are now clear. Two days ago, a message runner from
Autossee appeared to me and said: “B efore the moon is new, actions will be taken to drive the white man out
of our lands. This is not your fight but if you interfere, it will become yours.” He spoke nothing more before he
left but now I believe the actions he spoke of are what has happened here.
(S OARING EAGLE returns, helping STAR WOMAN in shredded blouse and skirt, barefoot. SINNUGEE quickly helps to hold the shaken woman up.)
29
SINUGGEE
Star Woman, are you hurt? Your shirt, your skirt, what has happened?
STAR WOMAN
(Angered) Mother Sinnugee, the Red Stick warriors tore my clothes and accused me of dressing as a white
woman!
SINUGGEE
(finds a soiled, torn piece of cloth near the broken loom, covers STAR WOMAN) Here, let us cover you. Did they hurt
you?
STAR WOMAN
No, Mother, they only tore my dress then told me to run fast away and not return to this white place. I ran until I
could no longer hear them laughing and did not stop until the air was still and without gunfire. I was not
touched, but I was made to feel deeply ashamed. ( sobs, wiping tears)
SINUGGEE
Cry no longer, My Daughter. Tears will not change what has happened today. Already, I have seen my own
son dead (pauses, regains). ..but daughter, in this time, we must tend to the wounded. The time for sorrows and
for the cutting of my hair to mourn my son must wait. I have feared something like this would happen. A great
anger has been growing but for my own people to do this, I do not understand.
GRIERSON
(holds Sinnugee) T here is much for us to try to understand ( to MICCO) but know this, my friend: I place no blame
on the Hillabee people for what has happened here. I have lived and traded among you for many seasons.
Never was it my intention to harm any of the Creek people. I should have taken the warning given to me and
been ready for this attack. I have lost much. Oh! What have I allowed to happen? ( buries his face in his hands)
SINUGGEE
My husband, this day has placed a heavy burden on us but do not blame yourself. Come, walk with me to the
stream and let us rest. We will find our strength, together.
MICCO
(touches Grierson’s shoulder) M y friend, listen to your wife. Go. ( indicating helpers) We will continue to work.
GRIERSON
(t o Micco) Thank you, my friend. Thank you.
(S INNUGEE and G RIERSON Exit)
[ SOUND: c hilling sound of the owl, then another and another owl ]
MICCO
Brothers, listen, do you hear the cry of the owl? We have heard his cry for many seasons but until now, we
have not seen clearly the warning. (more intensely) Look around and let your eyes see the bloody wrath of our
own people! This is wrong. Trader Grierson has done nothing to deserve this. It is true he has not spoken
favorably of the Red Sticks ( pauses) but he is a good friend to the Hillabee.
30
SOARING EAGLE
Brothers, I am torn. On this day we have witnessed death and destruction caused by our own people. As our
micco has said, this was an unfair deed. ( stresses) I must ask you: “w as it?” If Trader Grierson was not a friend
we had known for many seasons, would we have joined parties with the Red Sticks that have done this? ( sits
down shaking his head)
BRAVE HAWK
Brother, I too am conflicted. Grierson may be our friend. When he came long ago to live among us he made
good trades. Now, he only values the deer skins. Then he took our land and made it his home. His home has
continued to grow. Now, Grierson has said the Red Sticks have no right to fight for what is ours.
MICCO
Brothers, these are all things we must consider, but for now, we must put aside our differences and act as One
People. We must tend to the injured and prepare the dead for burial. Hear me, Brothers. on this day we now
know what the owl has been warning us of: Death and Destruction.
(ALL react)
[ MUSIC: A sharp pounding on a drum, fluttering flute and rattle shakes and a final sharp beat of the drum ]
[ LIGHTS: O UT ]
[ SOUND: Owl screech ]
INTERMISSION
31
ACT 2 SCENE 1
[ MUSIC: Repeat end of Act 1 music cue and segue into a mixture of native and settler music ]
[ SPOTLIGHT : N ARRATOR ]
NARRATOR
The attack on Grierson’s Farm fueled the fires of discontent and continued division throughout the Creek
Nation. Conflicts occurred for years, a Creek stealing a cow or horse from a white man’s farm, a white
poaching deer from Creek hunting land, taking food from the warrior’s family. The Summer of 1813 was one of
unrest for the Creek people living along the Tallapoosa River. Much like the river, the attitudes were turbulent
and at times violent. Warriors passing through Hillabee town told of the increasing surge in the Red Stick
movement. Threats on the lives of the old chiefs and the destruction of peace villages were issued daily. Never
before had the Creek people felt such animosity. With an unsatisfied thirst for more land, the white men and
their families edged closer and closer to the Creek boundaries. With tempers short, many feared an escalation
of bloodshed between the Muskogee and whites was not only imminent but also inevitable. Even the children
were aware of the turmoil and uneasiness running rampant in the Creek towns…
[ SPOTLIGHT: O ut / LIGHTS : U P o n scene]
(LITTLE FLOWER and S UNFLOWER WOMAN are busy mending the moccasins)
RED FOX
(ENTERS, excited) Mother, My Mother, I saw them. I saw them!
LITTLE FLOWER
Who did you see and (stresses) w here is your Sister?
RED FOX
I saw the Red Stick warriors! Father is talking with them.
LITTLE FLOWER
(concerned) Talking with your father? (pressing) Again, my son, I ask where is Little Deer?
