War of the Eagles Read Free

they were finished they’d almost lost a second jeep, the one they thought would pull out the first. Little by little, over the past two weeks the jeep had been sink–ing deeper into the ground. Last time I checked, it was more than half buried. I’d heard they were waiting for the ground to dry up. They didn’t know Prince Rupert very well ‘cause they were going to wait forever if they were waiting for a dry spell to come.
    â€œI need you to go to Rupert for me and pick up a few things,” Naani said.
    â€œRupert! Sure! Tadashi’s coming over this morn–ing and he could come with me. That is if you say it’s okay.”
    â€œFine by me. It’s better he go with you anyhow. Rupert isn’t like it used to be with all them soldiers and government men running ‘round. Not so quiet, not so friendly anymore. I don’t even like going.”
    â€œYou never liked going there. Besides, I think it’s got better since it got busier.”
    â€œBusier yes. . . better no,” she said. “Something can’t be busier and better at the same time. Now listen and I’ll tell you what I need.”

. 2 .
    â€œPrince Rupert, definitely!” Tadashi replied enthusiasti–cally. “My parents don’t like me to go there, but if we’re doing something for your grandmother then it’s okay.”
    One of the things the Japanese and the Tsimshian share is respect for age. They both figure the older somebody is, the more things they know. If an old per–son asks you to do something, it’s just supposed to be done, no questions asked.
    â€œAre you sure you can remember everything I want?”
    Naani asked.
    â€œI’m sure, but if you want, I’ll write it down.”
    â€œPssshhhh,” she said as she puffed air out of her cheeks. “If you have to write it down, it can’t be too important, can it? I’ve gone my whole life without writ–ing anything down. Can you remember?” she added, turning to Tadashi.
    â€œYes, ma’am,” Tadashi replied seriously.
    â€œAnd you boys be careful.”
    â€œWe’re just going to Rupert, we’re not going off to fight the Germans,” I chided her.
    Tadashi poked me in the ribs. “Yes, ma’am.”
    â€œYou learn from your friend there. ‘Sides, if you get into trouble, you’ll wish it was only the Germans who was mad at you,” she scolded. “Here, take this bag. I packed a snack and a canteen,” she added as she handed me the knapsack.
    â€œThanks. We better get going.”
    â€œFirst things first. Come, give the old woman a hug.
    You too, Tadashi.”
    We both dutifully obeyed. She reached up to put an arm around my shoulder. I remember not so long ago when I was the one who had to reach up when we hugged.
    We started down the trail to the woods. It was faster than following the shoreline into town. Just before we disappeared into the forest I heard my Naani yell, “Be good!” I turned and waved goodbye.
    For the past three weeks, ever since school began, we traveled along this trail. Tadashi, along with his sisters Midori and Yuri, and all the other kids from his village would pass by our village and would be joined by all of us who were going to school. It was a two-mile walk for them to get as far as us and then almost three more miles to the school on the outskirts of Prince Rupert. Walking along we’d always break into little groups moving through the forest. Tadashi and I always walked together. Usually we had lots to say to each other, but some mornings we just traveled in silence. We were good enough friends that we didn’t need to talk. This afternoon, except for a few words, we moved without talking.
    Coming around the bend we crossed behind our school. It wasn’t much. Certainly not much compared to the schools down south. It was flat, wooden, painted red, one story high, with a tar-covered