Savage Conquest

by Janelle Taylor

  Sun Cloud observed the girl who returned his daughter's image to life. Morning Star had always been different from other Oglala maidens. She had been willful and daring, yet gentle and unselfish. This girl was much like his own. Seeing her made him feel younger and his spirit freer. Morning Star had left of her own will; Miranda returned in that same way. After the death of Night Stalker, his loneliness for his only child had increased. He had feared and prayed for her safety, though he never mentioned her name after her departure. His body had survived many winters and hardships, his heart had known many emotions, and his eyes had seen many changes in his life and lands. His children had reached the Great Spirit before him. All he had left were memories of past glorious days, and two grandchildren who differed as much as day and night. He mentally corrected himself-three grandchildren.

  "To speak the truth takes great courage, little one. You will stay in my teepee for five suns then return to your sister," he calmly informed her, then asked Tom to return for her on the sixth day.

  Tom gazed at Miranda. "What if someone learns your secret?" he asked.

  "I want to stay, Tom; I need to stay. Please help me. If the truth leaks out, I'll face that problem when it arises. Jane can say she took me to visit friends downriver while Luke's away. Who could doubt us?" she reasoned aloud. "Please," she urged him.

  "That sounds good," Tom agreed, smiling at her.

  Miranda told her grandfather she would stay with him. She said she must bid her friend, Jane, farewell, and she left the teepee. Jane agreed to live in the cabin while she was in the Sioux camp, then return with Tom for her.

  While Miranda and Jane were exchanging their stories, Sun Cloud was asking Crazy Horse, "Has she earned a coup feather, for she stole this old warrior's heart? Did I speak and act like a foolish old man?"

  "You spoke as a wise, unselfish man. She carries much of the blood and spirit of Sun Cloud. She will make no trouble. She will bring you peace and smiles," the youthful leader concluded. He added mischievously, "Perhaps she will remind Bloody Arrow why he does not wear the chief's bonnet. Perhaps she will soften his anger and bitterness."

  Sun Cloud nodded gravely. "Each moon I pray the Great Spirit will remove his pride and greed. It was the will of the Great Spirit for you to guide us. In time, my grandson must see and accept this."

  Sun Cloud was relieved when Crazy Horse did not mention another warrior in the distant line of Gray Eagle, the great-grandson of Bright Arrow. If the white man's evil took the life of Crazy Horse, there was only one warrior to take his place, Blazing Star. But Sun Cloud and others knew that Blazing Star would not challenge Crazy Horse for the chief's bonnet, or vainly try to rival their leader's coups. Surely a smart and intuitive man like Crazy Horse realized as well that Blazing Star posed no threat to him. In many ways, Blazing Star was more like a son or grandson to Sun Cloud, and he was anxious for Blazing Star to return to him and his people. Sun Cloud was determined not to permit Bloody Arrow to plant any more seeds of doubt in his mind about the absent warrior, and he trampled his grandson's malicious suspicions within his heart. He hoped Crazy Horse had not ordered Blazing Star on so many dangerous raids just to be rid of him.

  Crazy Horse left Sun Cloud and Miranda alone to talk, which they did for a short time as it was nearing the hour of the evening meal. Although Miranda had not noticed her, there was an Indian slave preparing their meal beside the teepee to allow them privacy. Miranda learned about a ghastly massacre during 1854, the year her mother had given birth to twins. Besides many people in the tribe, others in Gray Eagle's bloodline had lost their lives to the bullets and sabers of treacherous bluecoats. She learned of the slaughter of her grandmother, Singing Wind, daughter of Oglala maiden, Chela, and Blackfoot chief, Brave Bear, and of her uncle, Chief Night Stalker and his Brule wife, Touched-A-Crow, from Sun Cloud's line. From Bright Arrow's bloodline Tashina was lost, youngest daughter of Bright Arrow, along with her husband, Soul-of-Thunder, and their son, Soaring Hawk, both his wives, Talking Woman and Sapa Ista, and one granddaughter called Bitter Heart, who was the twelveyear-old half-sister of Blazing Star. She listened as Sun Cloud revealed that Blazing Star was the only survivor in Bright Arrow's bloodline, and that Bloody Arrow-her first cousin-and she and Amanda were the only ones to carry on Sun Cloud's line.

