Savage Conquest

by Janelle Taylor

  Miranda gazed into midnight eyes which shone with frustration and anger. "Can either side win?" she asked dejectedly. "No, so why must the fighting continue?"

  "The whites started this war, Tamaha. They invaded our lands. They spit upon us and curse us. They take and destroy. They attack peaceful villages under a flag of truce, under the colors of the Great White Father. They kill all Indians, even women and children. They call us savages, animals. But they force us to fight this way. They make us live and battle as the wild creatures of these lands. And the soldiers keep coming. The more we slay, the more the White Chief sends. But we have no warriors to take the place of those murdered, for the white-eyes kill the young braves and children who would follow in our tracks. The White Chief sends more weapons, but we are harassed and have no time to make new weapons or trade for them. They burn villages and supplies during the winter when such things cannot be replaced, and many of our people freeze and starve. And you ask me to bring you into such a life-circle?" he scoffed bitterly.

  Blazing Star's voice trembled with emotion. "They speak of their honor; they do not understand the word. When your grandfather goes to join the Great Spirit, I will be last in the line of Gray Eagle. Look at me, Tamaha. I was a great warrior; now I must flee like a coward to save my. life so that I may fight another sun for a peace which will never be born. They offer truces and the fighting halts for a few moons. But the whites always find another reason to take more land and lives."

  He sat down with his back against the rock. He murmured tenderly. It is wrong for me to ask you to make such a choice, such a sacrifice. It is wrong and selfish to keep you here in danger. It is wrong to make such a decision more painful by showing you my love and need for you. You only see me and our love, Tamaha. You refuse to see beyond that. If I allow you to fall into such a powerful trap, you will suffer greatly. I cannot permit it. You must return to your family and forget the Oglalas. You must forget me. You must not be caught between two warring peoples. This is why it cannot be between us. I cannot endanger your life to have you at my side. I love you too much to watch you suffer or die. Do not ask such of me."

  "It's too late, Blazing Star. I'm in love with you. Since the first time we met, you've stayed in my heart day and night. I've wanted and needed you more than anything in my life. There's nothing you can say or do to change those feelings. I don't care about the dangers. I can adapt to your way of life. I will live as an Indian. Please don't ask me to leave you," she pleaded urgently.

  "I must. If you refuse, I will force you to go," he vowed.

  "You seek to run from the truth, Blazing Star, and cowardice is not within you. Must two hearts bleed from such unnecessary wounds? Why must our hearts and lives be divided? Everyone must die sometime. Isn't it better to do so together? Don't you see it's the will of the Great Spirit for us to share a lifecircle? Surely that's why He guided my feet back to the lands of my true people, to the warrior who now rules my heart. With all my being, I love and desire only you among all men of any race. What good is safety if we're both unhappy? I cannot say good-by. And I will depart only if you do not love me and want me. Say it, and I will leave with my family," she dared him desperately.

  Blazing Star was fighting his most difficult adversary-himself. Could he risk her life by keeping her? Could he bind her to the cruel lifestyle of the vanishing Sioux? Could she become Indian and side against her father's people when that awesome time arrived, as he knew it would? If he but weakened his stand for a moment, she would remain.

  As he wavered, Miranda moved closer to him on her knees, placing her hand on his chest over his heart, detecting its fierce drumming. Tears silently flowed down her cheeks as she challenged, "Say I am unworthy of your love and touch. Say you do not love me or desire me. Say you wish another woman to share your life, your mat, your pain, your happiness. Say you wish another woman to bear your children. Say you can forget me and what we share. Say you would feel no pain in your heart if you lost me forever. Say the war between our peoples has greater power and meaning than our love. Say these things, Blazing Star, and I will walk away this moment. Even if you lie, say them, and I will go. I swear it."

  Blazing Star could not think clearly with her so near. He jumped to his feet and put some distance between them. His arm extended, he placed one hand upon a tree and propped himself wearily against it. He gazed into the forest, unseeing. His next words would seal their futures. Could he lie?