RED FOX
Mother, I do not know where she is. She was with me on the path but when we saw the Red Sticks coming, we
hid behind the rocks.
(ENTER, SOARING EAGLE and Several W ARRIORS with red feathers in their hair, LITTLE DEER is being held by her hand by one of the Warriors)
SOARING EAGLE
Little Flower, our daughter has decided that instead of becoming a beautiful Creek woman, like her mother,
that she will be a Red Stick warrior.
(The WARRIORS laugh)
SOARING EAGLE
She and her brother were hiding behind a big rock. (chiding RED FOX) I t seems that her brother decided to
leave without his sister. (firmly but lovingly pops his head. Turns attention to WARRIORS). These are messengers
from Talisi town. They are traveling up river bringing news of... ( pauses but continues quietly) Perhaps it would be
best the children did not hear what I must tell you. Could you busy them with attending to our hungry guests?
32
LITTLE FLOWER
(understanding EAGLE’s tone) Yes, my husband. Children, go help prepare sofkee and bread. We will join you
soon.
(C HILDREN EXIT to huti, offstage RIGHT)
SOARING EAGLE
(pulls LITTLE FLOWER to the side, hugs her and sends her offstage) The children are the reason.
LITTLE FLOWER
The children? Eagle, you worry me now. What is this news they bring from Talisi town?
SOARING EAGLE
( pulls her closer) What we do now, we do for our children - and for theirs.
LITTLE FLOWER
My Eagle, what has happened?
SOARING EAGLE
Our Council has just heard from these warriors. It involves my friend from Talisi, Peter McQueen.
LITTLE FLOWER
McQueen? It has not been more than a full moon since he was here...( remembering). ..o n his way to Pensacola,
I believe he said?
SOARING EAGLE
Yes, to gunpowder and lead from the Governor of Pensacola…( pauses)...on his return, though, he and his party
were attacked by white soldiers, at the place called Burnt Corn Creek. It is by these messengers, we have
heard McQueen’s talk to the Council at Holy Ground...
[ LIGHTS: out on group, up on McQueen ]
McQUEEN
(McQueen, conveying the July 27th 1813 incident at Burnt Corn Creek)
(movement and speaking as though in process as the lights rise)...We asked Governor Manique for gunpowder and
rifles but all he offered were bottles of rum. ( firmly stating) H e meant only to pacify us so we would leave! Our
Prophet, Josiah Francis, was not agreeable to this offer of alcohol. So, again, we gave our talk for munitions.
Governor Manique agreed but only to ten small bags of powder and five bullets to each man. ( mimicking) “ It is a
friendly present, for hunting purposes,” were his words. (incensed) I did well to hold my tongue on the insulting
offer but we accepted his gift. Again, we approached him and offered him a list of Red Stick towns who had
agreed to fight with him against the British. For this, we received blankets, ribbons, razors, cattle, 45 barrels of
corn and flour, a supply of musket balls and 1000 pounds of gunpowder. With our pack horses loaded, we
began our journey to Whet Stone Hill, where the munitions would be divided among the warriors from each
Red Stick town.
[ L IGHTS: shift from M cQUEEN to LITTLE FLOWER, S OARING EAGLE and SUNFLOWER WOMAN ]
33
LITTLE FLOWER
Eagle, in what you tell me, I hear only a story of McQueen and of talks and of bargaining…(looks at him more
concerned) b ut in your eyes…(touches his cheek) i n your eyes, I see a worry that troubles me. What more has
happened?
SOARING EAGLE
(knowing Little Flower senses more, he continues) M y good wife sees me plainly, that I know for certain. I will give
you all I have heard on this. Then you will understand what has troubled me so. ( continuing) W hen the party of
McQueen reached the spring at Burnt Corn Creek, they made their camp to rest the horses, but he said, t hey
were careless…
(S OARING EAGLE’s last and M cQUEEN’s first lines overlap as lighting shifts)
[L IGHTS: shift to McQUEEN]
McQUEEN
(overlapping with EAGLE’s voice) We were careless. We allowed ourselves to be at ease as we made our meals
and talked of our families. It was in that brief moment of peace that gunfire began to rain down from the hill
above our camp.
[S OUND: gunfire in distance]
(continues, more animated as he gives his talk) ...Two of our men, with only knives on their belts, were killed
before we could see the faces of the cowards hidden on the hill. We returned gunfire and arrows but the
soldiers held the high ground. We sought cover in the tall reeds of the creek (c rouches). We watched the
soldiers, some eighty of them, loot our camp and take what they wanted from the bodies of our dead brothers.
Several soldiers led our loaded pack horses away. After a time, the soldiers that remained ate our food and
(stresses) like us, t hey too became off-guard and careless. I n t hat moment we returned to them what they had
done to us. ( slowly rises, more dramatic in telling) L ike a river made angry from a great storm, our warriors rushed
over the shore, with our whooping cries filling the air like a mighty thunder! (laughs, boasting) Brothers, those
poor, white cowards scattered in every direction! Had we followed them, we could have killed many. They fled
towards Fort Mims but half a day away. Where else could so many soldiers have been gathered and sent
against us? How did they come to know of our location? Brothers, the White Fathers have eyes and ears on
every trail and in every village. They are set against us; we can no longer be careless. This is only the
beginning. When the sun again rises, we shall send our own eyes to Fort Mims. We will learn, and when we
are ready, we will take their war to them!
