So, she mused, her “husband” had another secret he hadn’t shared with her. Since he was part Apache and had been partly reared by them, maybe he believed in visions. Should she use the vision and this episode to convince her love they must “ride as one” for longer than this assignment? Could she convince him “if he chased the wind” his anguish would “blow away”? Or perhaps the vision and belief in them were the only reasons he’d allowed her to get this close to him. But she wanted him to love her for herself. She wanted—
The shaman nudged her arm. “Flamehair pray, do magic.”
Beth pushed aside worries as she checked the moon’s position. If the almanac was correct, an eclipse would begin soon. She stood and lifted her hands into the air. “It is time, Chiricahuas. Behold the power of Ysun as he proves my words are true and must be obeyed.”
Following the arrow test, people sat on mats and on the ground as they waited, watched, and chatted in muffled tones; the few children with the band were asleep in their mother’s laps or in the family’s hut. Beth saw Eagle Eye with his closest friends, and he glanced at her often, a mixture of hatred and spite in his gaze. The hour was late, but she knew he remained ready to pounce on her the instant she failed, even if that required staying up all night.
Beth’s gaze focused on the celestial target. Soon, there was a black mark on the edge of its illuminating surface. She breathed a sigh of relief, then prayed it wouldn’t be a partial eclipse, as she’d promised a total one. While her heart pounded in suspense, the dark shadow grew larger and larger at a steady pace. When the moon seemed to vanish, murmurings of awe were audible, and fingers pointing upward were visible in light cast by campfire. She glanced at Eagle Eye, who was gaping at her in disbelief again.
“Do not fear, Chiricahuas, Ysun and Flamehair will return its light.” She chanted unintelligible words as she shook the rattle.
Minutes later, the shadow seemed to creep away as a cunning and skilled thief in the night. The episode continued until a yellowish orb recovered its full radiance and journeyed along its regular path.
“It is done, Chiricahuas. The message from Ysun is to seek peace, not a return to war with the whites. The men who bring you weapons are evil; they will trick you into destroying yourselves. To defeat their evil and to prove to the Great White Leader and his soldiers you want and have earned peace, you must help Night Cloud and Flamehair trap those who come soon to make evil trade. This is the help and guidance Ysun sent me to give to you. Prove to the soldiers and whites you had the power to war against them but chose peace, chose to defeat those who provoke it.”
Beth pointed her forefinger at Eagle Eye and scolded, “It is wrong to give the evil whites the bilaahda that Gan, the Thunder Beings, and Earth Mother guard for you to use one day. The silver metal is worth much to whites and it can buy much for the Chiricahuas after peace and friendship are in your hands. The evil whites must not invade and plunder the face of Earth Mother and the homes of the Mountain People and Thunder Beings to take bilaahda from their secret places. Eagle Eye says the silver metal means nothing to him and would tell the evil whites where to find it, but Flamehair and Ysun say it can buy a glorious future for the Chiricahua.”
Careful, woman, but destroy his influence over this band. “Eagle Eye says it is a sign that many agave grow this season, and he is right. But he is wrong about what the sign means. The agave tells of strength and patience. Its seed lies hidden in the body of Earth Mother for many winters. When its time is right, it comes to life and reaches for the sky. It blooms, scatters seeds and sacred Pollen for new life before it returns to the body of Earth Mother, its task done. As with the agave, the Chiricahua must be strong and patient; their seeds of freedom and glory must remain inactive for many seasons. The time will come when Chiricahuas will spring to new life before you return to the body of Earth Mother to join the spirit world. If you disobey Ysun, your life stems will be cut down by soldiers before they can bloom and shatter seeds for future Chiricahuas. As when the dark shadow stood before the moon and hid its light and glory, so the soldiers stand before the Apache and halt theirs. One day, the whites’ shadow will move aside and the Chiricahuas’ moon will reappear. If you challenge the soldiers and slay innocent whites, their bodies will remain as blackness between the Apache and their moon of survival and renewal. You must teach the whites to accept you by ceasing wars against them, for only friends help friends.”
