The Spirits of Nature

by Michelle Post

  “Doesn’t matter, Pa. that was not part of the deal,” the boy insisted. He moved closer to his father.

  The man did not take his son seriously. He did not think he would shoot the gun. He moved closer to Rebecca.

  “I swear that if you take one more step I will kill you.” The young man said his look intent. “Now get her on the horse and let’s get this over with,” he ordered.

  The old man moved away from Rebecca.

  There was a history between the old man and the boy that saved her that day. For years he had witnessed his father rape and beat his own mother. She mercifully died from pneumonia one winter. The boy never forgave his father even though he had never had the courage to stand up to him. Today, the vivid recollection of his mother’s abuse saved Rebecca.

  The tall man put Rebecca back on the horse. In silence they rode to the Indian village.

  ~

  Robert left the wagon in search of Rebecca. He could not find her. He returned to Jonathan Simmons. He appealed to him. A search party was sent out and searched for her until nightfall. Just before returning to the wagon train Robert thought he saw something of Rebecca’s in the prairie. He dismounted his horse to get a closer look. His heart sank as he realized the search was over. The only trace of Rebecca to be found was the torn white blouse that was hooked on the branch of a small bush, blowing in the gentle wind.

  ~

  The Indian village consisted of around forty or fifty tipis. In the middle there was a large bonfire. Everyone seemed to be busy. The women were cooking and tending to their young. There seemed to be an energy that denoted they were in anticipation of her arrival. It looked as though they were preparing for a special occasion.

  The tall man pulled Rebecca off the horse. She fell to the ground and thought she had broken her rib. She winced in pain.

  The young boy helped her to her feet. She gave him one last longing look. It was useless; he was outnumbered at this time.

  A tall Indian walked up to her. He looked like the man she had seen momentarily earlier in the day. She was petrified. He appeared to be about her age. She took in his features. He had deep set eyes and a scar on his forehead. The scar only added to his fierce look.

  He looked at her face turning her head in his hand. He removed the gag and examined her teeth as though she were a horse. He grabbed her arms, squeezing them as though he was looking for strength. He moved to her breasts but before he could touch them she kicked him. It was a hard kick that stopped him immediately. He was not about to show any sign of pain. He looked around and laughed. He appeared to be amused by the gesture, not offended.

  Rebecca was screaming terms that were anything but endearing. He was aware of the insults she was sending his way. The only way to silence her was to replace the gag back over her mouth.

  “Better,” he said in his native tongue when he replaced the gag. This brought laughter from the Indians who had gathered.

  Rebecca was humiliated. She immediately hated him. She knew he was trying to embarrass her so she stood rigid and refused to show her fear.

  A woman who seemed to have an influence over this man walked up to Rebecca. She had kindness in her eyes and that helped to settle Rebecca somewhat. Maybe she would take pity on her and have her released?

  The tall Indian gestured to the woman as if looking for her approval. Many of the inhabitants of this village had gathered to see Rebecca when the three men brought her into the camp. It was as though they had been told of her arrival. They looked on in curiosity as the tall Indian decided on his ‘trade.’

  She was only the second white woman he had ever seen. The one white woman he had known before her had much darker coloring. He had not found the porcelain skin appealing when he saw her in the prairie with the sun beating on her light complexion. It was nearly dusk. The crimson glow of the setting sun cast its glimmer on Rebecca. She did not look as pale as he remembered her when he sent out the signal for her capture. Her face had more color and he was grateful for that. She appeared to be around his age. He could not tell that when she was in the prairie and so far away. He could see that the trip had taken its toll on her. When she was cleaned up she might be acceptable. He wondered for a moment if she had a husband on the wagon train. That was not his concern. He knew that she was the one that he had waited for. Although her looks were of a foreign nature, she was a handsome woman. This was not the woman he would have chosen. However, his fortune in finding her alone in the prairie would end his search. He could finally fulfill his dream.

  Rebecca was aware of everything around her. She was taking in every detail of the people and her surroundings. In spite of her being taken against her will she could not help but notice the camp had a peaceful air about it. There was a ginger glow around the tipis as the setting sun cast its warm glow upon the humble village. Rebecca thought it odd she would notice this when her life was about to be changed so drastically. At this point it was the only thing that was keeping her sane in the face of her demise. She needed some reassurance that her life was not in danger.

  Rebecca looked once again at the older woman who was staring at her. It seemed an eternity as this woman sealed her fate. She was not sure what they were looking at or for but she prayed they would not find favor in her and release her. The older woman nodded as if in agreement. Rebecca felt her heart sink. She began to cry.

  The tall red man handed over some meat and pelts to the men. The men looked especially pleased when the Indian gave them three fresh horses.

  Rebecca felt like cattle being sold for a cheap price.

  “Have a good life with the Indians,” said the fat man. He mounted his horse. He laughed and then added. “By the way, happy wedding day … you make a beautiful bride.”

  The tall thin man had joined in his sinister humor. “You won’t be sorry Running Wolf, she is a feisty one,” he added as he laughed over the easy trade. “Lots of luck to you!”

