The Singing Scoutmaster: Iktomi and the Coyote

Iktomi and Coyote were known throughout the plains as rivals—two tricksters, each as clever and cunning as the other. They had been outsmarting each other for as long as anyone could remember, and their tricks and schemes had become legendary. Wherever Iktomi and Coyote crossed paths, mischief and chaos were sure to follow. One day, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows through the trees, Iktomi was wandering along a narrow path in the woods, humming a little tune and thinking of his next scheme.

As he rounded a bend, he suddenly found himself face-to-face with his old nemesis, Coyote. The two stopped in their tracks, staring at each other for a moment. Coyote narrowed his eyes, a sly smile spreading across his muzzle. "Well, well, if it isn't Iktomi," Coyote drawled, his bushy tail flicking back and forth. "What brings you to this part of the woods, old friend?"

Iktomi returned the smile with one of his own, his eyes gleaming with hidden mischief. "Oh, nothing much, Coyote," he said casually, leaning against a tree and crossing his arms. "Just out gathering some firewood for the evening. But you know, I've heard some very interesting news recently… something you might find quite valuable." He paused, watching Coyote's ears perk up with interest.

"Valuable, you say?" Coyote's voice was laced with suspicion, but also curiosity. He knew Iktomi was a trickster, just like himself, but the thought of something valuable piqued his interest too much to ignore. "And what might that be, Iktomi?" he asked, taking a cautious step closer.

Iktomi leaned in, lowering his voice as if sharing a great secret. "Gold trees," he whispered, his tone full of wonder. "Deep in the heart of the woods, there's a grove where the trees are made of pure gold. Their branches glisten in the sunlight, and their leaves shimmer like the brightest jewels. Just imagine, Coyote—the wealth of a lifetime, all in one place." He stood back, letting his words sink in.

Coyote's eyes widened, his ears standing straight up. "Gold trees?" he repeated, hardly able to believe what he was hearing. "You expect me to believe that there are gold trees hidden in these woods?"

Iktomi nodded solemnly, though the corners of his mouth twitched with barely suppressed laughter. "It's true, Coyote! But there's a catch… you have to be quick to get the gold. You see, the trees only remain golden for a short time. If you don't get there fast enough, they turn back to ordinary wood!" He sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "I was on my way there now, but I'm not sure I can make it in time by myself."

Coyote's mind raced. If there were even a chance that these gold trees existed, he had to see it for himself. He could already picture himself as the richest animal in the forest, admired and envied by all. "Show me where these gold trees are, Iktomi!" he demanded, his tail wagging eagerly. "I'll get there in no time!"

Iktomi grinned and nodded. "Of course, of course, I'll take you there," he said, gesturing for Coyote to follow him. As they walked deeper into the woods, Iktomi spun an elaborate tale, describing the beauty and brilliance of the gold trees in such vivid detail that Coyote's excitement grew with every step. Iktomi talked of golden leaves that sparkled like stars, of branches that shone like beams of sunlight, and of the fortune waiting to be harvested.

But even as Iktomi spoke, his sharp eyes darted back and forth, looking for the perfect spot for his trap. He knew Coyote's greed would get the better of him, and all he needed was a little trick to send his rival tumbling. As they neared a clearing, Iktomi spotted a sturdy vine hanging from a nearby tree branch. Quickly and silently, he tied the vine to a low branch, pulling it back to create a trip line.

Finally, Iktomi stopped and pointed ahead. "There! Just beyond that grove, you'll find the golden trees," he said, his voice urgent. "But hurry! You must get there before the sun sets, or they'll turn back to normal!"

Coyote didn't need to be told twice. He took off like a flash, darting through the underbrush and leaping over fallen logs, his heart pounding with excitement. He could almost see the golden trees glimmering in the distance. But no matter how far he ran, he found only ordinary trees and bushes. Panting, he skidded to a halt and turned back, realizing he had been tricked. "Iktomi!" he snarled, his voice echoing through the trees.

Furious and determined to confront Iktomi, Coyote sprinted back along the path he had taken. But in his haste, he didn't see the vine stretched across the ground. His front paws hit the trip line, and with a yelp, he tumbled headfirst into a muddy pit hidden just beyond the trap. The mud splashed up, covering Coyote from head to tail, and he let out an angry howl as he struggled to pull himself free.

From the edge of the clearing, Iktomi burst out laughing, clutching his sides as he watched Coyote flounder in the mud. "Oh, Coyote, you should've seen the look on your face!" Iktomi howled with glee. "Did you really think there were gold trees in these woods? Next time, don't believe everything you hear, especially when it's coming from me!"

Coyote glared up at Iktomi, his fur dripping with mud. "You won't get away with this, Iktomi!" he growled, shaking his head and sending droplets of mud flying. "I'll get back at you, just you wait!"

Iktomi merely grinned and shrugged. "Maybe you will, Coyote. Maybe you will," he said with a wink. "But until then, I think I'll go find myself a nice spot by the fire and enjoy a good laugh." He turned and skipped away, still chuckling to himself as he disappeared into the woods, leaving Coyote to fume in the muddy pit.

From that day on, Coyote swore to himself that he would never again trust Iktomi's words. But being a trickster himself, it wasn't long before he started scheming for revenge. And so, the rivalry between Iktomi and Coyote continued, each trickster trying to outwit the other, their antics becoming the stuff of legends and laughter among the animals of the forest.