Spirit of the Sky

by Paty Jager

  Silent Doe grabbed their arms, jerking and frantic. “Get out! Get out!”

  A large object landed in the hole next to them, crushing a child’s leg.

  Sa-qan grabbed her blankets and followed Silent Doe and Girl of Many Hearts to the base of the cliff behind the pits.

  “The soldiers use big guns on the women and children!” yelled a warrior as he helped carry a wounded woman out of a hole.

  Sa-qan’s stomach churned. If it was not empty the contents would have landed at her feet. Fear quaked her cold numb limbs. If someone did not persuade the soldiers to stop the Nimiipuu would not survive. What was Wade doing?

  We are all going to die. She sent the message hoping either Wewukiye or Wade heard her. Wewukiye told her she could not receive messages if she did not conquer her panic and fear. But watching injured women and children carried out of the pits drained her of the strength to push aside her fears.

  ****

  Wade raced to the cannon and stared at the target.

  “Those are women and children you’re targeting!” he said, grabbing Miles by the sleeve to get the man’s attention.

  The colonel jerked his arm loose and raised a hand. “Sergeant, see that Lt. Watts remains detained until I give orders otherwise.”

  The sergeant clutched Wade’s arm, pulling him away from the colonel.

  “Why are you detaining me? I have a right to know.” Wade shook the sergeant’s grip loose and faced the colonel.

  “For insubordination. Every move I’ve made to bring the Indians to surrender you’ve challenged. I’m tired of you questioning my authority in front of the troops.” Miles waved his hand. “Sergeant, take him away and don’t allow him any visitors.”

  Rage heated Wade’s face and pulsed in his temples. The man was a lunatic. Why didn’t he understand targeting the women and children would only make the warriors angrier? And Sa-qan. Dear Lord, she and their baby could be killed.

  “You’re only making things worse. The Nez Perce won’t tolerate you killing their families.” Wade struggled and another sergeant jumped in to help.

  The two hauled him to the tent Joseph had occupied and shoved him in. Wade paced the interior. He could slide out the back as he’d done when visiting the chief, but what then? If caught they could shackle him and then he’d have no mobility.

  He had to think. First he had to make sure Sa-qan was unharmed.

  Wewukiye, make sure Sa-qan is safe. They have detained me.

  Believing Sa-qan’s brother would look out for her, Wade stood near the tent opening listening for updates.

  At dark, rumors ran through the camp that General Howard had arrived. Wade wasn’t sure if this meant good news or bad. The general had made it clear he wanted to best the Nez Perce, but he also heard the general had brought two older Nez Perce with him. The two elders wished to reunite their families.

  Frustration wore a path inside the tent as Wade paced. He needed to know the full story rather than snippets of conversations from the men passing by. Darkness enveloped the tent, and he slipped out the back. No one had checked on him since his detainment. With the general’s arrival, Miles would be doing his damndest to capture the Nez Perce and gain the recognition over Howard. That would leave him little thought to the lieutenant he’d detained.

  Wade kept to the edges of groups and listened in. Two Nez Perce men accompanied the general, both wanting peace. Good news. He continued through the main camp, remaining aloof to all but the privates who saluted, in search of the Nez Perce men.

  He found Captain John and Old George in a tent being interviewed by a newspaper man. Not wanting to be involved, he listened to the interview. An interpreter also sat in on the discussion. The newspaper man asked questions sympathetic to the Nez Perce plight. When the man exited the tent, Wade walked up to him.

  “Sir, I understand you’re here doing a story on the flight of the Nez Perce. I’ve been following Joseph and his band the whole way and may have some insights for you.” Wade drew the man away from the heart of the camp to the outer edges.

  “I can’t write in the dark,” the man said, pulling back.

  Wade had to go on his gut hunch this man wouldn’t go running to Miles or General Howard. “I can’t be seen talking to you. I’m supposed to be detained due to my sympathies with the Nez Perce.”

  “I see.” The excitement in the man’s voice shot newfound hope into Wade’s mission.

  “What would you like to know?” Wade sat in the cold with the man for over an hour telling him the truths he knew about Sa-qan’s people he’d learned from her.