  The young man had the look of remorse. Rebecca could see a moment of hesitation in the young boy. It was too late, the trade had been made and going back would be suicide.

  She knew her life had changed forever and in a fleeting moment she thought of doing something to make them have cause to kill her. Before she was aware of it she was flung over the shoulder of Running Wolf and carried to his tipi.

  Once inside he removed the gag and looked further at his trade. She was so white! She was also so frail. He wondered if she would even survive the winter.

  He left the gag off of her and untied her hands. He was confident that she would not try to escape. He knew that the white men who traveled through their country had never lived in the wilderness. Therefore she would not be so foolish as to attempt an escape to the elements of the prairie at night. He turned to leave.

  Rebecca thought back to the time on the porch with Philip when they talked so casually about Indians. She remembered in that moment how she had boasted she would someday meet a real Indian. She remembered how she unknowingly said she would not be afraid. She was terrified now and not as arrogant as she proclaimed to be when they were playing. She suddenly mustered up all the courage she could find.

  Running Wolf had his back to her and this was an opportunity. If she could not escape maybe she would be killed. At this time it seemed better than what she thought might transpire between her and this savage later. Rebecca could see the handle of a knife hanging from the back of his pants. She pulled the knife from the casing. Before she could make another move he took her wrists in his hands. She was no match for his strength or speed. He released the knife from her grip and pushed her back. The look in his eyes was one of confusion and distain. He left the tipi and did not return for quite some time.

  A short time later, the woman who Rebecca thought carried a lot of weight with the warrior came into the tent. She was holding a light-colored animal skin. There was detailed beading of a bright blue color that heavily garnished the fabric. She also had a pair of leggings and moccasins. Rebecca wondered i
f this was her wedding gown.

  Bright Star Over The Mountains took a bowl that was made of wood. She poured water in it from a pouch that was unfamiliar to Rebecca. She dipped a cloth in the bowl. She gently took the cloth and applied it to the scratch on Rebecca’s face. The cool fabric took the sting from her face. Bright Star Over The Mountains proceeded to wash her neck and arms. When she moved to her legs Rebecca pulled back.

  The mother of Running Wolf respected her rejection. She wished she could somehow let her know that she did not mean for any harm to come to her. She could see the confusion and fear in Rebecca’s eyes. She felt a lot of compassion for what she thought this woman must be feeling.

  Bright Star Over The Mountains offered the clothing to Rebecca. Rebecca pushed the clothing away and into the belly of her soon to be mother-in-law. Bright Star Over The Mountains was offended. She did not expect this woman to be very receptive but she did not expect the rude response either. She was offering her a gift and she was hurt by the reaction.

  She put the clothes on the ground and left the tipi. She chose not to tell Running Wolf of the incident. She was confused as to why he had chosen this woman when he could have had one of his own kind.

  Rebecca’s feet were still bare. She looked at the moccasin type boot that Bright Star Over The Mountains had left. She quickly put them on her feet. They felt warm and comfortable. Much better than the boots she was accustomed to wearing.

  Running Wolf came back after what Rebecca thought to be an hour. He did not seem as distant as when he had left. She was sure that the woman had not told him of their encounter.

  He offered her something to eat. She pushed it away and it spilled on his clothes. He let the bowl drop and turned from her. He moved away from her and stood up with is back to her. He began to undress as though Rebecca was not there. How could she be subjected to another naked male body? She looked away but before she did she glanced for a moment at his physique. It was much more appealing than that of the fat man earlier.

  Had it not been for the unfortunate surrounding she would have found him extremely handsome in a rugged way. He had a face that looked carved yet his eyes held tenderness. There was a straightforwardness about him that told her if she had consented to be his wife she knew she could trust him with her heart. She instantly perceived that he was a strong warrior and very protective. It extended to the degree that he would protect her to his death. At the same time he looked fierce, which only added to his striking features. He had a strong muscular build. She looked at him for only a moment, knowing she was at his mercy. She had no idea what was in store for her and she once again wished to die.

  When Running Wolf left the tent she took what food had not touched the ground and shoved it into her mouth. She was starving. The meat was tasty and she was safe in assuming it was buffalo meat.

  When she was done she put her hand in her skirt pocket. She pulled out the Bible. It was the only remnant of the life she once had. She put it to her chest, holding tight to the only comfort she had left. She opened it and began to read. It offered her the only relief she would know that day. A feeling of security came over her and her skin for a moment did not feel the chill of the night air. She suddenly had a feeling of safety she had not had since she left Boston.

  The things that Bright Shawl had told her were also a comfort. She was grateful that she had encountered this woman and took the time to get to know her. Although the Crow were enemies of the Lakota there were many similarities. Bright Shawl had taught her that contrary to her education the Indians were not as ferocious as she once believed. She prayed that this was true of the warrior who had just captured her.

  The evening seemed an eternity with Rebecca alone in the tent. She could hear the drums and chanting all night. Running Wolf would return to the tipi periodically to check on his new bride. On one occasion he noticed that she was shivering. She had left the wagon train with only a camisole and blouse. The blouse had been dropped when she ran from her abductors. She was left with the sleeveless lace camisole.

