Running Elk

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Running Elk Page 21

by Elizabeth Anne Porter


  “What would you like to know?” Alexandria asked as she backed her chair away from the table to give herself a little more distance from the woman.

  “What are they really like?” she asked before standing, walking to the stove, and pouring more water into the teapot.

  “They are just like you and I.”

  “What about your baby’s father? Where is he now? Are you pleased to be away from him?” Jatana continued her gentle interrogation as she returned to the table.

  “No. I love him very much. But I don’t think we should be talking about this now,” Alexandria stated before cautiously taking a sip of tea.

  “Oh! I’m sorry. I thought you had been mistreated,” Jatana apologized, clearly embarrassed by her mistake.

  “No. I am in love,” Alexandria said before changing the subject. “Do you think my bath is ready yet?”

  “I’m sure of it. I laid some clothes out on the bed too. Can I ask one more question?”

  “Yes,” Alexandria said as she stood up from the comfortable chair and realized how much her muscles ached.

  “What are you going to do now?”

  “I am going to speak to the general after I have a bath and bathe my son,” Alexandria answered as she walked into the room where the tub for bathing was kept. A woman who had been carrying buckets passed her in the hallway and immediately looked away from her. Alexandria didn’t know how to take the woman’s reaction, but she smiled in hopes the woman had been mortified by her appearance.

  While it felt good to be bathing in warm water, she didn’t enjoy it. Her mind was full of thoughts of the Kiowa. Knowing they were afforded no luxuries, broke her heart. Before leaving the water, she cried and prayed the soldiers would at least leave the Kiowa in peace. The people had no trouble living off the land if they were just left to it.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Running Elk spent the morning walking around the camp that was set to eventually move to the newly-formed Indian Territory. Since the people were short on supplies, families shared tipis. The dwellings were shorter and rounder than he was used to. There were several communal cooking fires and beside them, white sacks filled with government flour as well as smaller ones with coffee and sugar. The people did not seem to be excited by the dark black liquid. He looked into the faces of the people as he passed them and decided they would be no better off living where the white man dictated. Nobody looked happy. No one smiled. His people’s future did seem like a bleak one. How long Quanah would be able to hold out also weighed heavy on his mind. His emotions were running high. On one hand, he was thrilled knowing he would be with Two Fires soon, on the other, he knew what he was witnessing was the beginning of the end of his people’s way of life.

  When he saw a group of children playing, he stopped and smiled sadly.

  “Brother, she has arrived at the fort,” Kicking Bird informed Running Elk.

  “Good. Then I will enter the fort,” Running Elk said, patting his brother on the back.

  “Lame Deer says we cannot just ride into the stronghold and that Two Fires has been taken to the living quarters at the fort. She will be watched closely. I believe we have lost the element of surprise.” Kicking Bird relayed the old chief’s words.

  “Brother, I have heard nothing but ‘no’ every time I mention Two Fires. It is getting old, and while I will take both Lame Deer’s and your advice, nothing will stop me. All we need to do is learn where she sleeps,” Running Elk said, thinking out loud.

  “Where she sleeps?” Kicking Bird asked, confused.

  “Yes. I am going to hold her in my arms tonight, my brother,” Running Elk informed Kicking Bird with a smile.

  There were many things he couldn’t control, no matter how hard he tried. Running Elk knew his decision didn’t come without danger. Nothing about the woman had been easy, but she was worth everything. Throwing caution to the wind was something he did during every battle, and reuniting with Two Fires was a battle no matter how he looked at it.

  “You will be seen,” Kicking Bird cautioned his little brother with a mixture of shock and warning.

  “I am a hunter, remember?”

  “You will be the hunted if you go into that fort,” Kicking Bird repeated his objections.

  “Then come with me and help,” he suggested.

  “This sounds familiar.”

  “Let’s go and talk to Lame Deer. We have to be sure where she will be,” Running Elk said, putting his arm around his brother and walking in the direction of the old man’s tipi.

