Savage Conquest

by Janelle Taylor

  Amanda was bound and gagged, then placed in a corner. Her guard concealed himself and she was ordered to feign unconsciousness. Weber went to get Reis. He brought her beloved to the center of the immense room, then had another guard come and stand near her. A flaming torch illuminated her limp figure, revealing her disheveled and dirtied state. She remained still and silent.

  Weber warned Reis she would be killed instantly if he made any moves or called for help. As they headed for the office, she could hear Reis threatening to slay Weber with his bare hands if she were harmed in any way. It ripped at her heart to note the anguish in his voice, the pain and fury which she prayed Weber would ignore or think false. His hands bound, Reis could help no one, including himself. And with her as a prisoner, her love feared to escape or resist.

  The guard untied her the moment Weber and Reis were out of sight. He was already dressed to resemble Lucas. Amanda sealed herself in a closet to change dresses, then the two of them sooted her blond hair until it appeared dark. They hurried to an adjoining warehouse to take their places. When the guard leaned over to move a crate to partially shield them, she furtively seized a crowbar. Refusing to feel any remorse, she slammed it across his head, then quickly bound and gagged him. She grabbed his knife and stuck it into a cotton sack near where Weber would stand while pointing them out. She took the guard's gun and her assigned place, calculating that there would be Weber and another armed guard against a bound Reis and herself. All she could do was wait with her stolen gun, and pray Reis noticed the shiny knife.

  She went rigid when she heard the door open then close. She ordered herself to relax yet remain alert. She could hear Weber's voice, but could not make out his words. He halted near the center of the structure, telling the guard to show Reis "their little surprises."

  Amanda knew their lives were at stake but wondered if she could actually pull the trigger and shoot a man. Her arms were in a position to indicate she was bound, and she had remembered to gag herself. The other man moved the torch back and forth over the couple as Weber referred to them as Miranda and Lucas. Reis was unprepared for the sly ruse and was briefly deceived at that distance.

  As Weber issued his demands, Reis snarled, "How do I know the three of them are still alive? All I've seen are limp bodies. I want to talk to them."

  As pre-planned without Amanda's knowledge, Weber signaled the guard who instantly shot the man playing Lucas. It did not surprise the other guard or Weber when the unsuspecting man did not move or scream, or when Amanda jumped in astonishment. Weber casually informed the stunned Reis that he could only bargain for the two twins now. If he refused Weber's orders, both girls would be murdered tonight.

  "You son-of-a-bitch!" Reis stormed at him, causing Weber to shove him backward. Miraculously, Reis's hands made contact with the knife, and he hastily closed his fingers around the handle.

  Then everything went wild. Amanda panicked and shot the guard, the thunderous roar of her gunfire drawing Weber's attention from Reis. The wounded guard tried to get his gun out of his holster, but she closed her eyes and fired once more. This time he stopped permanently.

  It was evident to Weber that he had been duped by her again, and that both of his guards were now dead or seriously injured. With a loud yell of hatred, he jerked out his concealed weapon to kill her. Reis yanked the knife from its place and whirled around. There was no time to sever his hands. He slammed himself into Weber's back, driving the knife into his demented body. Both men fell to the floor. With speed and agility, Reis pulled the bloody knife free and rolled away. He instantly came to his feet and raced to where Miranda was hiding.

  When he turned to ask if she was all right, he was shocked; the woman beside him was his wife. She ripped off the gag and smiled at him, then hugged him tightly. Weber's agonized voice returned her anxiety. Reis told her to cut him free, which she did with some effort. She handed him the guard's gun, then he smiled at her, and stole a brief kiss of encouragement.

  "I'll kill you, you bitch!" Weber shouted in pain and fury.

  "It's over, Richardson," Reis announced confidently, shoving Amanda's head down when she tried to peer over the crate.