  Miranda came to stand behind him. She watched and waited, her fears and anxieties mounting. His motives were unselfish but so misguided. He was so proud, so stubborn, so caring. If he said no, could she keep her promise?

  His voice seemed distant when he spoke. "The white man's greed, hatred, and weapons are stronger than love, Miranda. Their numbers and powers sprout and grow stronger each moon; with each sun they spread as wild grass over our lands. Ours wither and die beneath their evil and force. I cannot deny your words. But my love cannot protect you from such powerful evil. If I selfishly claim your love, I risk finding your innocent blood upon my hands. You know my rank, Tamaha. Many soldiers are eager for my scalp and life. What will happen if I am slain and you are left alone in our teepee? What will happen if you bear our child, and he is slaughtered by your whites?"

  "Then come away where we can live in peace, Blazing Star. Come and speak with our leader; make him see and hear the wrongs our people endure. Reis will help you. If not, we can buy land here, near our people and sacred grounds. I have money. I have a paper of protection from the White Chief. You say the Sioux are not farmers. We can ranch; we can raise horses or cattle or sheep. Or we can pay men to do it for us. You can hunt and fish on your lands, lands which cannot be taken from us. We can have a home and children. We can find peace and happiness. You say the war is futile, a lost cause. Must you die to prove some point which will be forgotten before your blood soaks into the ground? Isn't there pride and honor in the wisdom of change? To begin a new life when the old one is destroyed doesn't show weakness or dishonor, Blazing Star. Amanda has married a white man and weakened the bloodline of Gray Eagle. Only in us can the Great Spirit renew its power. Surely that is why I am here?"

  Miranda moved between his stalwart body and the sturdy tree, clasping his chiseled jawline between her hands. "If you were right, Blazing Star, the Great Spirit would not trouble your heart and head this way. Open your senses to understand his wishes. He wants you to live; He wants the line of Gray Eagle to be reborn. Come away with me, my love; come away until we can return here in peace. You said Reis was only one man, a tiny drop of water. So are you, my love. Will your prowess win this war? Will your death change anything? Soon there could be no one to chant your coups. I need you-more than your people. The line of Gray Eagle must continue."

  "You ask a warrior to flee as a coward to save his life, to exchange honor for love? You ask a warrior to desert his people when they are at war? You ask a warrior to deny all he is and has learned? You ask a warrior to live and die in a white teepee, in white clothes, living as a white? You ask a warrior to deny his heritage, his duty, his honor?" he inquired sadly.

  "I did not say to flee as a coward, but to walk away proudly and wisely. Your people have warred since the sun was born. If you wait until there is no battle to fight, it will be too late. I want you to protect your heritage, to record it, to make certain it survives this monstrous devastation. Who will be left to lead those who aren't slain? Who will there be to remind them of their customs and history? I'm not asking you to pretend you're white. If I wanted a white man, I would not be standing here imploring you. I am willing to challenge any danger for us. Is it so hard for you to do the same? Isn't a compromise the answer? We can have it all, Blazing Star, if you will reach out and take it with me."

  "You should not have come, Tamaha. You make it harder for me to see my duty and to follow it. You try to blind me with love, as you are blinded. Is it not enough to know I love you, to know the truth?"

  Miranda dropped her han
ds to her sides. It was no use to debate with him, to plead or to reason. She clenched her teeth to control the trembling of her chin and lips as her golden brown eyes filled with tears. His thoughts and feelings were so ingrained that she could not alter them. Her line of vision was directed at his defiant heart, for she could not meet his gaze and do what must be done.

  "No, Blazing Star, it is not enough for me. If words are enough for you, then your love is small and unworthy of return. But I will accept your words of rejection and go as I promised. May the Great Spirit protect you in battle. Perhaps you will find another who can share your life this way. I will always love you and remember you. Always," she murmured, then slipped under his arm to leave.