  “If you ever have more you’d be willing to share, look me up at the Washington Post.”

  “Will do.” Wade shook the man’s hand and started formulating a plan. First, he had to get out of the army.

  ****

  Sa-qan watched as two older Nimiipuu men walked into camp. White Bull greeted them hostilely. Warriors, loyal to Joseph, took White Bull’s weapons and the old men sat and talked with Joseph and the council. Sa-qan and Silent Doe offered water to the newcomers and lingered at the edge of the discussion. The two elders spoke of Cut Arm and Miles wanting peace and allowing the Nimiipuu to return to the reservation near their homes.

  The two Nez Perce men returned to the soldiers. Joseph and the others continued to talk. Silent Doe and Sa-qan again offered water and stayed at the edge of the council, listening. Sa-qan’s heart filled with hope for her people. A surrender would mean no more killing and terror. The old men had given hope to those close enough to hear their words. Relief relaxed the people’s faces and chased fear into the cold sky.

  Joseph mounted his horse and rode to meet the officers of the soldiers. Sa-qan watched huddled with the others and wishing she had kept the magic stick Wade gave her to see objects far away. She wished to see if he helped with negotiations. And yearned for a glimpse of his caring face. Her dreams lately chewed on her mind and planted doubts about Wade. Would he be there when they walked into the soldier camp and surrendered? If so, would he be able to welcome her or would they have to pretend they did not know one another?

  Sa-qan longed for the moment they could be together.

  She grew anxious about being held captive. Until they reached the reservation, she would be kept from her family—Wade, Wewukiye, and Dove. Maybe Wade had been right when he offered to take her far from here. They would have been free to find a way to help her people. As a captive she had no way to help. Fear she had failed shook her body.

  “You are cold. Come.” Silent Doe placed an arm around her, drawing her to the trench where Girl of Many Hearts huddled in blankets and buffalo robes.

  “We will wait here for Joseph’s return.” Silent Doe climbed into the hole as well and they snuggled together.

  Sa-qan tried to close her eyes but gnawing in her stomach grew loud.

  Silent Doe held out the last of their dried meat. “Eat. Soon we will have food from the soldiers.”

  Sa-qan glanced at Girl of Many Hearts. “Your daughter needs the food.”

  Silent Does stared into her eyes. “So does your child.”

  The woman’s words shocked Sa-qan. “How do you know?”

  “You rub your belly like other women who carry a child, and you stare dreamily into the sky.” She glanced down then back up into Sa-qan’s eyes. “I have not asked about the father, believing he was lost in the fighting.”

  Sa-qan peered into the woman’s eyes. Could she keep the secret of Wade? They had grown close the past few days. Would she think less of her for loving a soldier? Fear Silent Doe could not understand faded as the thought of discussing her love for Wade would chase away the doubts that had begun to creep into her thoughts.

  “You cannot tell others.” Sa-qan peeked over the top of the pit and then into the woman and girl’s eyes.

  “We have kept the secret of your healing strengths.” Silent Doe patted Girl of Many Heart’s head.

  “This is just as important. My husband is a soldier.�
�� She had expected a reaction but not the distrust narrowing the woman’s eyes. “He is not shooting at our people. He is working to talk the others into a peaceful end.”

  Silent Doe shook her head. “I find it hard to believe a soldier cares about our people.”

  “Wade does. He has been following and talking with the soldier leaders. He holds the Nimiipuu in his heart as strongly as he holds my heart.” She grasped Silent Doe’s hand. “You must not tell anyone.”

  “Why are you here if not to tell the soldiers about us?” Silent Doe’s body stiffened and pulled away.

  “I cannot help my people if I am not among them. As he cannot stop the soldiers if he is not with them.” She willed the woman to understand and not tell the Nimiipuu who hated all so·yá·po.

  “I knew your brother. He was a strong warrior and held our people in his heart.” Silent Doe studied her so long Sa-qan feared the woman would not trust her first instincts.

  “I will honor his family and your secret.” Silent Doe squeezed her hand.

  “Thank you.” Sa-qan’s stomach growled, again. “I will only eat if you two join me.” They shared the meager dried meat and waited for Joseph’s return.