[ LIGHTS: shift again to L ITTLE FLOWER, SOARING EAGLE a nd SUNFLOWER WOMAN ]
SOARING EAGLE
The messengers tell us High Head Jim of the Autossee and Red Eagle agree with McQueen on seeking
vengeance for the twelve warriors killed at Burnt Corn Creek. They also spoke of Prophet Josiah Francis,
calling for the Dance of War at Holy Ground. They offered no further talk of Fort Mims but from their silence, I
suspect McQueen aims to attack the fort.
LITTLE FLOWER
What will come of this? The Hillabee should not be drawn into a war we did not make! And Red Eagle? His
white name is Weatherford. He has much land and lives as the white people do. His blood is more white than
red. On which side will he fight at Fort Mims?
34
SOARING EAGLE
Red Eagle is respected by both red and white people. It is difficult to know on which side he truly stands. At the
Council of Tuckabatchee, he spoke of having his feet firmly planted on the ground and of it being pulled apart
by the red bloods on one side and the white bloods on the other. I fear many of our people feel this way and
soon will be torn. I am reminded of the Knower and the division I saw in the crystal. What does it all mean?
(S UNFLOWER WOMAN, w ho has been quietly listening, breaks her silence)
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
The Red Sticks are rising.
LITTLE FLOWER
Mother, what do you make of this? In the time of the owl, when I was only a little girl, you said this would
happen.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Little Flower, a new time is beginning for the Hillabee. Our warriors are gathering their bows and hatchets. The
Beloved Women of every clan must be prepared to offer good council on which path they will walk. Now, I fear
we will have much worse to face. I fear not only the loss of our homes and land, but also…(pausing to brush
away her tears). ..I fear for the lives of our people, for all of us.
[LIGHTS OUT]
[ MUSIC: t o suggest red and white colliding at war ]
[ SOUND: gunfire, battle sounds ]
35
ACT 2 SCENE 2
[LIGHTS UP]
(A worried but firm Micco, as if before Council)
MICCO
Brothers, the words I give you now, I have only heard as the sun set on this day. Red Stick warriors from the
Holy Ground have attacked and burned the place called Fort Mims. At this time, we have not seen our Hillabee
brothers who made their decision to fight as Red Sticks. I pray that Keeper of Breath grant them a safe journey
home. If what I have heard is true, few escaped the fort when the Red Sticks attacked. I am told all of the white
soldiers and the Creek warriors on their side were killed. Over 200 scalps were taken; many slaves were
captured.
WARRIOR 1
Why did the white soldiers not fight back?
WARRIOR 2
The white soldiers are weak and hid behind the skirts of Women!
SOARING EAGLE
Brothers, this attack is not to be taken lightly. Micco, you tell us of a great victory for the honor of the fallen
warriors, but what more is there?
MICCO
When the ashes of the fort were made red with the blood of white soldiers, the honor of the twelve warriors
was well-restored. The price was paid but (to Eagle) B rothers, there is more. Taking refuge in the fort were
some 200 white settlers; men, women and children. I am told Red Eagle attempted to halt the attacks on
settlers but his effort was unsuccessful. It will be many days before the dead can be numbered. F our? Five
hundred? Even now, the white settlers are crying out to the White Fathers for vengeance.
SOARING EAGLE
The White Fathers will see this attack as a massacre and send their soldiers to avenge their dead. When they
come, they will not care if we are Red Sticks or White Sticks when they burn our villages and kill our women
and children. I fear this time. I fear how it will end.
[ LIGHTS: Out ]
[ M USIC: s omber ]
[ SPOTLIGHT: Up ]
NARRATOR
When news of the Red Stick attack on Fort Mims reached Governor Blount in Nashville, the decision to take
action was made. G eneral Andrew Jackson would assemble an army of 2,500 T ennessee militia and press
southward through Creek Territory to a place along the Coosa River known as Ten Islands. T here
Jackson oversaw the construction of Fort Strother, which would act as his headquarters for the campaign
against the Red Sticks. On November 3rd of 1813, the first major strike against the Red Sticks came, when
Jackson ordered his friend and most trusted officer, General J ohn Coffee, to attack the village of
Tallushatchee. Six days later Coffee marched further south to lay siege to Talladega.
[ SPOTLIGHT: Out ]
36
[ SOUND: b ugle, battle sounds ]
[ LIGHTS: Up ]
MICCO
(Recounting attacks of November 3rd and 9th) My people, sadness fills my heart on this day. Sadness, and now
fear. The peace town of Talladega has been attacked.
(W OMEN began keening; W ARRIORS react with shouts, raised hands and weapons)
Was not the attack on Tallushatchee and the deaths of two-hundred warriors enough to satisfy vengeance for
Jackson? What of the hutis that were burned to the ground as women and children sought refuge inside? Now,
Jackson has attacked Talladega. In this time, all that is known is Red Sticks laid siege to Talladega when the
Micco and beloved men there would not agree to join and fight with them as Red Sticks. The micco slipped out
of the town and asked for help from the big, evil man called Jackson.
(Moans of disbelief arise from the WARRIORS as M ICCO continues.)
The Red Stick warriors were defeated, but it is not known if the peaceful warriors remain at the village or were
taken prisoner by the white soldiers. The soldiers have returned to Ten Islands, but hear me well: Talladega is
but a day of journey from Hillabee.
(ALL react, acknowledging)
(MICCO continues) We have watched Jackson. We can no longer wait; we must act.
WARRIOR
We should attack Jackson at Ten Islands!
