Whispering Sun

by Rita Karnopp

  Sarah had been the young, insecure, unloved girl...the woman staring back at her claimed the name Whispering Sun. It shone in her eyes, the lift of her chin and the curve of her lips. Yes, this woman, the wife of the great warrior, Two Shadows, stared back.

  Then Whispering Sun understood. It wasn't the dark skin tanned by the sun. It wasn't the confidence that appeared in the set jaw. The answer smiled back at her. This Whispering Sun beamed with happiness. The sad, unwanted Sarah was gone.

  "Whispering Sun, are you well?"

  Startled, she looked up. Two Shadows stared back at her, concern etched in his expression. She glanced at Drags The Rope. He, too, had become concerned by her silence.

  "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. It's been so long since I've seen my reflection in a mirror, I didn't recognize myself."

  Reaching over, Two Shadows captured her hand in his. "You are not upset?"

  "No, oh, no. I absolutely love the mirror. It has made me see how happy a married maiden looks. It is the perfect gift and I'm most grateful for your thoughtfulness, Drags The Rope."

  "You not see all of gift," he said, motioning his hand toward the blanket.

  She felt like a child at Christmas. Seeing a turquoise-handled hair brush, she squealed with delight. Tenderly, she held the delicately designed handle, admiring, all the while, the scrolls and stones embedded in the center. She brushed her fingers across the soft, thick bristles. "Thank you, Drags The Rope. I'll treasure these gifts always," she said, tears of joy flooding her eyes. She dared not look up for fear the men would laugh at her sensitivity.

  Clearing his throat, Two Shadows turned toward his guest. "You have made my wife happy. The gifts are thoughtful, my friend. The blanket is also handsome. We will appreciate it when the heavy snows fall." Two Shadows watched Drags The Rope nod without taking his attention from Whispering Sun. Two Shadows fought the twinge of jealousy that attacked his senses. He couldn't blame his friend for looking, her beauty begged to be watched.

  "Come join me in eating a bowl of my wife's stew. She has leaned well from my mother and is every bit as good a cook, I am proud to tell."

  "I would be honored to feast at your fire."

  "What duty took you from our village?" Two Shadows asked, taking a wooden bowl from his wife and handing it to his guest, then accepting one for himself.

  "I have been to see Trail Walker. I had been with the Pikuni of our people. Their village had much illness when the buffalo calves were black. Snow kept the hunters from finding food. They were sick and hungry. Spirit Sings moved his camp closer to the white seizers, hoping they would feed the hungry. Convinced the white medicine man could help the sick."

  "Did the white soldiers help?" Two Shadows asked, afraid of the answer.

  "They would not come near the village. They would not let the hunters go out of camp. More of the people died of illness and hunger. I went to the leader and asked for a few of their cattle, then I saw Trail Walker."

  Hearing Trail Walker's name, Whispering Sun ceased her duties. She struggled to understand the fast Blackfeet words of the men. Drags The Rope's expression didn't give her reason to expect good news.

  "Horse Racer, He Who Listens, and I have discussed leaving in a short time to see Trail Walker. Much has happened since I spoke with my old friend."

  "The news is not good. He had a terrible accident that almost killed him. The white man's wagon tipped over and crushed both his legs beneath it. They took him back to the fort but he is in much pain, but will not admit so. That doctor, Bentley, told me it will be a long time before his legs heal. There is a chance Trail Walker will never walk again."

  Whispering Sun dropped to her knees. She knew it! Deep down inside her heart she knew something had happened to him. He would have come after her otherwise. Tears swelled as she tried visualizing his weathered face in her mind's eye. He needed her and she'd failed to be there for him. Both his legs crushed! The mere thought brought her images of pain. "Did you tell him about me?" she asked. Her breath solidified in her throat.

  "No. I did not know about you until I came back here. Trail Walker spoke of you with great sorrow. He seemed troubled much. Trail Walker has asked that you come as quickly as you can, Two Shadows. He said to tell you he has important information on a man called Giles."

  "Giles Rutledge," Whispering Sun blurted out.

