Tom had talked with Indians many times during his thirty years here, so he knew the most effective words to use. He had sent messages to all the big tribes, but he stressed the important points again. “It is an honor to sit and speak with the noble chief Sun Cloud. I have asked the Great White Father in Washington to reward the Lakotas for allowing his people to cross your lands, to trap your streams, and to take animals for food; he has agreed. He desires all men—Indian and white— to live in peace. If the Great Plains are divided into hunting territories for each Indian nation and the Great White Father gives each many supplies, no tribe will need to invade another’s land for survival. Your people will be safe from enemy raids and their needs will be filled. The chief of each tribe will sign the joint treaty; he will be responsible for honoring their part of it and for punishing any warrior who breaks it. Many nations are sending their leaders and warriors to Fort Laramie to discuss peace and to sign the big treaty. Some are your allies; some have been your enemies for generations.”
Tom kept his gaze locked with Sun Cloud’s, a sign to show he was being open and honest. “It is time to put aside raids, wars, and bloodshed. It is time to live in truce. Too many warriors, women, children, and old ones have died over huntingground disputes. Too many have died attacking white immigrants who cross your lands heading west, or from conflicts with soldiers over those raids. There have been too many fights between soldiers and warriors because each side feared and misunderstood the other. It is time for peace between Indian nations, time for peace between Indians and whites. It is time for learning, healing, and accepting each other. To obtain these goals, everyone must compromise; everyone must think of the good of their people. I have lived and worked in this territory for many years, so I know many wrongs have been done to Indians out of fear, ignorance, carelessness, or greed. The Great White Father wants them stopped. He wants our Red Brothers compensated for their losses and for their future generosity in allowing whites to travel through your lands and permitting some to settle on them. He wants peace now and forever.”
“Broken-Hand’s words are hard to accept, but they are wise and just. We know you to be a fair and honorable man. We have heard many tales of Broken-Hand’s exploits and daring; your coups and prowess have made you a legend among Indians and whites. After we defeat the evil paleface who provokes the Crow and bluecoats against us, we will ride to Fort Laramie to make treaty. We do this because of Broken-Hand’s promises and because of the sacred vision Grandfather gave to Payaba twenty years ago. The coming of Stede and Tanner Gaston have proved its magic and power. First we war against evil, then, we ride for good. We must share the pipe of friendship to bond our words to our hearts.”
While the smoking ritual was in progress and no one spoke, Tom’s mind drifted over the situation. It was known that whichever way Sun Cloud leaned—so did most Oglalas: the most powerful and largest branch of the Lakota Indians. In addition, most allies followed Sun Cloud’s lead in crucial episodes. Tom was relieved and grateful Joseph Lawrence and Stede Gaston had helped bring about the chief’s receptive mood.
Tom did not betray Joe’s secret identity. His deceit could damage the treaty he and Colonel/Superintendent David Mitchell had worked so hard to achieve. He felt compassion and empathy for the Indians’ plight—one he knew could only worsen in time—but he was not unduly emotional about it. He was not a glory-seeker in this historic mission.
Tom did not believe this truce would last, but it would be a life-saving reprieve for both sides for a few years. He had warned his superiors in Washington of “the consequences should twenty thousand Indians well armed, well mounted, and experts in war turn out in hostile array against all American travelers.” He had suggested the annuity of fifty thousand dollars worth of supplies to be given every year for fifty years, and his government had agreed. In less than a month, redmen from most Plains nations would gather at Horse Creek to establish intertribal peace, and would unknowingly open the door for more whites to walk into the territory. That inevitable reality did not escape Tom’s keen mind, nor did the grim consequences of it. He was certain Sun Cloud knew and felt the same way, and that increased Tom’s respect for the Red Heart chief.
As Morning Star observed her father among the whites, she gained hope that their joint efforts for peace would inspire friendship and acceptance with their new allies. She noticed her father’s rapport with the white agent and with Stede Gaston. Surely a shared pipe and battle and a treaty would mellow his feelings toward palefaces. While he was soaring on the wings of victory and peace and while her and Joe’s great coups were fresh in his mind, surely her father would not stand between her and her love. As her gaze met Stede’s, his gentle brown eyes seemed to read her thoughts. She returned his encouraging smile. She dared not look at Joe, as her expression could expose her forbidden feelings for him.