  Having heard the name of Blazing Star so often from the whites and now the Indians, Miranda inquired about him as their food was served by the sullen girl. Because men, especially Indian men, did not consider physical appearances, Sun Cloud talked only of the immense prowess and accomplishments of the awesome warrior. As she listened, she realized that Crazy Horse and this mysterious Blazing Star were very much alike in strength and courage. In the days to come, Miranda would hear a great deal more about this warrior.

  After the meal, Sun Cloud left her to attend a council meeting. Miranda relaxed on her assigned pallet to ponder this momentous day which had gone extremely well. Her drowsy thoughts were of her eagerness to meet her cousin, Bloody Arrow, and the legendary Sitting Bull tomorrow. She was disappointed that the intrepid Blazing Star would not return to camp before her departure. She snuggled against the fuzzy hide, inhaled deeply, and totally relaxed as a pleasing odor assailed her hazy senses. She smiled and pressed her face closer to the hide, inhaling again. Her mind floated toward a warrior whose face and body she knew, but not his name. Perhaps she would describe him and seek his identity after she had been here a few days, she mused dreamily. Contented and fatigued, she was soon sleeping peacefully.

  When Miranda awoke the next morning, she felt wonderful. She ate with her grandfather, again served by the unfriendly girl of about twenty. Afterward, Sun Cloud guided Miranda around the camp, introducing her to everyone who caught his eye or ear. She smiled each time he called her his granddaughter, Tamaha, which meant "Rising Moon." When she asked him why he had selected that name, he said it had been Sitting Bull's suggestion. When she probed deeper, he told her that Morning Star was the name for the moon rising during the day to cast a faint white image upon the blue sky, just as she had arisen in her mother's image.

  She was touched and moved by the significance behind the lovely Sioux name which sounded like she was saying, "Ta-my-ya." Sioux was a difficult and guttural tongue, but her name sounded soft and flowing like a gentle stream, as warming as the spring sun. She thanked him.

  Later, she met the man who had chosen her Indian name. Sitting Bull, Tatanka Yotanka, was a medicine man and spiritual leader. She wondered why the soldiers thought he was a chief. Said to have great mystical powers and immense courage, Sitting Bull was very perceptive and intuitive, a prophetic man to rival the Biblical Isaiah. His silvery tongue had reached the minds and hearts of Indians and whites. Little did Sitting Bull or Miranda realize that many of his letters and speeches would become historical readings, revelations of the dark blot upon humanity and American history.

  Around forty, Sitting Bull was a tall and powerfully built man. His broad shoulders seemed capable of taking on the burdens of his tribe, or the entire seven-tribe Sioux Nation. Only the skills and prowess of Crazy Horse or Blazing Star could rival those of Sitting Bull. He possessed piercing eyes which seemed to cut through one's body and view the very soul. Upon his chest were the marks of courage and sacrifice, the scars of the Sun Dance. If ever a man embodied and exemplified stoic greatness, fierce courage, keen intelligence, and stamina of mind and body, here was that man-Sitting Bull.

  All Indian tribes knew of him and respected him. His words could be trusted. Sitting Bull, like Crazy Horse, had no respect and feeling for those who condemned themselves to reservations. Sitting Bull called them fools who would enslave their souls for rotten food and ragged blankets. As long as he had breath, he determined to remain free on the lands given to his people by the Great Spirit, Wakantanka.

  Miranda was greatly impressed by this unique man. How she prayed he could keep his people free and alive. Having seen how they lived off the land in such harmony and tranquility, it
pained her to envision their defeat. She could not imagine these proud and vital people lazing around a reservation. The Indians were the epitome of courage and strength. Why couldn't they be left in peace? Hadn't the whites taken enough land and lives?

  Sun Cloud had told Miranda how the chief's bonnet had left the bloodline of Gray Eagle. When Gray Eagle was fifty-five, he was wounded critically. The chief's bonnet was passed to his son, Night Stalker, but only for two years until the grim 1854 massacre. With Bloody Arrow only five and Blazing Star only eight, Sun Cloud resumed the chief's bonnet until Crazy Horse won it at age twenty-six after his successful and daring victory over Captain William Fetterman and his troop. Seventeen at that time, Bloody Arrow had been too young and rash to become war chief, too inexperienced, too distracted by shameful pride, and too hot tempered. Since then, her grandfather had confided worriedly, Bloody Arrow had been unable or unwilling to accept his loss.