Eagle Eye stalked forward and took a challenging stance before her. He shouted, “We cannot become friends with the whites and their soldiers!”
“You must. The day when the Apache owned and ruled this land is gone. You must learn a new way of life and must accept what has come to be, or all will die and no Apache will walk the face of Earth Mother. There is no shame and dishonor in peace and friendship, Eagle Eye, only in letting your people be slain and your land bloodied with futile battles. There is great honor and pride and glory in stealing hatred and acceptance from past foes, in raiding their hearts to grab life and happiness. You were once a great thief who robbed with cunning and courage; is this task too large and hard for you to do? Now, you are their chief; the survival of your people must come before your desires if you are to be a great leader.”
“Your evil magic is powerful, White Witch; you use it to trick us. If you have good magic and a good heart, put out the flames we light around you in a sacred fire. If you are not a witch, you can not burn and die.”
Navarro struggled with the thongs securing his wrists together. He couldn’t let her be coerced into a stake burning test, one she’d fail for certain. Somehow and some way, she had won a great victory and it mustn’t be destroyed. He cursed his helplessness as the bonds refused to yield.
Beth glared at the wicked villain. Oh, no, you don’t. “I have done the tests you demanded and passed them. I will do no more. I see what trickery is in your black heart; for every test I pass, you will demand another and another as you seek to prove me false, which I am not.”
“If you are not a sly witch, do this last test and magic.”
“No. I have done as you, the vision, and Ysun commanded.”
The leader scoffed, “You are afraid because you are false.”
“I fear only the fierce hatred burning in your heart and head, for you seek to use it to destroy your people. That is wrong, evil. It is late. People are tired. We must sleep and rest. We will talk and plan on the new sun. Free Night Cloud; I have earned his life; it is mine.”
Before Eagle Eye could protest, the shaman nodded at one of the warriors, who cut Navarro’s bonds. Navarro stepped to Beth’s side. He readied himself to do battle in case the angry and unpredictable warrior attacked her. “It is done, Eagle Eye. Do not dishonor yourself with defiance against Life Giver. She has proven herself.”
“Go, rest, Chiricahuas; Flamehair is vision woman, Ysun helper. Flamehair, Night Cloud use Sees-Through-Clouds wickiup. Rest. Talk on new sun. Sees-Through-Clouds sleep under magic moon.”
The band dissipated and entered their dwellings. Eagle Eye stalked to his in a stormy mood. The shaman guided Beth and Navarro to his wickiup and nudged them inside. He lowered the cloth door and left them alone. A small fire joined moonlight filtering through a brush roof to cast a soft glow in the secluded and cozy shelter. The hide of a large bear was spread on the ground for a bed, creating a romantic and seductive setting.
“You’re an amazing woman, Bethany Wind.”
She turned to face him. “You’re amazing yourself, Navarro Breed.”
He lifted his fingers to stroke her cheek. “We make a good team.”
Beth smiled as she nuzzled her face against his hand. “Yes, we do. If our good luck holds out, we have a wonderful success in our grasp. Perhaps we can work together again. Investigating the Indians’ charges about abuses on the reservation would be an interesting and challenging case, certainly a worthwhile one.”
“Sounds like a good idea.”
“To me, too.”
&nb
sp; “I’m not scared often, woman, but when Eagle Eye demanded that next test by fire, my gut knotted with it. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you. I planned to ride in, make a challenge for you, win it, and get us out of here. Might have worked if not for that vision.”
Beth toyed with the dangling ends of his red headband as she said, “I have no doubt you would have won me in battle.” She noticed he slipped into deep thought for a few moments while she studied his amulet.
Navarro’s tender gaze roamed her face as he decided this wasn’t the time and place to tell her that he fully intended to pursue and win her when this mission was completed. Soon, he vowed, he would tell her everything; but not here, not now; later, when their duty was done, in a special place and where they wouldn’t be disturbed for a long time. Besides, he wanted to prove his feelings with actions. Then, when he revealed his love, it would be easy for her to believe him.
