Blue Thunder

by Spangaloo Publishing

  He rested his square chin atop her golden head. He was so relieved she was alive and that he now had a healthy son. Many questions had to be answered, but not until she was better. “It is all right, Moon Glow. I am here and you are safe. You gave me a strong son who’s eager for his mother’s breasts.” He held the tiny bundle wrapped in a piece of pelt.

  “Oh, Blue Thunder,” she hugged her husband. “I was so scared. I remember very little.” Then she asked, “Where’s Hawk Nose?”

  Blue Thunder’s jaw twitched. Why was she concerned about the brave? His voice gruff, laced with disappointment and annoyance, he said, “He’s over there,” he nodded with his head, “in the dark corner. I tended his wounds, but it looks bad. As best as I can figure, he killed three wolves that were attacking you. But enough about him,” he bristled, “you need to see to our son.”

  His wife sighed. “I feel very weak and tired but I will take care of our newborn. My mind is totally saturated. I remember the wolves but I must have passed out.” She licked her cracked lips.

  “Do not talk now,” he ordered softly. “You are safe and need to rest and care for our son. When you feel better we will go home.”

  “Home,” she whispered. “Yes, Blue Thunder, I want to go home. I miss my daughter and I have missed you.”

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  When his wife slept, he looked hatefully at the brave who had stolen her from him. Then, without so much as a remorseful sigh, he decided to skin the wolves for meat and fur, but when he went to pick up Licks Too Much, his heart froze in his chest. His life long friend had found his mate before him and he had risked his life to save her. Placing his head into the bloody pulp of fur, Blue Thunder wept.

  “You are the bravest Apache canine in our entire nation,” he croaked, and then buried the animal outside. “Never will I have as loyal a dog as you, Licks Too Much.” With a heavy heart, he wiped his misty eyes and went back inside to finish what he had started.

  Blue Thunder did not think Hawk Nose would survive the deep puncture wounds of the bites. Since Hawk Nose was brave and saved his wife and baby’s lives, Blue Thunder tried to help him as best he could. But he was angry, knowing none of this would have happened if it weren’t for the brave. He decided not to kill Hawk Nose as he had originally planned; the wolves might have done that for him. The brave’s life was in the hands of the gods. He decided, when his wife was ready to travel, he would give Hawk Nose back his knife and canteen of water.

  Hawk Nose lay delirious for two weeks as his wife regained her strength and insisted on feeding him water and food. When she had regained her senses, Blue Thunder had the heart wrenching job of telling her that Licks Too Much had given up his life to protect hers. She lapsed into fit of hysterical weeping for a long time and he had to scold her, saying she needed her strength. He was angry at her behavior, but it was understandable; she had gone through a traumatic time. What provoked him more was her insistence to nurse Hawk Nose.

  “He saved my life and our son’s. We owe him that much.”

  He wondered if she was in love with Hawk Nose but did not ask or stop her from helping him. They did not speak of her leaving the village; there would be time for that later. She was still weak and he did not want to upset her further. Because of her ordeal, she did not have much milk for the child; he didn’t want to cause her milk to dry up altogether. He was upset with her, as well he should be. She had done a foolish thing to endanger herself and the baby. He had many angry words and he preferred to let her hear them later.

  It was a long, miserable trip home. He knew her body felt the strain of unhappiness more

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  than the traveling. His wife remained quiet and he had his own reasons for being silent. Did she believe he would not forgive her for what she had done? He was not too sure of that himself! He believed she had betrayed him. Up to the time they left the brave, his wife would not leave Hawk Nose’s side, attending his needs. And she wasn’t comfortable about abandoning him in his condition.

  He watched Moon Glow sitting rigidly on the horse. She nestled Gray Wolf-Nantan Lupa-in the crook of her arms, periodically placing feathery kisses on the infant’s tiny red cheeks. She was a good mother, but it bothered him that she remained so quiet, never once trying to explain why she left their daughter. If only she had attempted to say something in her defense. Faithless wives were punished severely by cutting off a portion of their nose, after which they were cast off. Blue Thunder could never mar her beautiful face, no matter what he believed. The secret would remain in his heart; no one would know what he feared was the truth.