  "I do not know. Trail Walker just called this man Giles. He spoke with much distain."

  "I'm sure he did. Giles Rutledge is an evil snake-in-the-grass. He has done much to cause a great hatred in my heart for him. He's responsible for the raids on the cavalry rifle shipments. I saw him looking at my father's log books. Giles somehow found out I knew. Next thing I knew, I'd been tricked into...never mind. It's a long story and it's in the past. But there is one certainty in this world, I intend to see that Giles Rutledge pays for what he's done to me, my friends, and to those poor young cavalry men he's slaughtered."

  Two Shadows stared at her in wonderment. Why hadn't he thought of discussing this with her? He should have known Napi would have chosen her to be the connection the people needed to prove their innocence.

  "It would be your word against this clever man. Just saying you saw him would not prove you saw him. Is there anyone who could...what do you say...back-up your story?" Two Shadows asked, aware of Whispering Sun's tense posture.

  "Melody! I nearly forgot! Drags The Rope, did you heard any talk about a white girl who made it back to the fort? She is called Melody." Whispering Sun's chest ached from her pounding heart. She watched the young warrior think over her words.

  "Was this young woman the daughter of the fort trader?"

  "The mercantile, yes. She did make it back to the fort?" Please let him say yes, Whispering Sun begged in silence.

  "I heard it told that the trader's daughter arrived only the day before I did. An old white man found the girl almost dead. He helped her regain her strength, then took her to the fort," Drags The Rope said, stuffing a large spoonful of stew into his mouth.

  Whispering Sun closed her eyes, then released a breath of relief. A wet sensation on her cheeks told her she cried for Melody. Tears of happiness, tears of pent-up guilt, tears of fear and hope rolled down her cheeks in unashamed abandon.

  "Forgive my tears, Drags The Rope. It is bad manners, I realize. I have good reason to cry, but my tears are happy ones. I'm relieved that Melody is alive and back safe with her parents. Not only for her sake, but now for the sake of all Blackfeet." She glanced at Two Shadows, aware of the confusion and uncertainty written in his expression.

  "Melody, like me, found herself tricked by a Frenchman named René. But, Melody witnessed René taking direction from Giles. We both had been abducted by René, only because Giles Rutledge had demanded it. Melody can back-up my story."

  "I will find my brothers and we will leave immediately." Two Shadows rose, grasped Drags The Rope's arm with his right hand, then released it. "It has been good to see you. You may have saved the lives of many of our people, Drags The Rope. I will not forget this. We will hurry to our old friend, Trail Walker. We will hope it is not too late to make this Giles pay for his evil doings."

  "I'm going with you!" Whispering Sun said, jumping to her feet.

  "No, you will stay here!" Two Shadows said, feet spread, jaw set.

  She recognized the signs of his mind-set. "Trail Walker needs me. Besides, I'll need to tell what I know. I'll be able to get Melody to―"

  "You can write your story down. I will take it to the fort and expose Giles. Melody can back it up. There is no need for you to go back."

  "Think about it, Two Shadows, they believe I'm dead. Do you really think they'll believe a piece of paper? My father might recognize my lettering, and should…I repeat should, believe Giles is guilty, after he double checks with Melody." She shook her head, frustration set in.

  "I believe it will work. I will go and you will stay here!" Two Shadows turned toward the tipi flap once more.

&nbs
p; "Do you really think he'll believe I chose to stay here? In an Indian village? I don't think so, Two Shadows. He will bring an army of men to come and get me. It could put the whole village in danger. I won't be a part of it. If anyone died because of me...well, I won't let it happen. I'm going with you."

  "Now just one minute, Whispering Sun. You are being more unreasonable than usual. You return to the fort and they will not let you leave. I will not take that chance."

  "I can decide for myself. You're treating me like a child. I'll stay or I'll go, but the decision will be mine. I'm a woman, not a child. You have no right to―" She vaguely heard Drags The Rope clear his throat. She glanced up to find his embarrassed face staring at her. She'd completely forgotten him.

  "It grows late. I am anxious to see my family. Your stew is indeed the best I have eaten. Thank you for the pleasure of your tipi."

