Read Online The Incredible Escape. The Adventures of Radisson 3 by Martin Fournier - Free Book Online Page A

the skies, Ononta caught his breath for a moment. He threw some more tobacco onto the fire. The night was dark and quiet. Radisson was hanging on the shaman’s every word, fascinated by his teaching.
    â€œThe eagle is a brother to the sun. It soars amidst the spirits. But just as the sun can heat or burn, its power can do good or ill. Be careful with the powerful spirit within you. Be in no doubt: the eagle is your totemic spirit. It is calling out to you. It has adopted you. If you take the time to understand its true nature, if you are inspired by its greatness, you will soar just as high as the eagle. You will be as magnanimous as the greatest of chiefs. You will find the means to realize your dreams. You will discover how to adapt to the sky every bit as much as to the earth. The spirit of the eagle will teach you to transform yourself. You will be able to soar to see in all directions or swoop down upon your prey as needed. The eagle will protect you like no other because it is a powerful spirit. No bird dares threaten it in the sky. On the ground, no animal dares touch it. Awaken its power within you and you will grow more than you could ever imagine.”
    Radisson was shocked. This shaman was painting such a fabulous picture of his destiny! He hardly dared believe it. And yet, the feathers and his knife were pulsating right there in his hand. The spirit of the eagle was filling his body with a powerful energy. He felt free of all constraints—cleansed, purified, renewed. And for the very first time, he understood the meaning and significance of the energy coursing through him.
    â€œI have something else to teach you,” Ononta added. “The ties that bind each of us to our totemic animals are a secret because they are unique. There are a number of eagles, and all the qualities of all the eagles will not be within your reach. Some hunt animals on the ground, others fish, while others steal their food. You must decide which of all these qualities will be of greatest use to you. You must also cast off the weights that are dragging you down. You must make yourself as light as a bird. With each passing day, with every dive, the eagle perseveres. The energy that sustains it is renewed. You must never allow yourself to become discouraged.”
    Ononta fell silent. Radisson’s head was spinning. He had sensed all this in the courage shown by his father Garagonké, in the wisdom of his war chief Kondiaronk, in the way his brother Ganaha hunted. But never had he come into contact with the foundation of their inner lives. He had not known what lay behind their strength. And now Ononta had given him this unexpected gift.
    Looking back over all the shaman had revealed to him, Radisson realized he had far to go as an apprentice. But he had just taken a decisive step, as though walking out of a dark forest into the light.
    ***
    Radisson led one of the canoes speeding toward the French fort. Ononta and Mahatari’s son Denongea paddled the heavy canoe up onto the shore. Five Iroquois from the Bear clan followed closely behind. They brought with them five dead deer, three bears, and six beavers.
    â€œWhat a haul!” cried the Frenchmen who had come to greet them. “God is great! The hunt was a success!”
    Father Ragueneau rushed up to them as they were loading the meat onto the makeshift cart that rattled its way back and forth between the river and the fort.
    â€œWhat happened to you?” he asked. “I’ve been terribly worried about you!”
    â€œOut hunting, Father. Out hunting, as you can see. It took longer than expected, but I got what I was after. I can even go back any time I want. I got permission from the Bear clan to hunt on the best grounds along with them and two or three of our own men.”
    â€œVery well, but you will have to wait for a day or two. A messenger just brought me word that the Iroquois have agreed to our requests! Now I must go to the village to