(ALL react, for and against)
MICCO
(cont’d) (holds up hand to calm crowd) T he Hillabee are not prepared to fight Jackson and his soldiers with rifles.
We will act, but in this time we will go to Jackson to convince him the Hillabee are peaceful. If we fail, Jackson
will march on our village.
(ALL r eact)
(M ICCO continues) My chiefs and beloved men have talked with Trader Grierson. He has suggested we make
haste to Ten Islands, before Jackson can send his troops against us. ( looks to Grierson,gives him the grounds to
speak)
GRIERSON
I do not want to see the Hillabee attacked. I will go to Jackson on your behalf and tell him the Hillabee do not
support the Red Sticks and wish no fight with his soldiers. Any of your miccos may join me. Together, we will
extend our hands in peace to Jackson.
WARRIOR
Why do you think Sharp Knife Jackson will listen to you? Are you a friend of this man who aims to strike our
Mother Towns and villages?
37
GRIERSON
I am no friend of Jackson, but I am an established trader that has lived peacefully among the Muscogee for
many years. That I am a Scotsman and as white as Jackson may gain us the advantage to convince him we
can live peacefully together. I have heard that Jackson will pass by peace villages if they make it known to him.
This is all I know to do.
MICCO
It is our best hope. Thank you, Trader Grierson. Some of us will be joining you on the trip up the Coosa to Ten
Islands. With your help, we will talk to Jackson, and he will know the Hillabee want no war with the White
Fathers in Washington. (To Grierson) Come, share tobacco with me so we may talk further on this.
(The two men EXIT)
WARRIOR
We will regret this for as long as we see the sunrise. (EXITS in a different direction)
(The CHILDREN r un it to their FATHER and MOTHER)
LITTLE FLOWER
My Mother, I do not feel good in my heart about this man called Jackson. He is not to be trusted.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
I too think he is not to be trusted. Our micco, Brave Hawk and Soaring Eagle are intelligent men. They are
good leaders, and will do what is best for our people.
LITTLE FLOWER
I agree, Mother. I am still so afraid. I feel that bad, terrible things will happen soon to us.
LITTLE DEER
Mother, I want to go with Father!
LITTLE FLOWER
Go where, my daughter?
RED FOX
(butting in) I was going to ask first! I should go with Father, to see Sharp Knife Jackson! I will go to tell him to
leave us alone or I will bloody his nose!
LITTLE DEER
I will shoot him in his eye!
LITTLE FLOWER
Little Deer, I do not think it is wise for you to go. (suddenly catches the name) Sharp Knife Jackson? Wherever
did you hear that name?
RED FOX
(slowly, begins to point at SOARING EAGLE)
38
LITTLE FLOWER
(shakes her head at him) We will have no more talk like that!
SOARING EAGLE
(Quickly interrupts and signals children to come to him) B oth of you. (kneels down, takes one to each side hugs them) I
must go on this journey. That you wish to go with me fills my heart with joy, (pauses) but may I ask a favor of
my brave warrior children?
LITTLE DEER / RED FOX
Oh yes, My Father! My Father, I will help!
SOARING EAGLE
It may be two suns before I return. My heart will be at peace knowing you are at home to protect and help your
mother and grandmother. May I count on you both to do that for me?
LITTLE DEER
Yes, My Father!
RED FOX
I can do that! I just wanted to go see Sharp Knife ( catches himself). ..this ugly man Jackson.. and ask him to
please leave us alone and go back to his own home! We have done nothing to hurt him. ( becomes worried) I do
not want this bad man to kill you, Father.
SOARING EAGLE
Others will be traveling with me. Would you like to walk with me to see us off on our journey?
RED FOX
I would like that, Father. I will wait for you there every day. ( thinks) Well, when I am not protecting Mother and
Grandmother...or doing my chores.
LITTLE FLOWER
(crosses to hug SOARING EAGLE) You be careful.
(SOARING EAGLE and RED FOX EXIT)
LITTLE DEER
Hmmph. Old, ugly man Jackson! I still ought to put an arrow in his eye!
LITTLE FLOWER
Oh, Little Deer, you are much too brave for your own good!
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Yes, she reminds me of another little girl I once knew.. ( nudges LITTLE FLOWER)
[ LIGHTS: O ut ]
[ MUSIC: M ilitary pennywhistle, drum cadence]
39
ACT 2 SCENE 3
Fort Strothers at Ten Islands
[ LIGHTS: Up ]
(We see the Hillabee peace party awaiting their meeting with Jackson)
GRIERSON
(addresses the Sergeant) I am Robert Grierson, trader of Hillabee town. We have received permission from
General Andrew Jackson to come here and ask for peace. These men are the micco from Hillabee.
SGT
(plainly and firmly) All weapons must be removed and placed on the ground. (waits for them to do so) I will see if the
General wishes to speak with you.
(uneasy, warriors placed their bows by the Grierson’s gun)
SGT
(waits) Remain here.
(W ARRIORS grumble, Grierson calms them)
(S GT returns, with JACKSON and C OFFEE)
SGT
General Jackson, Sir. These Indians and this trader are from a town called ( struggles with name) Hill..Hill-o-be.
They would like to talk with you, Sir.
JACKSON
Thank you, Sergeant. Yes, I will listen to them. Greetings, Gentlemen. This is Major John Coffee, also from the
Army of West Tennessee Volunteers. The government (stresses) of this country has sent us here to quell the
uprising of the Creek Nation. ( gets straight to the point) You have brought this on yourselves by the brutal
massacre of the white women and children at Fort Mims in the Tensaw Territory. We intend to fulfill the job we
have been sent to do. What do you of the Hillabee have to say?