  “Just promise me one thing,” Kicking Bird asked.

  “Anything,” Running Elk answered, not slowing his pace.

  “Promise me that this time, while I am looking out for you, it will not come to the same outcome as before,” he said, attempting to be lighthearted.

  “I will gladly promise you anything but that. You know how unpredictable the white men are,” Running Elk replied, smiling.

  “I hope you know what you are doing,” Kicking Bird stated quietly.

  “I am going to be with the woman I love. And you don’t need to come. I will go on my own,” Running Elk said, his voice devoid of anger.

  “I wouldn’t miss this, brother. I just want to make sure you are using your brain.”

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Alexandria was physically and mentally exhausted by the time she finished cleaning herself and Little Eagle but knew there was no time for sleep. Being dressed in clothes that belonged to Jatana’s sister felt strange and constricting to her. The boots were too small and pinched her toes. After taking less than five steps, she decided to take them off and put her moccasins back on.

  Once she was more comfortable, she put a cloth hand-stitched diaper on her son. Alexandria watched as he wiggled against the ties. The boy had only known the feel of soft leather and milkweed, so Alexandria understood his reaction. Since she had shocked his system already, she decided against dressing him further. Once Alexandria thought the two were presentable, she ventured into the drawing room.

  Jatana dropped her knitting, failed to hide her surprise, and quickly offered Alexandria another cup of tea. Alexandria politely declined the offer and ignored the woman’s shock. She couldn’t be bothered to ask what it was about herself or her son that offended the woman.

  “We have an extra bedroom if you’d like to stay for the night. Percival sleeps there sometimes, but he won’t mind giving the room to you. Would you like to stay?” Jatana asked with sincerity in her tone. If she had been shocked by Alexandria, it was clear she was attempting to make her up for her lack of manners.

  “That would be nice. But only if you are sure it’s all right with your husband,” Alexandria said, shifting Little Eagle in her arms.

  “Ben is on a mission with his men. I don’t know when he will return. The life of a soldier’s wife is a lonely one. I would be glad for the company,” Jatana confessed.

  “Then I will see you when I’ve finished speaking to the general. Thank you,” Alexandria said as she walked towards the exit.

  “Percival said he would be back to fetch you,” Jatana said, walking towards the doorway in a blatant attempt to slow Alexandria down.

  “I have my own mind, and I am ready to speak to the general. This shouldn’t take long. And again, thank you for your hospitality and generosity.”

  “But that isn’t how things are done on a fort. You don’t …”

  “Jatana, I do,” Alexandria interrupted and walked out the door. “I will see you later.”

  ***

  Alexandria took a deep breath and walked towards the general’s office. The heat of the day had passed, and the wind had begun to blow so she enjoyed the walk. She couldn’t help but notice the people looking at her. Their stares were steely and she wondered again if the soldiers found her or her son more repugnant. Whatever their problem was, the whole situation shaded her mood.

  The fortification was a perfect replica for any of the small towns Alexandria had seen.
Everything was made of wood, and there was everything from a large mess hall to a drinking establishment. Several small homes were sitting close to the back fence, but it looked as if most of the soldiers stayed on the main street in buildings that looked like hotels. The place was bustling, but it lacked color. The buildings were the same color as the fence, a dull, weathered, tannish-gray.

  When she reached the building belonging to the general, she walked inside to find the captain’s hand attached to the doorknob on the other side.

  He opened the door with a shocked look on his face.

  “Alexandria,” he said quickly. “What are you doing here? You look real nice except for the shoes.”

  “Thank you. And these shoes are comfortable. I have come to see the general,” she informed him as she walked passed him, leaving him still holding the doorknob.

  “The general is a very busy man. You can’t just expect him to jump because you’re here,” the captain said as he shut the outer door and quickly caught up to her.