Morning Star glanced at Lone Wolf and hoped their war chief’s rank would become only an honorary one. She looked at Hawk Eyes and prayed the deceitful shaman’s influence over her people would rapidly diminish until it ceased. Her gaze sought Payaba, and love filled her heart for him. She studied her silent brother and wondered why Night Stalker did nothing more than watch and listen. Her roaming eyes jumped over the sullen Knife-Slayer, but she refused to worry about him tonight. They returned to her father as pride, love, and respect washed over her body. Her gaze met Singing Wind’s, and they exchanged smiles. Morning Star grasped the meaning of her mother’s nod and rose to help serve food.
Following the meal and a discussion in the meeting lodge where plans were made, Sun Cloud and Stede Gaston entered the chief’s tepee to speak of the past, present, future, and their blood connection. Singing Wind served buffalo berry wine and listened to the genial conversation.
Soldiers camped outside the village, feeling at ease after their cordial reception. Most were surprised to find the Red Hearts so friendly, honest, and intelligent. When curious braves visited the area, they chatted amiably.
Knife-Slayer and Night Stalker went to the chief’s son’s tepee to talk privately of the disagreeable events controlling their lives. When the contrary Bloody Arrow became naughty, the men left to speak elsewhere.
Morning Star and Buckskin Girl took a walk with Joe and Clay near the river. The two couples laughed and talked. The women, best friends for years, had confided in each other about their loves for men of white blood. Both had decided to pursue their choices and to follow them wherever they led, no matter the consequences.
Joe and Morning Star noticed how Buckskin Girl and Clay Thorne glanced at each other, and knew a romance had been revived. Both were glad for their friends, and were eager for all to begin bright futures.
When Clay asked Joe what his future plans were, Joe grinned before answering, as the half-Cheyenne already knew the answer. Joe guessed his motive with accuracy, to give Clay a chance to speak his. “I’ll be heading back to Virginia to help my family. My parents are getting old and need me to take over the business. I won’t stay long after we’re done here. What about you, Clay? What are your plans?”
Clay ruffled his blond hair and stroked his smooth jawline as he pretended to consider the query. “I’ll stay here.” he divulged. “This is where I was born and raised, where I belong. If I’ve learned one thing during my long absence and journey, it’s that I have more of my father’s blood and feelings than my mother’s. I’ll make certain the whites and Indians live up to their impending agreement. Your people have agents and soldiers to protect them; mine need me to do the same. I’ll work closely with Tom Fitzpatrick to keep things fair and safe.”
Joe smiled. “That sounds good to me. But where will you settle?”
“I plan to visit my family and people first to settle what happened years ago. Then I’m going to accept Sun Cloud’s offer to live with my grandmother’s people, here with the Red Hearts.”
Buckskin Girl glowed with happiness at that news. “You will be welcome here, Sky Warrior. I will make a tepee for you.�
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Clay faced her and asked, “Will you make it for me and my wife?”
Buckskin Girl did not catch the humor in his tone and eyes, and she missed the meaning of his words. Her smile faded, but she replied, “Yes.”
“Good, because I wouldn’t want you to be displeased with your home.”
Confusion was evident in the older woman’s gaze. She glanced at Morning Star as the younger female giggled and covered her mouth.
“You will join to me, won’t you?” Clay asked, caressing her cheek.
Buckskin Girl gaped at the half-white man who was grinning at her. She stuttered, “You ask m-me to be-come your …m-mate?”
Clay chuckled. “Yes. You loved me and wanted me years ago. I hope you haven’t changed your mind. It just took me a long time to realize that what I was seeking elsewhere was waiting for me here.”
Those words flowed through Buckskin Girl as warm honey in her veins. Tears glistened in her dark eyes. Her cheeks rosed with joy. Without modesty, she confessed, “I love you and will join you.”