(The Hillabee, understanding what had been said remain silent)
GRIERSON
General Jackson, Sir, I am Robert Grierson and I have been the only trader at the town of Hillabee on the
Tallapoosa for more than twenty-five years. These men and their families are my friends; they are good
people. They are not responsible for what occurred in the Tensaw area. Most of them have tried to remain
neutral during this period of unrest between the Creek and the white man and even their Red Stick brothers.
They wish no harm to the white people and only want to live in peace.
JACKSON
Mr. Grierson, there are many Creek in the Coosa and Tallapoosa River valleys that had nothing to do
with the Mims Massacre. Yet, these very people are even now making plans of attack. Why do you expect me
to think the Hillabee will be any different?
40
GRIERSON
Sir, I will swear on the Holy Bible if you wish. The Hillabee do not wish to fight against you. Please, do them no
harm.
JACKSON
Hmm. Very well. So be it, Mister Grierson. You may take your Hillabee friends back to the Tallapoosa. I will do
them no harm. (gravely serious) However, should I hear anything to the contrary of what you have imparted to
me, the Hillabee shall pay dearly. Good day, Sir. (crosses Upstage)
SERGEANT
You may collect your arms. Be quick. Remove yourselves from the premises ( crosses to JACKSON)
(W ARRIORS begin to retrieve the items they placed on ground)
MICCO
(looking around) A re they out of earshot?
WARRIOR
(shakes head yes)
MICCO
What are we to make of the words of Jackson?
(WARRIORS move slow to not draw attention)
MICCO
My brothers, I do not trust Sharp Knife Jackson or any of his men. He said he will do us no harm. He does not
speak the truth. He is like the serpent, and will strike when we least expect it.
GRIERSON
I too do not trust him. He seems filled with an unnatural suspicion of the Creek people. I believe he meant what
he said about the Hillabee taking up arms against him; he will kill you, all of you. We have done all we could
do, ( emphasizes) or that he would allow us to do, to convince him from doing harm to the Hillabee. I pray to the
Great Spirit he will at least be a man of his word.
(SERGEANT returns)
MICCO
(notices SERGEANT) We have been here too long. Eyes of suspicion are upon us.
[ LIGHTS: Out ]
[ MUSIC: Military cadence ]
41
ACT 2 SCENE 4
[ SPOTLIGHT: N ARRATOR ]
NARRATOR
The moon was high in the night sky when the micco and his warriors returned to Hillabee. Each went directly to
his huti. The micco would inform the town people of the words of Jackson before the sun was high the
following day. Unbeknown to the Hillabee party or to General Jackson, General John Cocke had already
initiated a march of East Tennessee Volunteers deep into Creek territory. Having received no word of the
agreement between Jackson and the Hillabee, General Cocke’s troops, numbering one-thousand strong,
descended upon the sleeping Hillabee Mother Town.
[ SOUND: owl screeching, followed by many horse hooves, gunfire ]
[ LIGHTS: Nighttime ]
SOARING EAGLE
(awakes to screech, settles back down only to hear the screams of villagers) F lower, take the children and find Sun
Flower Woman. (pulls twins from couch, hands them off) Hide in the big rocks by White Oak Creek. The soldiers
will not come there. ( gathers bow and arrows)
LITTLE FLOWER
My Eagle, what...
SOARING EAGLE
Go, Flower, now! There is no time for talk...
LITTLE FLOWER
But what of you?
SOARING EAGLE
(brief embrace) If it is the will of the Giver of Breath, I will be with you soon. I must join your father and Brave
Hawk now. Go! ( rushes out towards musket fire and screams)
(LITTLE FLOWER, concedes, pushing the terrified children ahead of her)
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
(with a blanket quickly filled with survival items) Hurry, Little Flower, the soldiers are coming. Children, you know
the place of the rocks by the creek?
CHILDREN
(frightened, nodding) Yes, Grandmother I know that place, Grandmother.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Be brave and run as fast as you can.
[ S OUND: louder, closer gunfire and soldiers shouting ]
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Run!
( ALL q uickly EXIT )
[ SOUND: more gunfire and soldiers and Hillabee warriors shouting ]
42
[ LIGHTS: f licker and flash ]
[ S OUND: gunfire and battle sounds diminish ]
[ LIGHTS: O ut ]
[ MUSIC: brief, troubling tone ]
[ LIGHTS: d im spot on cave scene, outlining those inside ]
LITTLE DEER
My Mother? Did the soldiers go away?
LITTLE FLOWER
Shh, quiet, Little Deer. It is difficult to know.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
The gunfire has stopped, and I do not hear horses. There is but the wind.
[ SOUND: l eaves and twigs crackling ]
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
Wait. (signals “Shh” to be quiet)
SOARING EAGLE
(S OARING EAGLE enters, doing his best to carry the injured MICCO. SUNFLOWER WOMAN begins to tend to
MICCO’s wounds ) L ittle Flower?...are you here?
(Recognizing his voice, L ITTLE FLOWER q uickly appears from the rocks, followed by A LL)
LITTLE FLOWER
My Eagle, my…(Seeing the blood streaming from the arm) . ..you are injured. (tears a strip of cloth from her skirt to
wrap his arm).