  Le’éptit wax `uyné-pt

  (27)

  Wade was grateful Colonel Miles had forgotten Wade’s detainment, worrying about Howard taking credit for capturing the Nez Perce. Keeping out of sight of the colonel, Wade stood at the back of the circle of officers as they discussed what to do while Old George and Captain John visited with the Nez Perce a second time, taking with them interpreter Tom Hill, whom Joseph requested and trusted.

  Hill and the others returned. Wade couldn’t get close enough to hear the discussion, but soon Howard and Miles mounted their horses and rode to the halfway point between the Nez Perce camp and the military camp. They met Joseph and a small contingent of Nez Perce. Howard’s adjutant sat beside the officer, writing in a book.

  Wade wished he could be a spirit at that moment and enter a horse to hear their discussion. The meeting ended. The Nez Perce rode back to the camp and the officers returned.

  Quiet fell over the camp as everyone sat around waiting to see the outcome of the council between the chiefs. Mid-afternoon, Joseph, mounted on a horse, a Winchester across his lap, rode toward the army camp, his head bowed. Five men walking on either side of Joseph’s horse held onto his clothing. Wade’s heart raced in his chest. He’d heard Howard say the Indians would be put on the reservation near their homes. He stared at the camp beyond the battlefield. Soon, he’d hold Sa-qan in his arms. With the campaign over, he’d sign his resignation papers and find a home for the two of them near the reservation.

  The chief rode up the incline toward the army camp, his procession impressive and heartbreaking. Pain stabbed Wade’s chest with sadness for the strong man who had worked to keep his people safe and free. Joseph dismounted gracefully and walked forward, holding his rifle out to General Howard. The general stepped back and motioned for Joseph to give the weapon to Miles.

  “From where the sun stands, forever and ever, I will never fight again.” The interpreter said for Joseph. Everyone shook hands and Joseph walked into the encampment with Howard and Miles on either side. When the officers and chief were out of sight, Wade stepped forward, accepting weapons from warriors and chiefs who accompanied Joseph.

  Soon men, women, and children emerged from the Indian encampment, crossing the distance between the two camps, and surrendering. The men handed over their weapons as Joseph and the other leaders had done. They straggled in wearing dirty, torn clothing. The women and children were thin, with wide wary eyes. The warriors rode skinny, lethargic horses. The sight tore at Wade’s heart. He peered at each group that arrived, searching for his moonbeam-haired Sa-qan.

  Finally, a small procession of a warrior, a woman, the child he remembered Sa-qan saving, and Sa-qan wearily entered the camp behind another family. He wanted desperately to take her into his arms and carry her to a warm tent and feed her, but he still had to be careful of his actions. He wasn’t out of the army yet. Instead, he’d convey in his words and actions his relief to see her.

  He strode to the sergeant logging in all the arrivals.

  “Welcome to our camp.” His gaze remained on Sa-qan’s. Her eyes sparked with hope and longing then dimmed when he didn’t advance any closer.

  Wade cleared his throat. “We have hot food for you, and we’ll help you find shelter.” He motioned for the group to follow, but before he spun around he witnessed an exchange between the woman and Sa-qan.

  His arms itched to hold Sa-qan, but that would have to wait until under the cover of darkness. Then he could speak to her and tell her of his plan for their future.

  He walked toward a group of Nez Perce warming at a fire, eating. A distance from the group he pointed to the ground. “Place your belongings here for now.”

  He knew Sa-qan understood him, but he didn’t know if the others did. The woman beside Sa-qan glared at him as she set her pack down. Sa-qan avoided his gaze. Her pale face and shaking hands twisted his gut.

  Be damned what others think. He had to touch her and know she was well. He stepped toward her, taking her cold hands into his. “Are you well?” he asked quietly, unable to keep the concern and love from his voice. He searched her face and willed his heat and energy to aid her.

  Hope swelled in Sa-qan’s chest. Wade’s distance upon their arrival had shattered her belief he still cared and brought forth all the thoughts of betrayal she had dreamt. Now, as his caring brown eyes gazed at her and his warm, strong hands clutched hers, she knew he wished to hold her as much as she wished to be held.

