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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