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  THIRTY-NINE

  There was rejoicing in the little village when he and his wife rode in. Dogs barked and women and children greeted them with cheers and smiles. A few young boys paid them no heed as they engaged in a daily pastime of mocked combat, hurling stones at each other with slings. Moon Glow was reunited with her daughter but it broke her heart when the child refused to leave Laughing Tree’s embrace. It had been so long that Blue Moon had forgotten her mother. Little Licks Too Much welcomed her with a slobbering tongue on her face. He told his wife with love and patience, in time their daughter will return to her empty arms. When she learned of Weeping Bird’s murder, she sat for days in her hut in mourning.

  Blue Thunder watched his wife cry over her loss. He knew she loved the Indian maiden like a sister. His heart went out to her and he almost weakened to take her in his arms. He missed her body against his, even now after knowing what she had done, his love for her was great. But he was Blue Thunder, son of a leader, he had his pride. She had shamed him among his people when she left with another. By rights, he should put her out of his wickiup to divorce her, but he could not bring himself to do it. She was still the mother of his children.

  Would she ever love him again? Had she allowed Hawk Nose to make love to her? That thought plagued his mind over and over. Feeling as if he would burst from anger and frustration he ran from the dwelling, jumped on Night Rider, and took a long, hard ride, feeling as one with the wind.

  The village was quiet, asleep. A cat bird serenaded the night as Blue Thunder slipped onto his mat, next to his sleeping wife; he returned late, his mind and heart still torn. Although they needed to talk he was afraid to hear the truth, but it was time to discuss her feelings and behavior concerning Hawk Nose. He studied her for awhile, wondering if he should wake her, not liking the situation dragging on so long. His hand was just above her shoulder when her body jerked and she moaned. His hand stopped in midair.

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  “Nooo!” she yelled, “Hawk Nose!”

  “Do not fight me, Moon Glow! Do not call out your lover’s name!”

  She cried out, “Please, don’t hurt me!”

  Blue Thunder was enraged when she called out for the man he thought was her lover and he so wanted to choke his name from her lips as held her. But his wife’s continuous struggle made her warm body rub against his; he lost all control. Once again his hands skimmed the curves of her body and it thrilled him. He wanted her more than anything, and he would have her; she still belonged to him. He quickly entered her and he believed her moans and groans were for Hawk Nose and his deep surges increased her joy. He was beginning to regret his actions and wanted to stop but he couldn’t. He could no sooner stop loving her as he could stop breathing.

  When they climaxed, Melissa called out his name and he rolled off of her totally spent, but she clung to him desperately. “Oh, my love, I never thought you’d forgive me.”

  He was distraught by her words but he didn’t push her away. He brushed her damp hair from her face and she lovingly gazed at him. His heart warming to her but he controlled his voice so she wouldn’t hear the weakness closing in on his soul.

  “Did Hawk Nose make you feel like this?” She stiffened in his arms.

  “What are you taking about?” her eyes turning to topaz ice.

  “I am talking about your lover!” he bristled, unraveling her arms from h
is neck.

  The slap that cracked across his bronze face echoed throughout the dwelling and Blue Thunder was taken aback by her actions; no woman ever struck him before. The blood in his body reached to a boil and he grabbed her wrist pulling her roughly to him. Moon Glow fell, sprawled half onto his body.

  Melissa was having a nightmare. The voice didn’t belong to the face in the dream but someone was holding her. She was trembling with fright. She saw those beady eyes and sharp teeth, dripping with blood, growling at her. Her hands went up to ward off the danger and she screamed; without any warning, strong arms grabbed her body like a vice. She was shaken awake but in her dream state, she believed she was back in the cave. The arms held her firm. Groggily, she fought back, thinking it was Hawk Nose’s arms around her.