Clay let out a loud sigh of relief. Only because Morning Star had assured him of the woman’s love had he found the courage to take another chance with love and marriage. “I’ll make you a good husband,” he vowed.
Buckskin Girl forgot her friends’ presence for a time. She gazed into Clay’s dark-blue eyes and handsome face. She loved him with all her heart and soul, as Morning Star did Joseph Lawrence. At last, both of them would share true love. “I will make you a good wife,” she murmured, “I have waited many years for your return. In my dreams, Grandfather said he would bring you home to me. It is so, but I feared it would not happen when Tanner appeared as the vision man.”
“Morning Star, why don’t we leave them alone to talk?” Joe suggested, “I think they have a lot to discuss.”
The chief’s daughter was filled with joy for her best friend. “That is a good idea. But we must not be alone together,” she reminded. She hated to sacrifice any of the little time remaining with him. She was worried about the danger he would face soon without her help. She prayed the soldiers and Clay would guard him well when he challenged Orin alone.
Buckskin Girl and Clay/Sky Warrior looked at them with empathy. Their union would be easy to achieve, but it was not so with their friends.
“Don’t worry, love,” Joe said, “this won’t be for much longer.”
“He is your destiny; you are his,” Buckskin Girl remarked. “Many will resist your mating, but let nothing and no one halt it.”
“We won’t,” Joe responded for them, and Morning Star nodded.
He sent her an encouraging smile and whispered, “Soon, love.”
As she left his side, Morning Star was plagued by Buckskin Girl’s words. For a short time, she had deluded herself by thinking anything—including peace and her many coups— could change the laws and customs of her people or influence her father’s mind about her intention. She must not allow herself to get wishful again, as it clouded the mind.
How she longed to be a part of the exciting final victory over Snake-Man, to be at Joe’s side when the obstacle to their departure was removed. She wanted to ride to Bear Butte and participate, but her father and Joe had refused her request. She would not defy their order or display recklessness by sneaking there; that was the act of a foolish woman. She must not be disrespectful or dishonorable. She would obey them, even if she didn’t agree with being left behind during this triumphant episode.
Later, Joe and Stede took a walk as dusk was yielding to night. The older man said, “I received a letter from your mother just before I left Fort Laramie. She’s worried about you. She asked me to make sure you stay safe and return home soon. She also wanted to know all about Morning Star.”
Joe related what he had written to his parents and when. “Did you write her back?” he inquired, a strange sensation gnawing at him.
Stede clasped Joe’s shoulder with a strong hand. His gaze was filled with kindness and affection. Wind played through his graying deep-brown hair and ruffled the lashes around dark eyes: signs of his Indian heritage. At sixty-five, he knew his years were numbered, but he had accomplished his last wish. He had met his kin, found the missing part of his roots, and would help win peace for them as his father would have wanted. He felt complete, even thought a vital part of him was gone forever. But soon he would join his brave son, whose death had not been in vain. He would be with his beloved wife again, leaving only his sister and her family behind. It was the way of life. “Yes, but she’ll worry anyway. Mothers are like that.”
Joe had noticed the brief, faraway look in Stede’s eyes, and suspected where the man’s thoughts had fled. He loved and missed Tanner, too. Nothing could bring him back, but the memories of their years together would always live in his mind. As a distraction, he asked, “You don’t think she and Father will reject Morning Star, do you?”
“No. They’re fine people, Son. Besides, they know I’m part Indian and they like me. They have no prejudice against our kind.”
“That’s good, because I can’t give her up for anybody.”
“Tanner would be happy you’re marrying his cousin. He would be proud of all you’ve done to help our kin. I am.”
“Lordy, how I miss him. He was closer than a brother to me. Sometimes I think this is all a bad dream; I’ll wake up, and he’ll be there. His killer will be punished soon.” He met Stede’s gaze. “I’m sorry you’re caught in this deceit of mine, sir, but it was the only way to help them.”
“I understand, Joe. But I’ll be glad when we can tell the truth.”
“You think it will turn Sun Cloud against me?”
