One day, the Elders gathered at the request of Grey Fox. Grey Fox was a very old Medicine Man and a Trickster. He too had been watching Standing Deer and as Grey Fox felt that his time would come in a few more years, he wanted to discuss this with the Elders. He thought that Standing Deer would be a suitable person for such a responsible role.
So, the Elders and Grey Fox sat in a circle and spoke of this. They smoked many pipes and prayed and talked and talked and talked and they took their time doing so as it was a very important thing of which they spoke.
The Elders called for Standing Deer ' s parents and they came right away. After the courtesies were exchanged, they learned about the Elder ' s decision. They gave their approval. Now it was time to talk with Standing Deer.
Standing Deer came to the Elders, accompanied by his father.
Grey Fox spoke;“ I have been watching you Standing Deer. You are well liked by us. We see you... you share your knowledge. We see you offer help. You are respected by all. We know too that you have a sense of humor and that you have naughty jokes too. I would like to train you for an important part in the tribe... to take over for me someday.”
Standing Deer looked at Grey Fox and then the Elders.“ I am honored Uncle.”
Behind the fire, an Elder spoke up;“ We have a test for you Standing Deer, before anything is certain.”
Standing Deer looked at the elder and nodded. The Elder stood;“ We want you to go out away for three days.”
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