  The inside of the office was as bleak as the fort. The walls were adorned only with a large cuckoo clock and a painting of George Washington.

  “Have you told him about me?” she asked, moving Little Eagle to her hip.

  “Yes,” he said, reaching for Little Eagle’s outstretched hand.

  Little Eagle didn’t pull away from the soldier’s touch but after all the man had said about her son, Alexandria wasn’t thrilled with their contact. Knowing she needed to behave, she said nothing about the feelings she was experiencing.

  “And what did he say?” she asked, hoping to loosen his lips on the subject of her life.

  “He said he would meet with you after he settled the Indians in. He’s already gone. Would you like to take a walk around while we wait for his return?” the captain asked, still holding Little Eagle’s chubby hand.

  “How long is he going to be?” she asked impatiently.

  “Not long. Did I tell you how nice you look in that dress?” he asked, changing the subject.

  “You did. I suppose we could walk for a bit, but I will not be put off, Captain. I will have this settled by tonight,” she warned him.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said as he held the door open for her.

  ***

  The walk was uneventful and tiring. By the time they had toured the small town, Alexandria was convinced the place was depressing for more reasons than the bleakness. Nobody spoke when they crossed paths on the walkway. But she had to wonder if that was on account of her presence. Alexandria knew the captain was speaking, but she was far too busy rehearsing her plea to the general to actually hear anything.

  “Oh, he’s back,” she heard the captain say.

  The officer accompanied Alexandria to the general’s door and was then dismissed.

  When she saw the man sitting behind the desk, she was pleased with his appearance. He was an older man; she would have guessed around fifty. He had gray hair and a full beard and mustache. He reminded her a little of her own father. It was clear the general had once been a huge man, but age and war had bent him slightly. He looked at her with a corncob pipe clenched tightly between his teeth. Alexandria was sure the captain had mentioned the general’s name, but she had no idea just who she stood before.

  “Sir, my name is Alexandria Standish …”

  “Sit,” the general interrupted as he pointed to one of the three chairs that sat in front of his oversized, ornately carved desk.

  “Thank you,” she said, sitting down before placing Little Eagle on her lap. “As I was saying, my name is Alexandria Standish, and Captain Armstrong found me when he invaded a Kiowa camp. I am white …”

  “Yes, I can see that. And I have been told all about you. I heard you were interested in staying with the Kiowa. Well, I talked to them, and they don’t want ya. You are better off going back east,” he stated, interrupting her once again.

  His words cut her deeply. The idea that the Kiowa wouldn’t want her had never entered her mind. Was the man lying? Did the Kiowa think she would bring them more heartache? Before hearing the general’s cruel declaration, she’d been sure the army would be the problem. Alexandria slowly sat back in the chair and realized her first impression of the general had been wrong. After taking a moment to digest what she’d just heard, she attempted to speak once again.

  “I would like to stay here until my family sends me some money. I’m sure my sister will do as I ask as soon as I am able to wire her,” she said, thinking it was sheer luck he allowed her to finish her thought.

  “This is no place for a single woman. I suppose you can stay until then, but not a day longer,” he said, smiling at her. “Captain Armstrong tells me the boy’s father was a brave Kiowa warrior. It’s a shame you’ll be strapped to the kid forever. It ain’t gonna …”

  “Excuse me, sir,” she said, standing and speaking louder than necessary. “My son is a blessing, and I love his father …”

  “Alexandria.” Captain Armstrong busted through the doorway as soon as Alexandria’s voice grew in intensity.

  “Captain, I believe it would be best if you got her out of here. Let her wire her sister,” the general said as he walked to the front of his desk.

  Alexandria’s expression mirrored her anger. “General, it has been anything but a pleasure.”

  Captain Armstrong wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her out of the general’s office.

  “Have you lost your mind?” he asked when he finished dragging her out of the building.

  “Get your hands off me!” she said, struggling the best she could and still maintaining a grip on her son.

