White Wind

by Susan Edwards

  Dropping the garment as if it burned, Hawk Eyes turned without a word to step out into the gray day made even more dismal as he now knew what Seeing Eyes’s last vision had been.

  The crowd hushed and grew watchful as Chief Hawk Eyes stepped outside and greeted his son, noticing the determined set of his jaw. Shifting his attention to the girl, the chief was surprised when she met his hostile stare with an unflinching proud stare of her own.

  In her eyes-of-the-sky, he saw pain, uncertainty, curiosity and an unquenchable warmth, but not a trace of the fear he’d expect from one in her position. He frowned. There was something familiar about her eyes. He shook off such thoughts.

  Now he knew his first thought of trouble was correct. Burying deep within his mind his wife’s prediction of change, the great chief motioned his son to enter, and returned to his place, sitting stiffly to await the explanations he would have.

  Golden Eagle entered and waited for permission to sit and join his father on furs scattered around the fire.

  He stood, tall and proud, his dark gaze meeting the comforting warmth of his mother’s nod before she respectfully lowered her head back to her task. Gaining confidence, he addressed his silent father formally.

  “Red Fox and Golden Eagle have returned safely, my father and chief. Golden Eagle has much to speak of.”

  After studying his son for what seemed an eternity, Chief Hawk Eyes at last motioned his son to sit. Delaying the topic of the white girl, Hawk Eyes asked for news about the white men. The other two warriors had found and dealt with the one white man they had followed.

  Sitting across from his father, Golden Eagle spoke of all they had discovered and done. He related how one white man had been killed by one of Stands Tall’s daughters and the escape of three others. He described the home the whites had led him to.

  Hawk Eyes leaned forward eagerly. “And the white men. What of them?”

  Meeting his father’s piercing stare, Golden Eagle shook his head in frustration. “We arrived too late. The two escaped. We could go no farther without risk as they headed in the direction of the fort of the white soldiers. They have escaped us for now.”

  “So. The white men remain free.” Hawk Eyes spat angrily, his need for revenge great. Without it, the spirits of the two girls would be doomed to roam restlessly.

  “There may yet be a way.” Golden Eagle brought out the medallion he’d found and handed it to his father to examine.

  Hawk Eyes glanced up from studying the strange object. “Speak, my son,” he commanded.

  “One that we seek is the guardian of the girl I brought back with me. I followed her when she left in the dark of the night, thinking she would lead me to those we sought. Speaking the white man’s tongue, I discovered she was running from the same evil white.” Golden Eagle told of what Sarah had told him and of the bruises he’d seen himself.

  “The people of Chief Hawk Eyes have always dealt fairly with their enemies,” Golden Eagle said. “We do not take revenge upon innocent people. There are two others she lives with. The one called Sarah bargained for their safety and freedom. She will identify the one we search for.”

  Hawk Eyes nodded. It would make revenge easier for them if the girl helped them. But it also raised his suspicions. “Why would this white girl help us?” he asked, not able to believe the girl would be so willing to go against her own people.

  Golden Eagle explained his plan. “I have been told that the one she calls Willy has an affliction in his head. He seeks revenge against her for a deed her mother committed. This girl called Sarah feels the evil-minded one will return to claim her. As I did not cover my tracks when I captured her and left her belongings, all will know that she has been captured by Indians. He will come to us.”

  “Why does he seek revenge?” Hawk Eyes asked.

  Golden Eagle shook his bead. “She will not say, my father. Only that we may do as we please with him if we take no revenge on her or the others.”

  Taking a few minutes to think through all his son had revealed, the chief nodded. “And in the meantime, this woman will be sent to another tribe until we have need of her help,” Hawk Eyes said, greatly relieved that she’d not be here among his people for long.

  “No, my father. The girl belongs to me. She will remain here, as I have promised protection from the one who will harm her as he did to Stands Tall’s daughters.”

  Chief Hawk Eyes stiffened. His son’s response was not what he’d expected or wished. With effort, he suppressed his growing frustration and anger.

  “And what reason do you have to bring a white captive to our village? We have had no white slaves among us for many winters. It causes much trouble. We will again have internal fighting and waning. This I will not allow.”

  “The girl is our link to the murderers. Once we have taken our revenge, the girl can be returned to her home,” Golden Eagle shot back.