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  Did her heart just explode? It was as if cold a hand crushed all life out of her body, then it dawned on her. “You thought I ran away with Hawk Nose because I loved him?” She pushed Blue Thunder away, “All this time, you believed the worst of me?! How dare you make love to me thinking I betrayed you? All this pain because you didn’t love or trust me enough!”

  When they first arrived home Melissa knew her husband had been watching her weep. His eyes were constantly on her and the veins in his neck pulsated. She ignored her husband’s scowl that stretched across his face that seemed to be permanent lately. She prayed that he would come and say all was forgiven, but when he left she cried harder for him and herself. Would things ever get better between them? Maybe she should go to him and beg forgiveness. But what if he wouldn’t forgive her? She missed his loving arms. The only thing that preserved her sanity was the love she had for her youngsters. She vowed never to leave them again, for any reason. When her husband didn’t return for supper and she fed her children, and then sang them to sleep. Completely drained from crying most of the day, she retired early.

  When she realized now what happened, her eyes opened to see her husband’s impassive face above her and her heart was filled with joy. He was making love to her again, but for some reason she believed the act was not done with love but punishment. She had wanted to protest, but she began to feel old sensations return in her deep self and her blood warmed with excitement. Now her chest heaved, frightened of what he might do to her, but the nearness of him assaulted her senses and she fought the weakness that consumed her body. Maybe this was her fault; it was time to tell the truth.

  “I’m sorry. I should have explained my reason for leaving, right away. I would have if I hadn’t feared your anger, the anger I am witnessing now.” Then she realized, although he was enraged, she did not fear him. She swallowed her pride and said, “Blue Thunder, I love you with all my heart. I never loved Hawk Nose nor went with him to leave you. I wanted to look for you, I was so worried. The brave had become insane and he deceived me; it was foolish of me but I was dying inside not knowing whether you were dead or alive. You are my life,” she cried as tears flowed down her face. “How could you have doubted me?”

  She placed her head on his chest and his heart pounded in her ears; it beat wildly like hers. Then he trembled and a mournful sound, like a wounded animal, escaped his lip.

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  She looked up to see tears in his eyes also. He still loved her. She believed that they both had a lot of explaining to do and they spent the night talking with their hearts and their hands.

  The next morning, Melissa went to talk with the chief. She owed him an apology for what she had put everyone though. Since that night, many months ago when he had taken her to his heart as his daughter-by-marriage, she was permitted to call him father.

  Swallowing the dry lump, she called out in his tongue. “May I enter, father?”

  “Yes, my child. Come in.”

  He looked as if he had aged some. This was their first meeting since she returned home, both remaining in their wickiup, in seclusion. Melissa because of her misery and foolishness, and she assumed the chief because of his waning health. He motioned her to sit and she did so.

  “Father,” again she cleared her throat, “I own you a sincere apology. I didn’t listen to your wise words. Please forgive a foolish woman.” His face creased into a smile but she saw his dark eyes clouded with pain and she wanted to hold him but she knew it wouldn’t be proper. Oh, the hell with protocol! She leaned over and hugged him. They both wept for a moment, and then he patted her hand making her sigh.

  “I do not feel any animosity in my heart for daughter-in-law. You love my son so much that you risked all to find him. How can I find fault with that?”

  She cried anew then left because she was too choked up to say anything else. But then there wasn’t anything else to say.

  The following day Melissa spied Star Gazer. It would soon be time to move camp now that spring was approaching. He was sitting by his hut, staring up at the sky as if he were looking for answers to why his Weeping Bird was taken from him. She needed to speak with him, to give her condolences. He looked up at her when she cast a shadow across his slumped shoulders. He stood and all she could do was hug him and cry anew with the young brave. She believed that someday another love would come along but she kept her thoughts to herself. A broken heart needed time to mend and her words would only be accepted with a grain of salt. Her joy was complete when Blue Moon came to her and handed her a straw doll. She was making idle conversation with her, to show her mother that she was beginning to remember her. Within days, Blue Moon was once again in her arms, returning love and hugs.