  Silent Doe nudged her, and she pulled her hands from Wade’s. Surprise and frustration flashed in his eyes.

  “Lt. Watts. Your duties do not include mingling with our captives.”

  She could not tell if the officer walking up behind Wade saw their clenched hands. But the anger flashing in Wade’s eyes and the stiffening of his body proved this officer and Wade did not get along.

  “Sir, I escorted this group to the holding area.”

  He continued to hold her eye contact. What did he wish her to know? Was he trying to speak to her as they had when she was a spirit? She opened her heart and her mind but she only captured his frustration.

  “If I catch you neglecting your duties, again, I’ll have you detained. Again.” The man stared with much dislike at Wade’s back.

  Wade slowly pivoted on his heel.

  Sa-qan urged her foot forward to step up behind him and give her support, but one look in the officer’s eyes told her he wished her to make another move. Something that would allow him to punish Wade.

  Silent Doe touched her arm.

  “Colonel Abernathy. I know my duties and am headed to perform them.” Wade spun back to her and Lightning Wolf’s family. “I’ll be around if you have any questions.”

  The weight of the colonel’s stare hit her as she watched Wade walk away. She stared back at the colonel’s narrowed perusal of her.

  “Who are you?” he asked, stepping forward.

  Reflex had her stepping back. She did not like the way he handled Wade, and she did not like the hostility in his glare.

  “I am Sa-qan.”

  “No, what’s your birth name?” He continued to watch her, his gaze hovering on her hair and meeting her defiant glare.

  She could not remember the name given her as a child, only her spirit name. “Sa-qan.”

  “You don’t have the appearance of a Nez Perce squaw.” The man reached out to grasp her chin.

  Sa-qan stepped back and glared at him. “I am Nimiipuu. Nez Perce as you call it.”

  “I’ve never seen a squaw with white hair.” The man took a step toward her.

  Lightning Wolf stepped between her and the officer. She did not want Lightning Wolf to get in trouble. Wade should be the one to step in, but he had abandoned her.

  The officer glared at Lightning Wolf, then her, before stepp
ing back. He pivoted and strode away.

  “Was the first soldier your man?” Silent Doe asked as they all walked toward the soldier handing out food.

  Sa-qan nodded. She feared Silent Doe would also think Wade should have stayed and stood up to the officer.

  “His feelings for you show in his eyes.” Silent Doe stopped, holding them back from the others as Lightning Wolf and Girl of Many Hearts received food. “He wishes to speak to you but worries for your safety if he does.”

  “How can you see this?” She stared at the woman. How had Silent Doe witnessed this when she, Sa-qan, found his intentions muddled?

  “I see him with pure eyes. You see him with emotion.” Silent Doe put an arm around her shoulders. “We will find a way for you two to talk.”

  Sa-qan couldn’t shake the trail of betrayal slithering cold across her skin.

  “The last soldier did not like your man talking to you. He could cause your man trouble, then how would he help you and your child?”

  Sa-qan wrapped her arms around her belly. Wade’s distance was to keep her and the child safe. The cold slowly evaporated as she reached out for a steaming plate of meat and broth. She hoped Silent Doe’s wisdom was right. Her body warmed thinking of being held in Wade’s arms tonight.

  ****

  Wade paced back and forth. How could he get a message to Sa-qan to meet him at the far side of the camp? He’d spotted Abernathy several times through the evening wandering by to make sure Wade remained at his post overseeing the supplies.

  He had to find a place where no one would see them. Abernathy had been out to get him ever since the attack at Big Hole. The colonel had labeled Wade an Indian sympathizer due to his saving Sa-qan and the girl. The private he’d told to stand down was in Abernathy’s platoon. Seeing he and Sa-qan, the white-haired Nez Perce woman, together, had to have Abernathy’s mind spinning with conjecture.

  Wade paced behind the tents separating the captives from the camp. Sa-qan’s brother couldn’t help them. He paced and ran scenarios over in his head until two men arguing caught his attention. He followed the raised voices and encountered the newspaper man, Baker, in a heated discussion with Miles.