  She temporarily let her anger slide, offering Drags The Rope a warm, grateful smile. "Thank you for your wonderful gifts. I have enjoyed meeting you and hope you come and share our fire again, soon."

  He offered a weak smile, nodded, then left.

  She watched Two Shadows pull the flap down and tie it into place. He turned and faced her. She could tell he hadn't changed his mind.

  "I believe you have impressed another one of my friends. I will have to lock you away in my tipi, to keep the men from making fools of themselves by staring at your beauty."

  "Don't think you'll change my mind with just a few flowery words."

  "We will discuss it more later. Now you must come to your husband. He has a great need for you." Two Shadows said, opening his arms to her.

  She crossed the distance between them, staring at him. With each slow step she worked loose the tunic ties at her shoulders. When she reached him it fell to the ground. "I've decided I'll come to you, only because it's what I want. You have made me into a shameless, wild woman," she said, excited by her own nakedness and his nearness.

  "I will have to tame you then," he said, burning her seductive image into his heart. The more he appreciated her beauty, the more determined he felt about her staying in the village. He couldn't take the chance of losing her. He lowered his head until he tasted her sweet lips. He lifted her into his arms and carrier her to the sleeping blanket, then lowered her onto the buffalo hide. He would taste her sweetness, her warmth, her exploding desire. He would touch and taste every inch of her, burning it into memory. He would leave her to help Trail Walker, but he would return, never to leave her again. His heart felt heavy as their bodies found the tempo that bound them together.

  Whispering sun felt every hand touch, every kiss sear, and every movement bring her to a downpour of fiery sensations. His caresses, his kisses, his every sensual need turned into possession and love...love that flowed in her like warm honey. Their needs satisfied each other. She pressed against him, nestled together, content.

  "I will go see Trail Walker. I will set things right with Giles Rutledge, then I will come back to you."

  She noticed he spoke a statement, rather than demand, once again, that she stay. She thought about the fort, the people in it, and how they'd react if they saw her dressed in buckskin. She didn't have to imagine their reaction long to know Two Shadows had been right. She couldn't go back to that hateful place. "Hurry back to me. Already I miss you," she whispered.

  "Have Willow Basket and Otter Woman teach you the beading you are so anxious to try. Time will pass quickly if you keep busy."

  She sat, turning toward him, then said, "Two Shadows, I have thought of something. Why not bring Trail Walker back to the village with you. He could live with us. He is like a father to me. I miss him and want to help him get well."

  Two Shadows leaned his head back against his crossed arms. "You are wonderful! I don't know why I didn't think of it myself. It is time for Trail Walker to return to his people. He has deprived himself of this joy much too long. If he agrees, I will bring him home."

  "You don't think he'll refuse, do you? Tell him that I'm here. Tell him we want him to be a part of our family. Surely he wouldn't deny me this joy?"

  "He is a proud man, Whispering Sun. He may see it as sympathy or charity. If that is so, he will never agree to come." Two Shadows watched her smile melt away.

  "Go to him, Two Shadows. Tell him I love him. Tell him I would be happy to be his daughter again."

  Two Shadows rose, dressed, then unhooked his bow and quiver from the tipi lining. "I will do my best to bring him to his people. Now, I must go find Horse Racer and He Who Listens."

  She remained kneeling, afraid to look into his eyes. Already she missed him. She listened to his footsteps, all the while imagining him leaving. Already the tipi felt cold. He had to come back safely to her. Would they let her stay if he didn't? Would she want to stay if he...no, she wouldn't think it. He would come back with Trail Walker. They'd be a family.

  With misgivings, Whispering Sun set about packing her husband's bag. She worked at the tie, fastening it with care. The tipi flap moved, causing her to glance toward it. Two Shadow's massive frame blocked the entrance while he passed through. She noticed a bold, set posture about him.