  Sun Cloud had just been served his evening meal when Bloody Arrow swept into the teepee like a conquering hero returning home after a victorious raid. As was the Indian custom, Miranda had been waiting for her grandfather to finish eating before she was served. Bloody Arrow's audacity shone like a bright beacon on the darkest of stygian nights. At first glimpse, he seemed intense, moody, and rebellious; such traits were unusual for a warrior. Clearly, here was a force she would have to reckon with before this day was over. The warrior halted instantly when his eyes touched the beautiful Indian girl sitting near his placid grandfather. His gaze took in her features quickly, then shifted to his grandfather as he decided he would enjoy this new slave.

  Bloody Arrow took a seat near Sun Cloud and was served by the Crow captive. His gaze was cold and his demeanor forbidding as he ordered the slave to see to the freshly slain deer outside. His dark eyes settled on Miranda as he commanded her to help the other woman, warning her of punishment if she disobeyed or made any mistakes.

  Startled by his wintry stare and mood, she did not know how to respond. Was she supposed to help with chores in the teepee? Could she skin and cure a lovely deer? She swallowed with difficulty. Was she subject to her cousin's orders and whims? Wasn't she a guest?

  Sun Cloud suppressed laughter as he revealed her identity to the astonished warrior. Bloody Arrow's gaze narrowed and clouded as he gaped at his cousin. "You are Tamaha, my cousin?" he asked in disbelief.

  "Sha," she cheerfully replied yes in Oglala, although he had spoken in English.

  He came to full alert at her use of his language. "Tell me why you came to the teepee of Sun Cloud and Bloody Arrow?" he inquired oddly.

  Miranda allowed Sun Cloud to relate her story and his invitation. She noticed the increasing coolness in the younger warrior as he watched and heard the warmth and pleasure in their grandfather's eyes and voice. Surely a blind person could detect the jealousy and bitterness in Bloody Arrow at her arrival and treatment, Miranda thought to herself.

  Bloody Arrow asked question after question until he felt he knew everything about this girl and her visit. Miranda sensed there was something peculiar about his interest; it certainly appeared to be more than curiosity about a new relative. He seemed particularly interested in how she had been received by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. At the end of their talk, he asked if she had met Blazing Star. Sun Cloud told him that Blazing Star had not returned from his scouting mission and probably would not return before she left. That statement caught his attention, and he looked pleased to learn she would be leaving soon.

  At bedtime, Bloody Arrow did not attempt to hide his irritation when he was told to go outside while she changed for sleep. He was more vexed to discover he would have to sleep in his breechclout while she was there. He teased her about not knowing the ways of their people, telling her if she remained here long she must cast aside her modesty and accept them. Miranda could not imagine sleeping nude even with family!

  As she lay on her pallet listening to the heavy breathing of both men, she comprehended several dismaying realities. She had recognized the antagonism in her cousin's voice and eyes when three names had been mentioned: Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and Blazing Star. Having met two of the three men, she could not understand this leashed hatred and envy. Clearly her cousin did not want her around, and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to win his friendship and acceptance. She pondered how much contention or unhappiness he could bring to her. But she had discovered another fact which Sun Cloud had not mentioned, a fact which would force her to end her visit as planned, for she now knew that she could never take up permanent residence in this abode. Blazing Star also lived in this teepee and would be home soon.

  Now she understood why there were three prayer pipes and so many weapons, items she knew females were forbidden to touch. Certainly she could not live with three men. And she and Blazing Star were so far apart on Gray Eagle's ancestral chart that they could hardly be called relatives. If they had been children, living together would not have made a difference; but they were adults.

  And there was another factor. Since Bloody Arrow's return, the atmosphere in the teepee had changed drastically. It seemed intimidating and unfriendly now, and that plagued her. Did her grandfather feel this chilling atmosphere? She admitted that hearing about Indian life and living it were vastly dissimilar. Having Indian blood did not necessarily make her suitable for this existence. No matter how much she wanted to fit in, she wondered if she could, or if her cousin would permit it.