  "Will you not kiss me and say farewell?" he asked, needing to hold her one last time. He knew she was telling the truth, that she would leave because he was demanding it. But he wanted her and needed her. Could he let her go? Could he pay the price to keep her?

  "I cannot. The pain in me is too great now. You have cut out my heart and spirit, and I can take no more agony. I would rather be tortured than touch you for a last time. If a farewell is spoken between us, it must come from you. I will never say such cruel words," she whispered faintly without looking back at him.

  "Tamaha, I love-"

  He tried to speak his heart one last time, but she sharply injected, "Say no morel It is over, as you demand."

  Miranda turned and fled. Blazing Star's attention was drawn to Reis when he said, "You are a fool, Blazing Star. There are some things more precious than dying heroically in battle. I thought I'd find you lurking around somewhere. Why did you do that to her? Why didn't you show some mercy and tell her lies? Why didn't you say you only felt lust for her? Why didn't you tell her you don't love her? No, you had to play the long-suffering, unselfish hero. Honor-you call what you did just now honor? You're selfish and vindictive. You can't have her, so you made sure she'd never want another man. You wanted her to believe no man alive could compare to you, could match you, could love her so much he would spare her suffering and death!"

  "Why do you spy on us? Why do you speak such words?" the warrior snarled angrily at the white man with fiery blue eyes.

  "I came to fetch her to leave. Do you hear me, Blazing Star? We are leaving this area at first light, and she will be out of your life forever." Reis realized it was time he gave Randy the help she deserved.

  "You do not understand. I cannot have her," Blazing Star argued, then gave Reis all his reasons.

  When he finished, Reis explained about the Civil War, his own battle for honor. He told how his family had been killed. He revealed that he and Amanda had been on different sides, enemies. He compared the two conflicts, the two love affairs. Reis told him how he and Amanda had overcome their differences, because of love. "My wife was a daughter of the warring winds, Blazing Star. But that war ended. Many on both sides are still enemies; many say the battle will begin anew someday. But we cannot live for future battles. Life is short and hard. We must take what love and happiness we find, for both are rare and precious. Your life will accomplish far more than your death. Your blood should run in your children, not on the dry earth. Miranda will never be happy again, for she will never be-free-of your hold."

  Observing the warrior's turmoil and anguish, Reis was relieved that he had not met Amanda during the war. He could not imagine how their lives and love would be different if that Southern belle had first looked upon him as a Yankee officer.

  Reis clasped Blazing Star's wrist and murmured what Miranda had taught him. "Wookiye wocin, koda."

  Blazing Star glanced at the white man who had called him friend and wished for peace between them. He said the same, then watched Reis vanish. He slowly and helplessly walked to the edge of the forest to observe their departure. He watched the two women embrace Sun Cloud affectionately, bidding him a last farewell. He watched the two men speak their last words to the old chief. He watched the four mount. He watched Sun Cloud exchange smiles and waves with his child and granddaughter. He witnessed the look which passed between Joe and Marie, a look which spoke of powerful love and total acceptance.

  Miranda did not glance toward the forest; she sat alert and poised in her saddle. But Reis and Marie watched the intrepid warrior who was observing them. The white friend waved and turned, but the Indian princess stared for a moment. Then Marie looked at her rigid and somber daughter, so full of pride and resolve, so full of anguish and disappointment. Marie's gaze returned to the warrior, so rigid and somber, so full of pride and resolve, so full of anguish and disappointment. She shook her head sadly and joined her retreating family. Love and acceptance had to come freely, and they had to be felt by both. She could not interfere.

