Blue Thunder

by Spangaloo Publishing

  The captain poured himself another brandy and Melissa watched a tiny amber drop travel down the neck of the decanter. It was as if her soul, like that tiny drop, was slipping away. Still

  she produced a happy face.

  “You have been very thoughtful of me, thank you. I don’t know how I would have managed without your hospitality.” Her eyes filled with water, remembering Laughing Tree and

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  her kindness. Some people, no matter their race, have a good heart. There are good and bad among us all.

  Blanche took her hand. “Dear, your loveliness outshines anyone at the table and your sad eyes does not mar you loveliness. You are young and determined to survive, you’ll be just fine; someday the light will return to your beautiful eyes. Now, I need to stay behind to talk with friends, my husband will walk you back to the quarters.”

  Too choked up over the woman’s kind words she merely hugged Blanche. When she and the captain reached the barracks the captain said, “Sleep well, Melissa. My wife will return shortly.”

  She shut the door after wishing the captain a good night also.

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  TWENTY-THREE

  The fort had been quiet for many weeks. The only sound that night was the ominous rumble of distant thunder. Feeling bored and restless, Cliff looked up at the inky sky. He was the only sentry on duty and scratched his crotch thinking about the last time he had a woman. It had been quite a while and he thought of the beauty that was staying with the captain and his wife. He could never forget those eyes. They reminded him of a topaz stone like the one he saw on the finger of a highly priced prostitute. Melissa St. Andrew had hair so pale it reminded him of ripe wheat that grew on his pappy’s farm. It didn’t matter that an Indian buck or two had her first.

  Thinking about his anatomy reminded him he had to relieve himself. Cliff was tired of staring over the wall so he took a stroll. There hadn’t been any Indians around for weeks; he saw no harm in opening the gate to take a leak, and then stretch his legs for a while. If he got caught leaving his post while on duty, it would be the stockade for him. But it wouldn’t be the first time.

  Blue Thunder had been searching the grounds for a way over the wall when he first arrived at the fort and was surprised to find the wooden gate open. When the soldier passed water, he slipped inside, unnoticed. Now there was the chore of finding his Honey Eyes, but the risk of looking into all the wooden barracks was too risky. He wondered what he should do when

  two figures walked toward him. Hiding in the shadows, he recognized one of the voices immediately; it was like a wind chime to his ears, causing his heart to hammer forcefully that he thought they would discover him for sure.

  He waited in the shadow of the building until the soldier left, and then went around back to discover the room empty. Slipping thorough a window was easy and he crept through the rest of the square building just in time to see the hem of a dress disappear into a smaller room. Before Honey Eyes had a chance to close the door, Blue Thunder was behind her, muffling her surprised cry with his large hand.

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  “Do not cry out. It is I.”

  She nodded and he released his hand from her mouth. He was caught off guard when she spun around throwing her arms around his waist. “Oh, Blue Thunder, you’ve come after me.” Before he could speak, she stood on tip toes and kissed him on the mouth. Her kiss also took him completely by surprise. Like a starving man, he reacted with instinct and kissed her back. How he missed and worried about her and dreaded her reaction to his coming after her. His heart sang with happiness knowing she was glad to see him again.

  She broke off the kiss quickly and stepped back, whispering nervously, “Oh, Blue Thunder, you had frightened me. I thought it might be one of the soldiers who brazenly winked and flirted with me. When I fell back against your hard chest, I knew without a doubt that it was the man I couldn’t forget. Here the soldiers looked soft with pot bellies and smelled from unwashed bodies. Your clean manly scent, I remember belong only to you.” His Honey Eyes relaxed against him, he felt her heart race at a dangerous speed against his chest.

  “You took a big chance by coming here. What if you’re caught? Please, you must go.” She rubbed her palms together, “I caused your people too much sadness already. If anything happened to you because of me... Oh, I couldn’t live with the guilt. I’ve done enough. Please, I don’t want to be responsible for anymore death or pain.” Tears shimmered in her eyes.

  Blue Thunder pulled her to him. “You are not responsible for the death of Little Turtle. I know truth about many things, except why you tried to kill me.”

  “Oh, but I didn’t---”

  “Shush! We have no time to talk now, you can tell me later. We go now before we are both discovered.”

  “But---”

  “No time to argue. You come willingly or unconscious.” His threat wasn’t hollow and her eyes widened; she knew he meant it. “If you protest, I might be caught and I will fight.”

  “Oh, Blue Thunder my emotions are spinning inside like a whirlwind and I don’t want to be the cause of another death, but you people will be unhappy to see me again. I’m caught between two civilizations but if I have to be anywhere, it would be with you.”

  “Follow quietly,” he commanded softly.

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  The gate was open and unguarded, the soldier was nowhere in sight. Melissa looked at him with a questioning glance. He relieved her anxiety by telling her that the soldier wandered off to see to nature They were still in luck, and she seemed grateful for that.

  “Hurry, before he returns,” he coaxed.

  Into the night sped Melissa and her brave on Night Rider’s back. They rode long and hard, putting great distance between them and the fort before she was discovered absent. She would miss the captain and Blanche, wishing she could have left them a note saying that she would be all right; that she was with the man she loved, Blue Thunder.