SOARING EAGLE
(grimaces in pain) I am not badly injured. The soldiers are gone. So many...warriors, women...children...so
many...gone. There is nothing left of our village. Oh, my Flower.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
(trying to be strong) ...And..what of Brave Hunter and Brave Hawk? Do they live or...
SOARING EAGLE
I do not know. Many, like me, were left for dead, but still live. Many others were taken captive and forced to go
with the soldiers. (forcing a smile to insure his frightened children) Red Fox and Little Deer, I want you to be brave
and stay here in the rocks. Your Mother and I must return to the village. There are many who need our help.
Do not leave until one of us comes back for you.
RED FOX
Yes, my father, we understand.
LITTLE DEER
(through frustrated but brave sniffles) I want to go help.
43
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
You can help later. Go back inside the rocks for now. Open the blanket. There is food. Do as your father said,
and do not be afraid.
LITTLE DEER / RED FOX
Yes, Grandmother. ( both, crawl back inside the cave)
SUNFLOWER WOMAN?
The Grierson’s farm house was not burned?
SOARING EAGLE
No, the white soldiers started to cross the creek but were stopped by their leader. That was a blessing for the
women and children who were hidden there.
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
I need to find my husband and my son. I need to know if they live.
SOARING EAGLE
Let us go to the village. Now that the soldiers are well out of sight, other Hillabee may be returning to help.
[ LIGHTS: Out ]
[ MUSIC: S omber, drums and flute ]
ACT 2 SCENE 5
Hillabee Town
[ SPOTLIGHT: NARRATOR ]
NARRATOR
[ LIGHTS: THE OWL in Silhouette ]
(On the ground, we see the scattered dead, with Mothers or daughters kneeling over their loved one and keening. Out of the shadows, VILLAGERS
ENTER, some carrying remnants of items their burned hutis, others helping the injured to walk. The village is a haunting landscape of destruction and
despair.)
Help for the forlorn Hillabee Mother Town had arrived from the nearby village of Place to Find Fawns. They
wasted no time in separating the living from the dead and attending to the injured. Many graves would need to
be dug (pauses, stresses) including mass graves for entire families.
(SUNFLOWER WOMAN ENTERS to find her husband, barely alive. )
Those who were united held their loved ones tightly, for fear of losing them again.
44
(NARRATOR, cont’d) The sun was low in the western sky when the gruesome duties of the day had been
completed. Soaring Eagle stood and looked at the devastated Hillabee mother town. People he had known his
whole life were gone. Others, like his friend, Brave Hawk, were still unaccounted for. In silence, he reflected on
the death and destruction that had occurred that day. He prayed for the Head Micco, who was too severely
wounded to lead. The two eldest Beloved Men also were dead.
[ SOUND: The Owl ]
Only the familiar screech of an owl broke the silence; in that moment, Soaring Eagle realized he was now the
highest ranking Micco. Without hesitation of thoughts or words, he stood up straight and strong, planting his
feet firmly to the ground.
[ LIGHTS: SOARING EAGLE ]
[ SPOTLIGHT: Dimmed on NARRATOR ]
SOARING EAGLE
My People, my Hillabee Family, we have buried our dead and sent our prayers to the Keeper of Breath. Our
hearts are here; none of us wish to leave, ( pauses) but for us to remain will only invite the soldiers to return. We
have been welcomed by the village of Place To Find Fawns. There, we will make our new homes. Gather only
what you might easily carry. We will journey by the light of the moon, in hopes we will not be seen. Make haste.
[ LIGHTS: Out ]
[ MUSIC: A somber journey from Home ]
[ SPOTLIGHT: NARRATOR ]
NARRATOR
Place To Find Fawns was a small village downstream from Hillabee town. The villagers there were kind and
tried to make the Hillabee comfortable, providing food, clothing and building new hutis for them. While the
Hillabee appreciated the hospitality, their spirits continued to be low. Without a formal micco to lead the
Hillabee and to lift their spirits in this dark time, the remaining beloved men decided Soaring Eagle was best
suited to be the Head Micco. Soaring Eagle accepted the position with trepidation and self-doubt.
[ LIGHTS: on SOARING EAGLE, LITTLE FLOWER ]
[ SPOTLIGHT: Dimmed on NARRATOR ]
SOARING EAGLE
My wife, if these were happy times I would be joyful. I have had visions of being the micco of the Hillabee. My
visions now are of death and sorrow. There is nothing I can do to prevent this. I fear, my Flower, that I will
prove to be an unfit micco.
LITTLE FLOWER
My Eagle, if the beloved men doubted your ability, another would have been chosen. You will do as well as any
warrior. No, you will do better. You love our people.
[ LIGHTS: O ut ]
[ SPOTLIGHT: U p on NARRATOR ]
45
NARRATOR
During the late Winter Moon of November, word came that the down-river town of Autossee had been attacked
by soldiers from Georgia. The Autossi village suffered much the same fate as the Hillabee Mother town. The
world of the Creek had been shattered. No longer were they safe, even in their own villages. For now, though,
it seemed Places of The Fawns had been overlooked by Jackson. In hopes of finding Chief Menawa and
relaying to him the dire situation of the Hillabee, Soaring Eagle sent runners in every direction. When Menawa
arrived, villagers halted their chores and gathered to greet and listen to him.