  She understood the precaution when Weber fired shots at them. Reis attempted to talk Weber into surrendering, but he adamantly refused. Spouting how he was going to "roast them alive," Weber staggered toward the only unsealed exit. From his wild rantings, it appeared he was planning to barricade the door and set fire to the building. Reis could not allow him to escape orgive him a chance to trap them. He fired at Weber's legs, one bullet shattering a knee. As Weber screamed in pain and clutched at a stack of crates for balance, the heavy pile tumbled down crushing him. Weber Richardson would threaten them no more.

  Finding the guards dead as well, Reis left the bodies while he took the trembling Amanda home. Later, in each other's arms, they compared stories. At last their ordeal was over, the anguish of the past and present. They nestled together, sharing comfort and joy.

  Before leaving Alexandria, Reis hired a crew for the desperate search which Weber's boastful words had inspired. Only in the event that his men were successful, would he tell his wife anything about it. Soon they would be in Dakota to challenge new adventures. But they would also confront perils as yet unknown, perils more numerous and lethal than any devised by the late Weber Richardson ...

  Calamity Jane and Tom Two-Feathers Fletcher had no choice but to mount hastily and follow the impulsive and courageous girl toward the Oglala camp. Tom caught up with Miranda and cautioned her to conduct herself with patience and respect. He warned her not to make trouble if Sun Cloud refused a second time to meet her.

  Tom witnessed the look of fierce determination and resentment which were visible in her tawny eyes and upon her lovely face. This audacious and exquisite creature would be a sensuously wild vixen to tame, an assignment he would relish. What more could a man who survived in the wilderness desire than a woman who was beautiful, brave, sturdy, and keen witted? He could easily envision the type of wife and mother this half-girl, half-woman would make in some lucky family. And luck was something a clever man created for himself in this barren, onerous territory. With her half-blooded heritage, Miranda was a perfect match for him.

  They reined in before the colorfully painted teepee of the famed war chief, Crazy Horse. Tom and Jane gingerly dismounted and Tom assisted Miranda down to the ground. Miranda stood poised and guarded as Tom spoke with the leader who had left his teepee at the commotion outside.

  "Tashunka Witco," Tom addressed the chief by name in Sioux, then related that the girl with him wished to know why her grandfather refused to see her of ter she had come so far and faced many dangers.

  Crazy Horse eyed the beauty at the scout's side, a female who looked as Indian as the women nearby. His sweeping gaze surveyed her manner of dress: she was wearing the garment and headband of an Oglala princess! Did the proud creature think she had the right by birth to commit such an offense? She was hanke-wasichun, half blooded!

  No one approached the small group or dared to speak without their leader's permission. But all observed the strange sight. Miranda remained alert and silent while Tom reasoned with the chief. From the expression and tone of Crazy Horse's voice, she knew he did not realize she spoke his tongue and understood his cutting words. Forewarned by Tom, she held her anxious tongue as her anger increased.

  Miranda observed the masterful warrior who was rumored to be dauntless-a powerful man who challenged any force or obstacle, an intelligent man. whose cunning was feared and respected, an heroic man whose influence and prowess were held in awe and dread. Tashunka Witco was said to be a seasoned leader who rode before his band, always putting himself in the first line of danger. And he was known also for his military tactics and expertise, a "Plains soldier" unsurpassed. He was a proficient warrior of such enormous mettle and skill that others envied him but feared to challenge his rank. So immense was his valiance that he had become a member of the O-zu-ye Wicasta, the W
arrior Society, before reaching his sixteenth birthday. It was as if Crazy Horse had been trained from birth for his rank in history, as if no person or nothing could prevent him from being thrust into the role of the Sioux's most powerful warrior. It was true that he trusted no white man, and with just cause. Believing himself protected and blessed by the Great Spirit, he could endure intense pain without flinching. It was alleged that the intrepid warrior "dreamed" himself into an aura of invincibility and matchless valor before every battle, seeing a vision in which his horse pranced eagerly and crazily, and from this dream the illustrious warrior took his name. Just over thirty, Crazy Horse was a growing legend amongst both whites and Indians.