  “You are crazy,” the captain said, releasing her from his grasp while she continued to wiggle.

  “I will not have my son talked about like that. That man is an idiot, regardless of what the army calls him,” she informed the captain as she backed away from his grasp in an attempt to stop him from reaching for her again.

  “Well, ma’am, the army calls him a brave and much-decorated general. I call him Dad,” he answered with a smile.

  Alexandria tried to hide her disappointment. “You know, that really doesn’t surprise me.”

  “Now that you know he is my father, can I expect an apology for the ‘idiot’ remark you made?” he asked, turning serious.

  “I am sorry your father is the way he is,” she said, looking him straight in the eyes.

  Captain Armstrong replaced his hat and shook his head.

  “Let’s go wire your sister,” he suggested, walking closer to her.

  “Is all your family here?” she asked, allowing him to walk beside her, but out of his reach.

  “My family is the army. Did Jatana ask you to stay with her?” he asked, stopping in front of a small wooden shack.

  “Yes, and I thanked her for doing so. I just hope your father doesn’t have a problem with my son sleeping there,” she said, allowing the anger to grow.

  The captain held the rickety door open for her. “My father and I don’t share the same opinions on everything,” he whispered near her ear as she walked between his tall, lean body and the entrance.

  Alexandria left his declaration hanging in the air as she walked to the smallish man who sat behind a poorly constructed wooden desk.

  ***

  Once the wire was sent, she returned to Jatana’s and fed Little Eagle before laying him down for the night.

  The sun had set, and there was a coolness to the air she hadn’t felt in months. Her mind was full of unanswered questions, but she managed to make polite conversation with Jatana as she sat and ate the best meal ever. Alexandria had never been a good cook, no matter if it was white food or Indian fare, and thanked Jatana over and over between compliments.

  Jatana directed the conversation from ‘this is lovely gravy’ towards Captain Armstrong. It was clear to Alexandria that the woman was attempting to learn of Alexandria’s feeling towards her brother-in-law.

  “Jatana, I am in love with Running Elk.
Your brother is a kind man … sometimes,” Alexandria stated honestly as she finished her last bite.

  “Percival is here, and your brave isn’t,” Jatana continued to push as she cleared the dishes away.

  “I have taken that path before and it only ends up in heartache. If you don’t mind, I think I will take in some air. I will hear if Little Eagle wakes,” Alexandria said, standing up.

  “At least take a wrap, the wind is chilly,” Jatana suggested as she picked up a white crocheted square that was laying across the couch.

  As soon as she stepped outside and the crisp wind blew, she instantly felt wide wake. She had been tired and irritable all day so she had hoped fresh air would do the trick and was overjoyed to be outside. The sky was cloud-cast and there was an eerie glow over the crescent moon. The stars she’d grown accustomed to seeing were barely visible through the gray clouds. Even being outside, it was not peaceful like the prairie. As she was readying to return inside, she heard her name being called.

  She knew the voice belonged to the captain and stayed where she was with her hand remaining on the worn brass doorknob.

  “I was just stopping by to see if Jatana had any more of that prize winnin’ pie,” he informed Alexandria as he closed the gap between the two.

  “I’m sure she has. I’m going to bed. I will see you in the morning,” she said quickly, entering the home to keep as much distance as possible between them. Now that she knew his feelings towards her, she knew he hadn’t heard her when she told him over and over that she loved Running Elk and no one else. The captain was a handsome man, but so was Standing Bear, and her heart had been untouched by him. Before shutting her eyes, she prayed that Running Elk would appear again soon.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Running Elk and Kicking Bird observed the scene in silence, not even turning to see each other’s expressions. When most of the movement had slowed, they moved closer to the building they’d watched Alexandria enter with the soldier. Running Elk quickly looked into a window at the back. The room was dark and empty. Kicking Bird knew there were people in the front of the house and cautiously looked into the only remaining window.

 

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