[ SPOTLIGHT: O ut ]
[ LIGHTS: Place To Find Fawns ]
SOARING EAGLE
Chief Menawa, it is with much gratitude that we welcome you here. Despite this dangerous and difficult time,
with the attacks and the movement of white soldiers on every trail, you have arrived safely and for that I thank
Creator. You know of the attack on Hillabee town the very night we had returned from our talk of peace to
Jackson. Many brave Hillabee were buried and others are still missing. The old micco still remains too weak,
even to hold and eat from his own bowl of sofkee. Others as well fight death each new day. ( pauses) Menawa,
what your eyes see before you is all that remains of the Hillabee.
(VILLAGERS respond solemnly; holding hands, hugging, many in tears)
SOARING EAGLE
(To Menawa) I have given you my talk and we seek your guidance. (to VILLAGERS) B efore I give Chief Menawa
the grounds, is there another who wishes to give their talk?
(SOARING EAGLE looks to V ILLAGERS for input, ALL look to one another, many shake heads. “no”)
VILLAGERS
(ad libs) You spoke well for us, Soaring Eagle! Yes!
SOARING EAGLE
Very well and thank you. If there are no others…( interrupted)
(from OFFSTAGE, is heard a familiar voice)
BRAVE HAWK
Eagle!
SOARING EAGLE
(looks to see who might wish to talk then his eyes open wide with surprise) Brother!
(With cries of joy, A LL who know one another call their names and rush to greet each other. B RAVE HAWK and
SOARING EAGLE run to one another to embrace as the village erupts with whoops and applause in a much needed
moment of celebration)
BRAVE HAWK
So I see they made you micco!
SOARING EAGLE
(begins to explain) Yes, the former micco was …
46
BRAVE HAWK
Brother, save your words. When I arrived, you had just begun your talk. I stood out of sight but close enough to
hear. You were speaking for all our people, and I did not want to cause a distraction. We have shared much,
and I have always known a time would come when I would call my friend my micco. That time is now. ( extends
his hand and arm to SOARING EAGLE, the two join in a firm handshake and embrace as Warriors and Brothers)
MENAWA
Let us all embrace what our brothers have shown us. For even in this dark time of confusion, they have not
forgotten what has made them brothers. The hearts of all Muscogee should unite in this way.
VILLAGERS
(react, grasp hands, move closer to one another)
MENAWA
I have more I must share with you, but let us first hear from Brave Hawk, and of his journey back to us (signals to
encourage Brave Hawk to speak).
VILLAGERS
(ad lib, as they gather closer to hear) Yes, I want to hear his talk! Tell us what happened!
BRAVE HAWK
Thank you, Chief Menawa. ( to ALL) After our village was attacked, we were taken and held at Ten Islands.
Other captives were also there; we were forbidden to speak. A party of Cherokee warriors arrived, but they had
not come to free us. They had come to remove us. We were forced to walk North, towards the Cherokee
homeland. Along the trail, soldiers told us if we were lucky, a Cherokee family might adopt us. They would
laugh and say, “or if not so lucky, we would be their slaves.” One soldier called us savage people and that
soon, we were to be wiped out. Two of them talked of taking our women as their own. (clenches his fist) I wanted
to strangle them. As we neared the Cherokee land, the soldiers gathered water from a mountain stream and
became less on guard. I felt a tap on my shoulder and when I turned, a Cherokee warrior gave the signal of
silence. He quickly pulled me off the trail and we were hidden. I thought he might shoot me. Then he said, “ Do
not fear. Trust me.” He told me he was one of (stresses) our people and he was only there by force. I did not
know all of what he meant but I continued to listen. He said, “ Return to your… to our people and tell them the
Cherokee will not harm those taken captive. They will live as the Many People that are The Cherokee.” When
he saw the other soldiers returning, he said, “Be swift, Brother. Run! Now!” I did not look back or rest until I
reached the remains of Hillabee town...and the fresh graves of our people. I prayed for the dead and for those I
hoped were still alive. I asked Great Spirit where had the Hillabee gone? I came here to find answers...and
here you are, the answers to my prayers.
(FAMILY embraces, VILLAGERS cheer)
47
MENEWA
(to BRAVE HAWK) Your talk, and that you have returned to us, gives hope to all Muscogee. (changes tone) Now,
I give you the talk I have come to share. Like our brothers and all of you here, the people of the Oakfuskee, the
New Youka, the Eufaula, the Oakchay and the Fish Pond have decided to join as One. They understand they
can not fight the soldiers as individual towns but together, with the strength of many, we can. The Hillabee
were deceived. Many were massacred as they slept, while others (indicating BRAVE HAWK) were driven like
cattle to a different place. No longer must we wait. Come with us down river to Cholocco Litabixee, the place
with the bend in the river that has the look of a flat shoe of a horse. There, we will prepare a new village and a
fort wall to protect us. We will become many and strong. When we fight the soldiers and The White Sticks ( to
BRAVE HAWK)..and the Cherokee, know this: they are divided in purpose and do not fight with one heart. Our
hearts are united, and together we will fight for our homelands, our traditions and for the honor of our
Grandfathers!
(W ARRIORS whoop)
SOARING EAGLE
Do my people wish for us to talk of this?
BRAVE HAWK
Eagle, you are our leader now. If it is your decision for us to follow Menawa, then I will go..we, all, will go. For
our people and for our Head Micco, we will fight…to the end.
(W ARRIORS, VILLAGERS nod in agreement, some add whoops)
SOARING EAGLE
Chief Menawa, the Hillabee are with you. ( to the ALL) Now, we must prepare. We will make our journey as the
sun rises. We will meet the great enemy at the place on the river with the bend of a horse shoe.