Beth came to a matching decision. Until the assignment was over, she shouldn’t bring personal feelings to light and risk breaking his concentration. But at that time she would find a private location, confess, and see how he reacted. If the response she wanted wasn’t forthcoming, he wouldn’t be put in a tight spot. For a while, let the reality of her being the woman in the vision work on him. Now that she had him away from his lost love, she could show him they were perfect for each other. Perfect, she fretted, except for her major flaw. She mustn’t deceive him when she confessed her love; she had to tell him she could never bear children so he could take that information into his decision. Maybe it wouldn’t—
Navarro tugged on her plait. “How did you know about the eclipse?”
She meshed her gaze with his as she explained about the almanac. “If it had been wrong, we’d be in deep trouble about now.”
“But you weren’t wrong, partner. It was smart to use the moon; it’s one of their special symbols.”
“To say I could steal its light was taking a big risk with our lives.”
“You had no choice. We have to play the hand destiny deals us.”
“You believe strongly in fate, don’t you?”
“Yep. Good or bad, we all have one. This deed is part of yours.”
“And yours. Maybe this is why we’ve been forced to live and work as we have, to prepare us for this critical challenge. Maybe this is why you and I were thrust together as partners.”
“I think we were thrown together for many reasons.”
“Such as?” Darn you, loose tongue; keep silent.
Navarro used the opening to begin his task. “We both needed a friend. We needed help in special ways. We needed warmth and light in our cold and dark lives. I’ve enjoyed your sunshine and company, Mrs. Breed.”
Beth laughed in pleasure. “I’ve enjoyed yours, Mr. Breed.”
“You make a beautiful and tempting Indian woman dressed like this.”
“You make a handsome and tempting warrior dressed like this. It’s good to see your handsome face again,” she murmured as she stroked his jawline. “Where did you get this amulet, armband, and other Indian items?”
“They belonged to my grandfather; I kept ‘em hidden for years in a cave and collected ‘em after prison. I use ‘em only when necessary.”
“They certainly came in handy today. I almost fainted when you strolled into camp as if you were a member of this band. So whatever possessed you to break the partnership rule, that survival and the mission come first?”
“You did; I had to save my partner since she’d done the same for me.”
“That was under different conditions. You could have gotten yourself killed. The mission is more important than my life.”
He shook his head. “You’re a critical part of the mission, Flamehair.” And vital part of my life. “Your message under that rock was cunning.”
“I was sure you would find it if that scout covering our tracks didn’t find it first and destroy it. He did find the fringes I was dropping on the trail for you to follow. Eagle Eye was overjoyed to throw them in my face as a taunt.”
“So, you knew I’d come chasing after you,” he teased.
“Iwasn’t sure and didn’t mean for you to come, but I’m glad you did.”
“I had only one problem getting here: You made a tepee instead of a mountain symbol. There’s at least three places in these parts with bear in their name, all in different directions.”
“But you guessed the right one or you wouldn’t be standing here now.”
“Because I realized you set up that message in a way to mean mountain. Otherwise, you’d have placed the symbol by his name instead of the bear’s. You look bone tired, partner, and tomorrow’s gonna be a busy day. Let’s turn in.”
Beth removed the hair ornament. “What should I say to them?”
“You’re doing fine on your own; in fact, perfect. Like it or not, you told them what you had to say.”
“True, boss.”
“No more ‘boss.’ We’re equal partners now.”
No matter how well she had done in the past, Steven had stayed the couple’s leader. He had never raised her to the rank of peer. For sure, Navarro was being sincere and honest. She smiled. “You can’t imagine how good that makes me feel; but if you don’t mind, promote me later. You know these people and the situation better than I do, so keep making the decisions until it’s over. The only reason I’ve handled myself this well is because of everything you taught me. You stay in command and keep giving the orders.” And maybe you’ll give the best one of all: Love me, Beth, as I love you.