  As the love story of Morning Star and Joseph Lawrence echoed in his keen mind, Sun Cloud caught the younger warrior's eye. The days of greatness were past for his people. He had spoken with his granddaughter, the mate of Sky Eyes, the mate of Morning Star, and his own daughter. The old man knew of the raging battle with Blazing Star, one he now understood. Sky Eye's mate was right; such a noble warrior should not die in defeat. His voice rang across the distance like sweet music as he fervently called, "If you are to catch her, Blazing Star, you must ride swiftly. Tamaha belongs here with us until the war's end sends you both to safety. My father's spirit is restless this sun, for he fears his line will die in you. There is no warrior greater than Gray Eagle, and he refused to let white blood and battles take his woman from his life. How can this love and match be wrong when Tamaha carries more Oglala and Indian blood than Princess Shalee?"

  Blazing Star hurried over to Sun Cloud. "You think I should go after her? I should join with her? I should endanger her life?"

  "Only you know the feelings within your heart. Each moment of life holds some unknown danger, my son. But love and happiness are found rarely. If she goes away, she will take the heart of Blazing Star with her; what good is a fierce warrior without a heart? Unless you love Tamaha more than life itself, do not go after her. But if your love is such a love, you are a fool to lose her."

  Blazing Star's gaze shifted from the retreating group to Sun Cloud, time and again. His decision would be irrevocable. Finally his gaze settled on Miranda's back as it became smaller. Soon, his love and heart would be out of his reach. He raced to his horse and mounted determinedly. He galloped after her, shouting her name.

  In her pensive state, Miranda heard nothing, and Marie was compelled to shake her daughter's arm to gain her attention. "He pursues his true love," she teased, pointing toward the warrior racing their way. "Go and speak with him. We will wait nearby. Whatever you decide, little one, I love you."

  Miranda smiled and hugged her joyfully. She kneed her pinto and pulled on the reins to turn him around. With a radiant smile, she raced toward Blazing Star as swiftly as he was moving toward her, his splendid features lit with love.

  When they met, he scooped her off her horse and sat her before him. He held her tightly in his arms. "I love you, Tamaha. Stay and be my wife, the mother of my children. When the time comes, we will ranch if peace is refused my people. You must not leave me. All you said was true. It will be hard and dangerous for many suns. But you must share those suns and moons with me. I was the one blinded by love and fear for your safety. It was meant to be between us; I cannot deny it or resist it. You are my life and breath, the beating of my heart." Their eyes met, their gazes misty and rapturous.

  He had spoke in English, but she vowed her love in Sioux.-- Waste cedake. Ni-ye mitawa."

  Exuberant laughter filled the air. "Yes, my love, I am yours, as you are mine." His mouth closed over hers as they hugged each other fiercely.

  Joe and Marie Lawrence watched the romantic scene, then exchanged knowing smiles. The road to happiness would be rough but the lovers would travel it happily.

  Reis was consumed with relief and pleasure at the sight before him, only wishing that Amanda were beside him to witness this delightful scene. He knew that he and Amand
a shared a love as powerful as that of Blazing Star and Miranda Tamaha Lawrence. He was eager to complete this last mission and more than ready to settle down with his beloved wife and their eagerly awaited child. He had not decided yet if they would live in Virginia or Texas; that was a choice to be made with his wife. Perhaps a large ranch run by brothers-in-law was an idea to ponder ... Yes, the twins would be close to each other. And Reis could think of no better partner and friend than the proud warrior. Perhaps he would speak with Blazing Star before he left the Dakota Territory ...

  As Miranda snuggled into her lover's bronze embrace and returned his passionate kisses, Joseph Lawrence grinned and sighed tranquilly. Each of his daughters had faced warring winds from within and without. Each had discovered love and happiness with the one man who could fulfill her destiny and dreams. Watching the compelling scene before him, Joe concluded that his two daughters had chosen exceedingly well. He was proud of them and he loved them deeply.

  Joe knew the conflicts between North and South, Indian and white, were far from over. But the raging winds of Fate had swirled into gentle breezes for his two daughters, and for his cherished love, his Morning Star ...

  As many readers are eager to learn more about the lives and fates of real characters used in novels, and often such information is difficult or impossible to locate, the author of this tale will discuss the major historical characters and their roles in history following the end of this story in the autumn of 1873.