“Frankly, Son, I don’t know. From what my father told me, Indians are taught to keep their bloodlines pure, and they’re reared to honor their customs and laws. It’s even more restrictive for chiefs and their families. You’ll be asking Sun Cloud to send his only daughter into a world where some people want to conquer or destroy his culture. Worse, from some points of view, his bloodline is already tainted with enemy blood, and I’m sure he wants to get it back to its purest state. I’m sure he has no idea of your feelings and intentions for his daughter, nor hers for you. He knows what you’ve done for his people, and he likes you. But I can’t venture a guess how he’ll react to such news.”
“I appreciate your honesty and candor, sir. Somehow we’ll have to convince him of my love and persuade him I can protect her in my land. It will help, when the time comes, if you speak in our favor.”
“I’ll do what I can, Son, but I’m a half-breed and visitor, too.”
Early the following morning, Wind Bird, who was being trained by Payaba to become a shaman one day, departed for Orin McMichael’s trading post with Black Moon’s musical watch and alleged message. A man with small hands and feet, he could pass more easily for a Crow than any other Red Heart. He was instructed how to use his wits, English expressions, and a white truce flag. If Orin wondered how a Crow knew to come to his place, Wind Bird was to say he was seeking Zeke Randall. That culprit had no doubt rejoined his boss while they awaited news from Bart of their blond intruder’s death.
Joe was sure Sergeant Carnes would not search too far into the vast grasslands for him and risk confronting an Oglala war party. Bart was probably back at Fort Tabor, enjoying his stolen command. No matter, the traitorous officer would be arrested soon and be kept out of their way.
If things went as planned, Zeke would talk with Wind Bird, then report the message to Orin. The crafty Scotsman should respond without delay. While at Orin’s long ago, Joe had glimpsed a wagon in the barn, but had not thought to check it for a false bottom and “magic” balls. Nor had he thought to ask Clay to examine it during one of his spying trips. Yet Joe was positive it was there and Orin was guilty.
Wind Bird was ordered to ride slowly to give the others time to reach Bear Butte to prepare for the impending trap and for Joe’s party to carry out their additional task. The Red Heart brave was to tell Zek
e the Crow would no longer follow, trust, or obey Snake-Man’s words unless the spirit met them at the sacred mountain and commanded it. Snake-Man must again prove his magic and powers to them, or their truce was over. Wind Bird was to dangle another piece of bait before the heartless villain: Joseph Lawrence, whom they had captured for him as a gift. The meeting was set for six suns after the message was delivered. It would require that long for Orin to travel there by wagon, as he would need his special one for Snake-Man’s vanishing trick. It would be good for Black Moon to see him unmasked and to be taught the error of his ways.
Joe and Morning Star were certain Orin and his gang would fall for the ruse. The villains needed to retain control of the Bird People for their vicious scheme to work, and the blackhearts were eager to get their hands on Joe to question and torture him. The couple was sure Wind Bird could entice the culprits there for defeat.
That same day, Joe, Stede, Tom, Clay, Sun Cloud, Red Heart warriors, and half of the troop departed to set their part of the plan in motion. The other soldiers left for the fort, to arrest Sergeant Bart Carnes and to take command of the post to prevent any trouble during the final episode.
Miles northwestward, the forces would separate, with most journeying on to Bear Butte to make preparations there, while Joe and a few others continued northward to carry out Tom Fitzpatrick’s added order.
Joe admitted it was a clever but risky scheme, and he wished he had thought of it. He envisioned Black Moon’s reaction when he was issued such an ultimatum. It was a cunning coup de grace to the Crow chiefs final treachery. Over the years, Tom had learned about good and bad Indians, and Joe was glad the agent had suggested this ploy.
Joe’s only regret about this final confrontation was Morning Star’s exclusion from it, as she deserved to be included, but it was best not to have a beautiful Oglala woman around so many men. Every mind had to be focused on their joint task. He wished he could take her in his embrace and kiss her goodbye. But soon she would be in his arms and life forever, and he eagerly anticipated that day.
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