“If you mean that, my next order is rest, woman; you need some badly. Let’s get you outta these clothes and bedded down in comfort.”
A surprised but joyful Beth remained still as Navarro unlaced the neckline of the colorful dress. She lifted her arms for him to pull it over her head. She watched him fold the yellow garment and place it on a burden basket. He removed the beaded medallion and put it aside. He knelt, untied her moccasins, and eased them off her feet. After unbraiding her hair, he wiggled fingers into the long strands and loosened them.
As he spread the released coppery mane around her shoulders, Navarro smiled and said, “I like it running free as a sparkling red river.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bearskin. With strength and agility as if holding a feather, he knelt and set her on its furry surface. “Get to sleep, woman; you’ve earned it.”
Before he could rise, Beth clasped his head between her hands and gave him a short kiss. “Thanks for teaching me and having faith in me. Most of all, thanks for coming after me and saving my life.”
Navarro stayed on his knees and gazed into her lovely face. Her large and expressive eyes seemed to engulf him as tranquil green water. Though she was wearing only a breechcloth, she didn’t appear to be embarrassed by her exposed body, as if their familiarity and a trust in him prevented it. To keep his eager hands from seizing the fatigued beauty and caressing her from head to foot, he propped them on his thighs and pressed them into submission. “I believe you’re the one who saved my hide again, woman. That makes me twice indebted to you. It’s the Apache way: if you fight over a captive and win, she belongs to you, sorta like a slave.”
Beth’s heart raced with excitement and her body flamed with desire. Her entire being was aroused by his stimulating proximity, playful mood, and fiery gaze. She jested, “So, if a word battle counts and since you were a prisoner, I won you fair and square as my property?”
Navarro chuckled in amusement, and almost squirmed as the flames licking at his body increased their intensity. “If we were Apache.”
“We’ve become skilled at ruses, so why not pretend we’re Apache for a little while? Sounds like a perfect way to work out our tensions before we try to get to sleep. I could return the favor if you’d like to join me on this cozy bed. Even if you’re not in the mood, I’ve gotten used to having you close at night so I’ll rest better if you lie beside me.”
“I stay in the mood for you, Beth,” he admitted
.
She smiled and peeled off his vest. Her fingers trekked over a smooth, broad chest; an iron hardness lay beneath its tanned flesh. Her hands drifted down the shallow depression from his throat to his navel. She played in the hollows between his neck and collarbones. He was magnificent, totally masculine.
Beth lifted adventurous hands to his face. They roamed cheeks with a smidgen of dark stubble. They traced chiseled features, pausing a moment on high and prominent cheekbones. Several times her forefinger rode a tiny canyon between his mouth and nose while others wandered over his full lips. “You’re a splendid specimen, Navarro Breed. It should be a crime for you to be so tempting and wit-stealing. Perhaps I should investigate you thoroughly, obtain evidence to prove those charges, and incarcerate you.”
As she made her playful threat, his hands covered her breasts and rubbed their protruding points with his palms. His action made her last few words come out in a near breathless murmur, after the air caught briefly in her throat. He shifted his hands so the sides of his thumbs could stroke the buds and cause them to tauten even more. “If I didn’t resist arrest, Agent Wind, would you be a kind and lenient jailer?”
Before she could answer, his arms banded her upper body and leaned her backward so his tongue could travel circles around the tingling peaks. As he kissed and teethed the tips, Beth said in a ragged voice, “The most generous, indulgent, tolerant you could find anywhere if you surrender.”
Navarro’s mouth took a tasty path up her neck and to her lips. He put all of the love and desire he felt for her into the kisses and caresses that ensued. He guided her downward to the bearskin and lay half atop her, giving his hands free reign to travel in any direction, which they did for several minutes. It had been over a week since their last union in Mexico. His love was so overwhelming and his hunger so enormous, he didn’t know if he could control himself very long.
Chase The Wind Page 48