  One thing which surprised Miranda was the lightness of his hair and skin. He possessed bold features and piercing eyes on a face which could be called ruggedly handsome. He was the son of the sister of Spotted Tail, the noted Brule chief confined to a reservation. The defeat and humiliation of his once-great uncle inspired .and encouraged Crazy Horse to make certain he and his people never shared such a despicable and degrading fate.

  Another curiosity for Miranda was the physical size of Crazy Horse. She had expected this legend to be tall and muscular, as was the unknown warrior she had met several times. But Crazy Horse was of medium height and lean, with the lithe build of a swordsman. Yet, strength of body and character were emblazoned upon his face and frame. As the two men talked, Miranda admired both the mental and physical attributes of the war chief.

  The warrior chief speaking with the half-blooded scout knew the story behind this girl's birth and the shame and betrayal of her mother. Although he had been only ten years old at the time, Crazy Horse could recall the day when Princess Morning Star deserted her father and people to marry a white man. He respected the past skills and prowess of Sun Cloud, now seventy-five and growing more eager each day to seek the Great Spirit, and he could understand why Sun Cloud refused to meet this woman. He was keenly aware of her intense study of him, and her conclusions. But perhaps, he silently reasoned, he should change the old warrior's mind; perhaps she offered solutions to several problems.

  Miranda thought it was best to keep her knowledge of the Sioux tongue a secret in order to discover all she could, unaware that her great-grandfather, Gray Eagle, had used this same ploy to learn the white man's secrets. She asked the scout to translate her words. "Tell my grandfather that his daughter, Morning Star, and my father were killed; they now live with the Great Spirit. Tell him I have come a great distance alone to meet him. Ask him to forgive the pain and sadness which my mother brought to him. If she had not been taken from my life-circle, she would be here this sun speaking these words. She longed to see her father once more and hungered for peace in her heart and mind."

  She waited while Tom interpreted her statements. "Tell him I am not my mother; tell him I should not pay for her acts which brought shame and sadness to the teepee of Sun Cloud. Is it not the Sioux way for each man to earn his own honor and to pay for his own evil? Why must I pay and suffer for the deeds of my mother? If he will not speak with me, I will never return. Will he deny himself my love? Can his bitterness and hatred of my mother and her child be so great that he denies I carry his blood? Will such a denial remove that blood from my body? He was a great warrior, a worthy chief. Where is the wisdom and logic in rejecting me?" she reasoned candidly in a tremulous voice.

  Those words were translated for the Sioux chief, even though he comprehended most of her English words. Miranda selected her next words carefully and brazenly. "Surely such a great man has no reason to fear a mere woman? Have I denied that an Oglala Indian is my grandfather? Have I rejected him because he is Indian? Have I refused to travel through great distance and danger to see him only one sun? Does this mean I hold more courage, generosity, and wisdom than your former chief? If a man or woman cannot steal another's good or bad shadow, then how can he use my mother's dark shadow as the reason to deny me sight of his face and the sound of his voice? What man of honor and bravery cannot speak for himself? Can he not find the courage and generosity to share but one hour with me?" She knew she had cleverly used two of the most respected Indian arguments, tempering her tone with appealing frankness and honesty.

  Crazy Horse's expression softened with appreciation, but he did not smile. To her surprise, Crazy Horse told them to wait while he spoke with Sun Cloud. Miranda's gaze trailed him to a teepee in the second ring. He ducked and entered. Tension increased within her as she waited. When he finally returned, she was prepared to hear another refusal. She could not hide her astonishment and pleasure when Crazy Horse related the summons of her grandfather, to share "one hour" as requested.

  Miranda's hands were trembling and her heart raced as she followed the chief into her grandfather's presence. Complying with the instructions from Crazy Horse to Tom, Miranda seated herself on a buffalo skin before the older man, three feet away. Jane had been ordered to wait with the horses, which she reluctantly did.

  Sun Cloud's hair was mostly gray with only traces of ebony. His stoic face was lined from the passage of time and exposure to the elements. Even after so many years, Sun Cloud still radiated courage and greatness. Such wisdom, pride, and intelligence flickered in those age-glazed eyes. His once strong body was now slim, having lost its firmness and power. He was sitting cross-legged on another buffalo hide, erect and silent, watchful and wary.