  Miranda asked herself why her cousin disliked her and why he was anxious for her to leave. He had seemed delighted by her presence when he thought her a helpless captive. There were many conflicts and ill feelings in that skilled warrior. Why could he not accept his role in life and in this camp and be happy? He had accused her of being ignorant of Indian ways and customs, but his attitude and behavior were wrong for a warrior-despicable! Her first impression had been accurate; he was trouble and anguish for her. But did it matter when she had only three days left here? She had fulfilled her dream, but now she was so confused. Did she belong to this world? Was she more Indian or white, or neither? She drifted off to sleep with these poignant questions haunting her.

  When she awoke the morning of the third day, Sun Cloud was gone; Bloody Arrow was sitting crosslegged on his mat, watching her intently. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, holding the light blanket before her. She smiled faintly and told him good morning. His stare unnerved her, as he no doubt intended.

  He suddenly grinned and teased, "Do you enjoy sleeping on the mat of Blazing Star? Be glad he has not returned and joined you. His prowess upon the sleeping mats is known by many females."

  Miranda paled then flushed a deep red at his crude insinuations. "The lust of Blazing Star does not interest me, dear cousin. Nor does your childish dislike of my visit," she told him brazenly, hoping her chilling displeasure and brave words would prevent more insults.

  He scolded her mischievously. "It is not the way of Indian women to speak so rudely to a great warrior."

  She promptly retorted, "Is it the way of a great warrior to insult his relatives? Is it acceptable for a warrior to be rude and hateful to the granddaughter of Sun Cloud?"

  "Your wit is keen and your tongue is quick, Tamaha. But they are scornful. Perhaps it is because you have more white blood than Oglala," he mocked.

  "Your wit is black and your tongue sharp, Bloody Arrow. Perhaps you have more hatred and envy in your body than pride and intelligence."

  "You possess great courage or stupidity to speak so boldly to me. I will think more on you before we talk again," he declared sullenly, then quickly left.

  "And I will think more on you, too, cousin," she scoffed softly.

  Later that morning, Bloody Arrow watched his cousin as she walked and talked with Crazy Horse, unaware the chief was probing her about the defenses at Fort Sully and things she had perhaps overheard which might inform him of the soldiers' plans. He observed the easy and genial manner of the envied war chief, then noticed the sullen way the Cheyen
ne wife of Crazy Horse was furtively observing the two. Bloody Arrow grinned as he envisioned the warring teepee of their leader if Crazy Horse revealed too much interest in this beautiful girl.

  Bloody Arrow needed time to think and plan, things he did best while hunting. He called several braves together for a hunt for the widows of slain warriors or the families of those warriors who were away from camp. This was a common practice but not usually suggested by him. He rode out of camp with rising pleasure at the game he was plotting, a sport to defeat more than one rival.

  Before leaving, Bloody Arrow commanded the Crow slave to loan Miranda one of her best dresses, the one she kept folded inside a leather parfleche for the day of her escape and return home. The girl was filled with anger and defiance at this cruel order. Her feelings altered, however, when Bloody Arrow told her he wanted his cousin looking her best until she left their camp, and he promised to bring her a beautiful doeskin for a new dress in return for her services to Tamaha. The prisoner sensed spite in her captor, spite toward the chief he had been secretly watching all morning and spite against the halfwhite girl who now shared his grandfather's affections. She also wanted revenge on the Sioux, and agreed to do as commanded. Her captor's scheme would come to light, and she would enjoy his punishment.

  Miranda was surprised and pleased when the captive offered her a clean buckskin dress and undergarment to wear. Her astonishment grew when the girl suggested a bath and hairwashing with her assistance. The slave smiled shyly, craftily, as she said it was to please Tamaha's family, to perhaps inspire her release for kindness. Of a gentle and trusting nature, Miranda smiled and accepted the captive's devious words. She followed the girl to the stream where she bathed and scrubbed her hair. Af ter the sun dried it, the Crow woman brushed and braided it, then secured Miranda's headband around her forehead. Donning the fringed and beaded dress, Miranda looked exquisite. The girl told her to return to camp while she washed her dress for tomorrow.