(more whoops from the W ARRIORS, as ALL but FAMILY disperse OFFSTAGE or into smaller groups onstage )
RED FOX
Father, I am going with you. I have been practicing with my bow. My aim is good, and I am ready to fight the
soldiers ( fastens the pouch to his belt).
LITTLE DEER
I am going too! I have a better aim. I can kill many white soldiers, and I have food to take with us. Red Fox did
not think of that!
SOARING EAGLE
(Trying not to smile or devalue the spirit of his children) No doubt, the aim of my children is true. ( changes subject)
Your mother does need a rabbit for her stew. Now, I know the rabbits here are only half as large as a Hillabee
Town rabbit. So, if this brave hunter (taps RED FOX) gets a rabbit and this brave hunter ( taps LITTLE DEER) gets
one too, we will have a fine pot of stew for us all!
(CHILDREN giggle and cheer)
SOARING EAGLE
Can you be back before my belly growls like a bear? Grrrrr! (chases them out)
48
RED FOX
Yes, My Father, I can!
LITTLE DEER
I can too, My Father...and my rabbit will be as big a Hillabee Town rabbit!
SOARING EAGLE
Grrrrr! ( chases them out)
LITTLE FLOWER
A Hillabee Town rabbit? ( laughs and nudges him). No need to explain, my husband (embraces him) A part of me is
still there, too.
SOARING EAGLE
I hope to see our people return to Hillabee Town. Our hearts are there, but I fear we may never return. Soon
all of our people will go to the new place; none will remain to watch over Hillabee Town. Who then will keep
others from placing their homes over our dead, over the hearts of our people?
SUNFLOWER WOMAN
What is important is we never forget. Our memories of family and of those who were lost will always be with us.
Know too that wherever we go the Beloved Men will light our Council fire, and one coal, more than any other,
will burn the brightest. That is our Home; that is our heart.
SOARING EAGLE
Your words are wise. I can do nothing to change what has happened. I would have given my life to prevent all
that has happened to our people.
( L ITTLE FLOWER begins to cry )
SOARING EAGLE
(embraces her hand to his lips) My Flower, please do not cry. I know you are afraid. I too am concerned for us
and our people. We must have strength and be brave.
LITTLE FLOWER
I am sorry, My Eagle. I try not to cry and let my feelings show to others, but I am so afraid. Last night, I
dreamed again of Little Deer screaming. I could not help her. ( pauses, wiping her eyes) I also dreamed of the
owls. There were many of them. They were so loud (covers ears) a nd I could not stop their cries.
(SOARING EAGLE embraces her)
LITTLE FLOWER
Eagle, what are we to do? Will we kill or be killed? Will we live to see the children of our children? Will we all
perish by the hands of the white man or...by the hands of our own people?
[ LIGHTS: O ut ]
[ MUSIC: transition to Horseshoe Bend ]
49
ACT 2 SCENE 6
Village of Tohopeka
[ SPOTLIGHT: NARRATOR ]
NARRATOR
The name, Tohopeka, The Village within the Fort, was given to the new place the warriors built. The Hillabee
were among the final families to arrive, and immediately took to prepare their hutis, cooking fires and arrows.
Each person had a task. All knew why they were there and what must be done.
(ENTER, SOARING EAGLE, with Son and Daughter at his side, followed by the remnants of the mother town. Many are wrapped
tightly in their blankets to warm their bodies. LITTLE FLOWER and S UNFLOWER WOMAN help to support the old MICCO as he
walks.)
Being the last of the towns to arrive, the Hillabee would be near the river. The women of the other towns
quickly helped the late arrivals make camp before darkness. After his people were settled, Soaring Eagle
joined the other micco and warriors.
According to the calendar of the white man, the day was Sunday, the 27th day of March in the year 1814. The
morning dawned clear and cool. Monahee called his micco and warriors together for one last talk before final
battle preparations began. He stood and looked out at the one-thousand painted warriors before him.
[ LIGHTS: WARRIORS are gathered around, talking to one another of the battle ahead ]
[ LIGHTS: rise slowly on MENAWA, dimming on group ]
MENAWA
Soaring Eagle, are the women and children of the Hillabee settled?
SOARING EAGLE
Yes, Menawa, my people are comfortable, if only modestly so.
MENAWA
Good, there are important words to say. Monahee will lead as head micco during the days to come. ( gestures to
MONAHEE to begin his talk).
MONAHEE
My people, we have all gathered here in the great bend of the Tallapoosa to again do battle with Sharp Knife
Jackson. He comes at us with many soldiers, ( emphasizing) Cherokee and White Sticks. Their numbers are
great, and they will outnumber us three to one. We have worked to build this strong barricade to protect us
from their bullets. The waters of the river that surround these grounds will also guard us from harm. The time of
the battle may be long. Some of our warriors will not live. For the safety of our women and children, any who
wish to go will be taken down river to Elkahatchee Creek. Our scouts have sighted soldiers on the move from
Emuckfau Creek. They are camped five miles from Tohepeka. They number 3,000 strong. They have two
teams of horses, each pulling one of the big thunder guns behind them.
(WARRIORS react unsure)
(raises hand) Do not be discouraged. We are Creek warriors. Canoes have been placed on the bank for our
escape. The Great Spirit will be with us. (M ONAHEE steps aside for MENAWA to add his words)
50
The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
PERUSALCOPY-TheOwlandTheHorseshoe-4.5.1
Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search