  Her arms held tightly to her Indian, knowing she was in her rightful place, safe and secure in his embrace, with him forever. A safe distance from the fort, they made camp a few hours before dawn. She was full of questions but the time was not right to talk. Weary, she was content to rest in his arms until the sun rose. When they made camp that night after a days travel, she fell into Blue Thunder’s strong arms, making passionate love. She couldn’t believe the hunger they had for each other was beyond reasoning. Exhausted, the nearness of his body brought her contentment.

  Blue Thunder awoke with the rising sun on their second day of their journey and he was first to open his eyes. Sensing his gaze upon her, Melissa opened her eyes. She purred softly as she snuggled closer. He accepted her curves against his hard body and she said, “Blue Thunder, I am sorry about Little Turtle’s death.” She shuddered, recalling the horror of that day. “I have caused nothing but trouble for you and your people, and yet you still came for me.” Her head rested on his chest and she loved the scent of him, the feel of his hairless chest. “I will visit her grave and ask for forgiveness.”

  He grunted. “That is not possible.”

  “Why?”

  “No women were allowed to follow and no Apache ever revisits the spot. She was buried

  in an obscure place with other trifling personal effects. She was buried by piling stones over the grave to protect it from coyotes and other prowling beasts. I did not attend her burial and will not seek out the spot. You must forget, as I have done.”

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  Melissa thought it was a cold and unattached tradition, but she accepted it as part of the red man’s ways. She asked instead of expressing her views. “Blue Thunder, what will happen to us? I didn’t mean---”

  “Hush, little one,” he placed a finger over her lips and kissed the top of her head. “You were not at fault for what happened. I am glad she not take your life.” He squeezed her closer, as if he was assuring himself that she was truly in his arm.

  Melissa kneaded her lower lip, recalling that day once more
. “She must have loved you very much to fight for you, my handsome warrior.” She moved her hand lovingly across his chest, making him shudder. He took her hand and kissed her finger tips. Her body responded to his tenderness and she wanted to make love with him again but a certain matter had to be resolved now. She pulled her hand away and shifted her weight onto her elbow to look into his eyes. “Blue Thunder, did you love her?” His face remained emotionless but she didn’t miss the pain in his dark eyes. It was many seconds before he answered.

  “Yes, we were lovers once,” he admitted truthfully but quickly added, “we were very young.”

  Melissa was relieved he didn’t lie to her but she knew he wouldn’t. She believed he was an honest man. “Little Turtle said you were going to marry her. She treated me badly when she was alone with me.”

  Blue Thunder sucked in his breath and turned to her. “Little Turtle lied. I am sorry you suffered at her hands.” He took her face in his palms and kissed her tenderly on her trembling lips. “I feel a wave of love I have never experienced before. I love only you.”

  Melissa’s heart exploded with joy from his words. “Oh, my darling,” her eyes filled with tears, “please believe me; I never wanted to kill you that night.” She shivered. “If I had pierced you inches closer to your heart, I would have killed the only man I could have ever loved.”

  “It is first time you speak tender words of endearment Honey Eyes. Your words made my heart fly like an eagle on the wind. How you, a slip of a girl found your way into my heart is still a mystery that only the gods can answer. You are soul mate; I can never love another the way I love you.”

  Those endearing words and the thought of what she had done made tears fall freely. “Oh,

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  Blue Thunder, you were drunk and I was upset at Little Turtle’s words. I didn’t think you really cared for me. I was so frightened. You came after me and stumbled and fell onto the spear.”

  Her body trembled more, realizing what might have happened if she hadn’t moved the spear over to the side to lay it down. Her last minute decision saved him from death. The man she loved held her in his arms, reassuring her of his love.

  “I know you not want to harm me. Laughing Tree told how you stayed by my side and cared for me. When my eyes saw the crazy stitches, I knew it was work of your hands.” He pointed to his side which was no longer wrapped. “How do we take these out of my skin?” He frowned deeply.

  Running her hand tenderly over her handiwork, she said, “Will Blue Thunder promise never to drink white man’s fire water again?” He nodded and gifted her with the most sensual

  male smile. She was enchanted and he looked like a real charmer then. She never recalled seeing him look more handsome. .

  He clucked his tongue. “I will have battle scar,” he feigned disappointment, forcing his voice gruff.

  Melissa giggled again at his stern words belied by the twinkle in his eyes and raised brow. Vain? She was happy to discover he had a sense of humor. His timing was right; they both needed to release so many pent-up emotions. “I’m afraid so. I’m not very handy with a needle,” she declared honestly.

  “Good! Scar will remind me never to drink evil fire water or trizwm made from corn.” They both laughed and he kissed her to seal his promise. Then she sighed dramatically. “Your father must hate me?”

  He mimicked her sigh. “Dasodaha will learn to love you in due time. I promise.”

  She frowned. “I will never be able to pronounce his name. What does it mean?”

  “He only sits there,” answered Blue Thunder.

  “You people have such silly names.”