  Running Wolf put a buffalo skin around her. She noticed the tenderness in his eyes and the gentleness of his actions. He turned abruptly to leave and join the festivities outside. He continued to dance in the celebration of him taking a wife. He also drank massive amounts of the white man’s whiskey in anticipation of the events that were to take place later.

  The long absence of Running Wolf gave Rebecca the opportunity to examine her surroundings. The tipi was much bigger than she had heard and thought. It was very clean and things seemed to have a particular place. There was a fire in the middle, which provided light and warmth. She moved closer to it because she was still cold. The weather that had been so mild during the day had turned very chilly once the sun had set.

  Off to the right there were two soft animal skins lying on the ground. They looked to be beds. It appeared from the few things she had seen that he lived alone in this lodge. There was no evidence of a woman or children living with him. She wondered why he was not married, or what may have happened to his wife. She assumed that he must have made a second bed in anticipation of her arrival. She shuddered at the thought of lying in the same room much less next to him.

  In another part of the room there was clothing. There seemed to be a variety that would denote there were certain things worn for certain occasions. This was another discovery to her. She thought they wore the same thing over and over again until it would rot off of their body. This was obviously a misconception her books taught her.

  She moved about the lodge looking at things and putting them back. She was careful not to disturb the items she found so interesting. There would be no warning of his return and she did not want to learn what the consequences were for being so curious.

  She looked up at the lodge poles made of pine. They were carefully tied together leaving room at the top for the smoke from the fire to exit. She could see scalps hanging from the poles. They were black hair and painted a bright red color at the base. At first she did not know what it was. When she touched them she immediately knew they were human hair. She jumped back. She could not tell for sure, but she thought they might be the hair of other Indians. All of them were the same black color. She wondered if he had ever killed a white man. Would he kill her?

  “Savages,” she said to herself.

  Then she saw something that really caught her eye. There was a full headdress of feathers hanging from the pole near to the clothing. She assumed that this could mean this man was the chief. It was a beautiful headdress. She examined it admiring the craftsmanship that must have gone into such a fine piece. Every fiber in her body told her not to touch it, but she knew she must. She could not help herself. She took it off the pole and held it in her hands. Her hands shook as she put it on her head. She did not realize that it was custom made for its owner. It was too large for her and it slipped over her face. She pulled it back on top of her head. It felt exhilarating. She wished she could find the mirror she had seen him holding earlier in the day. She wanted to see how it looked. She was sure that it would have looked silly on her. That is not how it made her feel. She knew she should put it back, but she chose not to.

  As she looked down she saw the only thing today that she found familiar. It was an ornate pipe, resting on the ground near to the fire in the center of the lodge. She bent down with the headdress slipping as she knelt. She replaced the headdress on her head and it felt somewhat secure as she looked at the pipe. She held it in her hands and remembered the time she played with her father’s pipe. She was so enthralled with the pipe that she put it to her mouth. She was not sure why because obviously it was a very personal artifact of his.

  She was too focused on her playacting to notice that Running Wolf had returned to the tipi. He sat motionless until she noticed him.

  She turned slightly and saw him out of the corner of her eye. She was startled by his sudden presence. She was also frightened because she had been caught. Her arms flew in the air. She dr
opped the pipe. The headdress fell over her face.

  She looked so funny to him that he began to laugh. It was a relief after all the tension between them. He felt she could not have been too fearful of him. Why else would she make herself so obviously comfortable? He even admired her moxie in having either the courage or stupidity to take a chance with items that his clan considered sacred. As a leader, he hoped this was a sign of being able to think for herself or a sign of bravery.

  She began to apologize but knew he would not understand. For some reason she was not frightened. When he laughed she knew he was amused and not upset. Once again she saw the softness in his eyes.

  He took the heavy headdress off of her and put it back on the pole. What Rebecca did not know was that he did not want her there anymore than she wanted to be there.

  He sat down across from her near to the fire. He took the pipe and lit it. Running Wolf thought of this as a way to make his unhappy bride feel welcome. He thought this might form a bridge, however small, between them.

  He inhaled and offered it to her. She did not want to offend him so she accepted the pipe. She inhaled very deeply. This was a mistake. She immediately felt sick to her stomach and began to cough. She was so lightheaded she had to lie down for a moment. Running Wolf could only think about the weakness he had heard about the white man. It was true. How did he stumble upon this misfortune?

  He offered her water and when she drank it made her feel much better. He made an attempt to touch her. Rebecca moved away repulsed by him.

  How foolish this white woman was to do that he thought. Had it not been for his commitment to his forefathers he would have left her to fend for herself away from this village. Running Wolf was deeply offended. He had tried to show some kindness to her. He was met with rejection. He left the lodge to more friendly surroundings outside with the others.

  Rebecca was relieved he had left. She knew he would return and she dreaded that happening. It was an odd feeling. Something deep in her gut told her she did not need to fear him.