  "It is with a heavy heart I leave my beautiful wife behind. Both my mothers have agreed to watch over you. I always hate leaving leave my village, but never before have I been faced with leaving a wife behind. My whole life I have wondered where I really belong; the white man's world or my Blackfeet one. Now I don't find a need to question it. My wife, you have made this tipi my home. Your love gives it warmth. Your laughter fills it with happiness. Your desire to learn gives it meaning. Together, husband and wife, we belong. I...wanted you to know this is how I feel."

  She raised her lips to meet his. His kiss spoke of possession and love. She felt him move back, putting an arms-length distance between them. She watched as he reached into an eagle painted paraflech and pulled out a pair of buckskins, fringed matching coat, and plain, sturdy boots.

  She watched him dress. His expression filled her with sadness. Her impressive, Indian warrior transformed into a white man. Something about him made her pause, searching for a trace of familiarity. She watched him tuck a white feather into the band of his wide-brimmed, well-worn, Quaker hat. Drawing in the earthy cinnamon scent of him confirmed her suspicions.

  "You're him, aren't you? I mean, I've wondered about it for some time, but until this moment I wasn't sure. I am now. You're him!" She watched him glance up at her. She read the surprise in his expression.

  "Him? What him are you speaking of?"

  "You know. You always try changing the subject. Don't try denying it. You're the hero. The rescuer. You're the man who danced with me that night. You're the first man I ever fell in love with." She glanced up, surprised at her own outburst.

  "I knew there was a man before me! You unfaithful, shameless woman," he said, pulling her into his arms. He kissed her gentle and loving.

  "You don't even kiss the same. Does this mean we have to get married all over again?" she asked, chuckling deep.

  "You may have stolen the Indian's heart, but this elusive white man will never be caught. He comes and goes, but will never remain. You are much wiser to keep the heart you already have, love him, keep faithful to him. He will be there to protect you. He will never desert you. An Indian's word is one of truth. A white man can never truly be trusted. Even the white man who finds himself struggling to emerge out of the shadow."

  She stared at him. "Your name, I finally understand. There is a red-man and white man in you; two shadows. Why hadn't I figured it out before?"

  "I should have told you. You had a right to know. I am not proud of being a white man. I am Blackfeet. I do not wish to be a part of the white man's world. His greed is great and his need to own Mother Earth is something the people cannot understand. To watch our great warriors being cheated is degrading."

  "I don't understand. How are they being cheated?"

  "The Pikuni, the Bloods, and the Blackfeet, all members of ou
r great tribe, trade with the white man. Our people do not tolerate the uskiti waubu, the white man knows this."

  "Whiskey?"

  "Yes. More and more of the people want the crazy water of the white man. It makes them senseless and soon the white traders take all their skins for next to nothing. They would buy the whiskey instead of blankets, beads, kettles, knives, and even rifles and bullets that provide food for their family. They need these trade goods to survive the time of the first Chinook. Many families suffer when the hunter turns to the firewater. The warriors forget their families, their pride, and their responsibilities. His only thoughts are of getting uskiti waubu. It is an evil drink, created by the evil white man."

  "Not all white men are evil. You have said that you have a white father. Is he evil too?" She watched him with a keen eye, relieved to watch his posture relax.

  "No, my white father is not evil. He is one of few that are not filled with greed and a need to have what is not his. He has doctored many of my brothers who have taken a white man's bullet."

  "Do your white parents have any children?" she asked, pleased to have him sharing himself with her.

  "Not from the body, but from the heart, yes."

  She shook her head. "I'm sorry, I don't understand." She noticed he shifted uncomfortably.

  "Many winters ago, after I'd returned to my Blackfeet people, I'd gone out hunting. The night before the hunting trip I had experienced a dream. My white mother cried great tears, tears of joy. She hugged me often, yet I could not see what I had done to make her so happy."

  Whispering Sun waited as he paused, silent with his thoughts.

  "During the hunt something drew me to an area I had gone to a few times before. I hadn't planned on hunting there, but I felt compelled to go there. I arrived at the watering hole and found the bodies of a white woman and man. Some outlaws who were running from the law had poisoned the pond the summer before. Our people know of this, but these whites did not. I buried their bodies under rocks, then went in search of their animals and belongings."