  “What white eyes mean by, “you people?” He didn’t hide the mirth in his tone and she did not miss the laughter in his voice. “Oh, I didn’t mean to... I mean I like your name, how did you acquire it?” She looked into his dark eyes that were as beautiful as black satin, simply

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  compelling, magnetic. For a moment the brave studied her intently, drawing in his lips thoughtfully.

  “My parents had been traveling for miles to escape the dog soldiers and the journey had

  proven too much for Leimanipi-Wihopawin, which means, travels beautiful woman. My father had just put up their new home when she went into labor. She was from another clan and my parents wed very young, both only seventeen winters. My father said the moment he laid eyes on Leimanipi-Wihopawn he knew she was his soul mate.”

  “Oh, like you confessed when you first saw me. And I’m very grateful for that because I would be---” “Hush,” he put a finger on her lips and continued. “This Apache would rather not remember that moment; it still makes me tremble inside when I think of same thing.” He continued but there was steely edge to his velvety voice.

  “The day I was born a fierce storm was raging. Thunder and lightning rocked Mother Earth. My mother always liked the blue of the clear sky after a storm so she named me Blue Thunder. Children receive their earliest names from something particularly noticeable at the time of their birth.”

  “Oh, what a lovely story, do all Indians name their children in that manor?” She probed further as she looked up at him.

  “Yes. But sometimes when a boy becomes of age and eats the hallucinating drug and comes back from the sweat lodge with a vision, he takes a new name. I preferred to keep the one my mother gave me.”

  Now more curious than ever, Melissa asked, “Was Star Gazer given his name at birth?”

  He laughed gently and in a soothing voice, he said, “No, my father called him, Spirit Fighter because my mother was in labor so long. When he grew, he began to watch the skies. I

  asked him why and he claimed he like counting the heavenly stars, saying he saw patterns, sometime animals up there.”

  When Blue Thunder pointed his long, bronzed finger upwards at the new moon sky and chuckled, she reprimanded him lightly.

  “Don’t make sport of him, my love. You know your brother is right, we have what are

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  called constellations; The big dipper and the Milky Way.” He lifted his broad shoulders in a manor which told her wasn’t interested.

  “I began calling him Star Gazer and he didn’t seem to mind.” He added as an after thought, “Mother died in childbirth along with a female child when I was ten summers.”

  “I’m sorry about your mother.”

  “We both lost loved one and I am sorry about your lose also; someday you will tell me about your family. He kissed her wantonly. “No talk,” he whispered hotly against her lips.

  Melissa kissed him back, flicking her hot tongue around like a moth to a flame. “I love you with all my heart,” she whispered. All other words were spoken with their bodies. Knowing his love for her made the act seemed more beautiful.

  The day was clear when Melissa rode in with Blue Thunder. She wished her insides wouldn’t quake so as they past the village’s people. Although, this time, no one spit or hit her, their faces held scorn. They were unhappy to see her and she understood why. Blue Thunder dismounted and lifted her gently from the horse; scenes from her past flashed through her mind.

  “Go to wickiup,” he ordered, his voice soft, “I must speak with my father.”

  “Please tell him how sorry I am and beg his forgiveness,” she said as he walked away.

  Before she ducked into the hut, she saw Laughing Tree standing near her lodging. The woman looked thinner; her face held the horror and the guilt of her daughter’s death. Melissa thought she saw a hint of understanding in Laughing Tree’s sad eyes, but respectfully lowered her own gaze. The need to beg forgiveness lay dormant believing she lost a dear friend. She entered the dwelling, sick over what had happened; the old woman’s friendship had meant so much to her.

  “My son,” said Dasodaha, his voice gruff. “Your skull is as thick as a mighty oak tree!” He shook his head and grumbled.

  “Father, the girl was just protecting herself from my drunkenness that night. She did not try to escape, you sent her
away before speaking with me. She is my life and now my wife of my heart. I will keep her!”

  Dasodaha sighed with defeat. “My son, your will is stronger than mine. I have wronged

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  you. I see the love in your eyes when you speak of her.” He shifted his weight, wishing he could shift the guilt off his shoulders. He could not change his son’s mind anymore than he could change the colors of the rainbow. But he refused to relent; surely this will lead to much trouble.

  He could not understand, but then, he remembered his own love for his wife, Leimanipi-Wihopawn. He knew the power of love over the mind and heart. Prayers to the spirits were in order for some answers. He must not lose his son’s respect over this matter.

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  TWENTY-FOUR

  With Blue Thunder’s help, his wife learned their language as they walked around the village. He told her that his ancestors originated in Northeastern Canada. He tutored her in the traditions and ways of life, and history.

  “My husband,” she said, and his heart sang when she called him that. It took her awhile to accept his tradition.

  “Yes, wife?”

  “I’ve read so many horrible stories about your tribe. In fact a U.S. Army general who had fought with the Apache described your people as “tigers of the human species.” He grunted at her comment but she quickly added, “But, I’ve come to love your race, even though they were cruel to me. I now understand why. I was raised as a Southern Belle, with nary any hardships in my life. Until the day our home was raided, my sister raped and my parents killed, I knew nothing about suffering.”