  The unnecessary translations began. Her grandfather asked why she had come to him, his voice vital and clear despite his age and increasing weakness. A twinge of sadness and disappointment assailed her, for he did not inquire about his deceased daughter or even hint he was glad she had come. He appeared untouched by her arrival and identity. She struggled to contain the tears which threatened to expose her turmoil. Whatever happened today, she would show great courage and control.

  Before replying, she quietly asked permission to begin her tale where it started, here in 1850. She waited for Sun Cloud to object. His response was for her to choose her own words. If either warrior was moved by her narrative, it did not show on their impassive faces. Fearing her time was limited, Miranda revealed only the major points of her and her mother's pasts. Sun Cloud did not react to the news of her twin sister or to the perils they had faced recently. Only Crazy Horse perked up when she exposed her cousin's assignment here. Knowing Tom hated the blond-haired Custer, she felt no qualms in revealing it.

  When she finished telling of her history and motives, her grandfather asked if she had spoken all the words she wished him to hear. Miranda wondered if her heart truly stopped for a moment, for it sounded like a dismissal. When she nodded, Sun Cloud asked if she had completed her quest and was ready to leave. Miranda stared at him, for she could not respond in the way she felt he wanted her to. She wondered if Sun Cloud possessed any feelings of affection or loyalty or' respect for her. She was disheartened by what she did not see in his eyes or perceive from his mien. At least she had made the effort.

  Miranda rose slowly and stood proudly before Sun Cloud, sealing her fathomless gaze on her grandfather's face, ignoring the others present. She stated with false calm, "My hour has passed, Grandfather, and I will leave as promised. I pray you will seek and find understanding and forgiveness before you join my mother with the Great Spirit. Do not blame her for loving and choosing my father, for she answered the call of her own destiny. If joining with my father was wrong for her, the Great Spirit would have prevented it. Perhaps it was not the wish of the Great Spirit for Morning Star to marry a white man, but He allowed her to follow her heart. I will not trouble you with the telling of their love story and happiness. It is not for you or me to judge her actions; only the Great Spirit has that right. Goodbye, Grandfather. Until you look into the face of the Great Spirit and learn all things, I wish you health and happiness." With that, she turned to leave, unable to bear the weighty anguish of this moment any longer.

  Just before she ducked to exit the teepee, Sun Cloud stated she had not answered his last question
. Miranda inhaled and exhaled several times before turning to face him. In a clear and compelling tone, she replied, "Hiya. Cante ceya," saying no and that her heart was weeping in sadness. She went on to tell of her desire for peace with him. "Wookiye wocin." Both warriors stared at her as she spoke fluent Sioux with ease.

  The elderly man told her to come and sit once more. Miranda hesitated. Sun Cloud's expression warmed and relaxed as he coaxed again, "Ku-wa, cinstinna," calling her "little one."

  When she did as he had requested, he stated evocatively, "You speak my tongue. How is this so? Why do you leave without fighting words?"

  "My mother taught me to speak Oglala. She loved you deeply, Grandfather. It pained her heart to leave you and her people; it pained her more never to return. She missed you and longed to visit you. She spoke of the Sioux history and her life here. She spoke of you, telling me what a great warrior and chief you were. She told me why her love and marriage were wrong in the eyes of her people. For many years I have hungered to come here, to know you, to know this life. When she was taken from me, the hunger increased. It was as if I had no power or wish to resist the summons of the Great Spirit, as if He were calling me home. I belong here, Grandfather; I am more Indian than white. She taught me your customs and ways and that is why I knew it was wrong to beg or resist," she explained.

  "But you resisted my command not to come," he refuted astutely.

  Miranda lowered her gaze in guilt. "Yes," she admitted. "But I did not feel it was right for you to reject me from a distance, to reject me for another's deeds. I was drawn here by a force too powerful to resist."