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  “What do you think of your little brother?” she asked. Her daughter had turned two years of age in her absence and she was quite the young lady. She pouted her little pink lips in thought and moved small shoulders in a shrug.

  “He’s no fun like Little Licks Too Much, and father’s dog. He was brave to defend you, mother. Dark Wolf only drinks and dirties himself.”

  Melissa giggled. It had been along time since she heard her own laughter. She kissed her daughters cheek. “Well, your mother promises you that before you know it, your brother will be teasing you.”

  Another shrug and her daughter ran from the hut yelling over her shoulder, “He better hurry up, father says I am growing like a blade of grass. Orf!”

  “Hey, little daughter, are you a speeding locomotive?” teased Blue Thunder who was standing at the opening. Their daughter gave her father an odd look and ran through his legs but stopped and turned. “What’s a locomotive?” she asked him. “It is a white man’s iron horse.” Now she really looked at him oddly. He chuckled. “Go play, someday you might ride in one. Your daughter is a delight,” he praised still laughing and then he kissed her cheek.

  She was nursing their son and he look so pleased at the beautiful sight. Her husband promised that he would never misjudge her again. Without her love he’d be half a man; she completed him. He handed her a letter.

  “James Lone Elk returned with the answer to the letter you had him post for you awhile back to your brother.”

  She had been flabbergasted when she learned that the Apache, James Lone Elk was a blonde headed half breed that scouted for the army and was married to a woman of his clan. He was able to be friends with the Apaches and the army and not give the camp’s location away.

  Melissa took it and read it out loud.

  “Dear Sis. It’s been a long time since I left the Apace camp with Rose Blossom. I was thrilled to receive your letter telling me of your son, Gray Wolf. My wife and I received our own bundle of joy last month. We christened him, Inteus, (which means has no shame,) Darrel, St. Andrew. He will be raised as a proud Apache and white man.”

  A chill ran up her arm at the mention of her father.

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  She continued wiping her eye. “Rose Blossom, who answers to only Rose now, adapted quite well to our life style and frankly she became quite spoiled with all the modern things the Native Indians don’t have. Like indoor privies and servants. Free servants, that is. The war was about over when w
e returned to the plantation and with neighbor’s help, I planted crops again. We are doing quite well. I miss you and wish you all the best. I hope someday when the Indians are accepted by the white’s you will come and visit. I set up a savings in your name which you can have wired when that day comes. Received a letter from Daphne and her daughter, Mary Melissa will soon have a sibling. She’s well and happy and old Sam has become a doting grandfather. Take care, all my love, Jason.

  PS. I had a nice stone put up at our parent’s grave site. And I planted a weeping willow, knowing how much mother loved to sit under the large one by the porch.

  The letter floated to the floor as she wept tears of happiness for her brother.

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  EPILOGUE

  The years that passed were not easy for Blue Thunder and his family. They had to move with the tiny village many times to keep out of danger. Whenever soldiers were spotted by Indian lookouts, the village pulled up stakes and moved quietly to another location, always a hair’s breadth away from being found by the U.S. Cavalry.

  It seemed he never had a dull moment in his life, He and his wife and their children, Blue Moon, Gray Wolf, Amitola, meaning “Rainbow,” which appeared right after her birth, and Thunder Hawk, managed to have a happy life. They were proud parents and lived contentedly watching their offspring’s grow and develop into strong, healthy adults.

  On November 9th, 1891, Fort Apache Indian Reservation was established, and after twenty-eight years of moving, Blue Thunder opted to settle down with his family. In the latter years, he and Moon Glow were blessed with many grandchildren. And it was a grandchild, Johnny Cloud Dancing who arranged for his siblings and his cousins to visit him and his wife. That made them happy and very blessed grandparents.