  “I do not understand why all this should matter to us. We can bide our time now that we know where these dogs live. Why bring the girl? Can she not help us from her home? It is not our concern what happens to her. And what of your upcoming joining with Wild-Flower?” he asked.

  Hawk Eyes didn’t miss the flash of resentment in Golden Eagle’s tightening lips as he continued. “Would it not be better to be rid of the girl? There are others who would take the girl. She could remain in this village to lure the evil white, but as a slave to another.”

  Rising abruptly, Golden Eagle parried, “Other warriors have taken captives to their tipis in our past. There is no law against this in the tribe of Chief Hawk Eyes. I wish to do the same. I captured her. Is it not my choice to make?”

  Determination lent harshness as he answered his own question. “I will decide what is to be done with her. I choose to keep her until she serves no further purpose to us.”

  Hawk Eyes stood, his face flushed with anger. Never had his son defied him before.

  “My joining with Wild-Flower does not take place for many moons. May I not decide then what to do with the girl?” Golden Eagle countered, meeting his father’s furious glare.

  Golden Eagle watched his father turn away. He knew, as did all in the tribe, that the chief could call a council meeting to decide the issue. And if ruled against, he would have to abide by their decisions.

  Shoulders thrown back, feet apart, he took a deep breath and lowered his voice to a respectful level. “The girl’s father is not among the living, and her only male relative is one who commits rape and murder. She trusts me and looks to me for protection.”

  Hawk Eyes had closed his eyes, deep in thought. Amber eyes flew open in disbelief. “Why would a white woman place her trust in an Indian? What is it that my son has not told me? I will hear all. Now.” His voice stern and commanding, he motioned his son to sit.

  Lowering himself once again to the soft furs, Golden Eagle recounted his first meeting with the white girl.

  Finishing his story, Golden Eagle confessed, “And now, my father, she again places her trust in me. She does not wish to be here, but has no other place to go. I saved her life when she was an innocent child. Her father was honorable and repaid me well. Do we not have many strong horses as a result of his fine gift? The Great Spirit crossed our paths once again. I find I am again responsible for her.”

  Hearing no objections, Golden Eagle confidently continued. “The girl has no one and cannot wander these lands alone. She thinks to go to the white man’s fort, but that is where her male relative also heads. I will once again keep her from harm until it is safe for her to return to her white man’s house of wood.”

  Rising, Hawk Eyes paced the interior of the tipi, his glance falling on his mate, her deft fingers working beads into intricate patterns with skill and speed.

  Arms folded across his massive scarred chest, he asked with deceptive softness, “She has agreed to life in our village? Agreed to learn our ways and live as one of us? Where is she to stay? Is she to sleep in your tipi? She has agreed to this?” Hawk Eyes r
apidly fired the questions, not bothering to wait for a reply.

  Rising also, Golden Eagle stated, “She will do as I tell her.”

  Hawk Eyes leaned his head back, eyes drawn to the dark gray clouds gathering overhead. He had a feeling that stormy days lay ahead. “Bring the girl. I will speak with her myself. Only then will I make my decision.”

  Chapter Ten

  Sarah found herself jostled farther from the tipi that Golden Eagle and his father disappeared into. Looking around at unsmiling faces and remembering the cold glare she’d received from the chief, she wasn’t sure her presence here was wise.

  Standing on tiptoe, she tried to look over the heads of the crowd, but was unable to see or hear what was going on. What was taking Golden Eagle so long?

  The crowd closed in as a few of the younger women became bold, reaching out, fingers touching the strange white girl. Sarah felt hands behind her, stroking her hair. Others pulled at the material of her shirt, fingering the lightweight plaid, exclaiming over its texture and lightness.

  Clutching her possessions tightly to her chest, Sarah closed her eyes and prayed that Golden Eagle would return soon. She fought panic as warm bodies pressed in on her.

  A small chuckle followed by a sharp tug on her breeches drew her attention downward, and she saw a toddler standing on wobbly, chubby legs. Another tug, and brown arms lifted in demand to be picked up.

  Sarah looked around and met sparkling sherry-brown eyes set in a round glowing face. The girl, younger than she, nodded her head. Cautiously, lest she startle the baby, Sarah squatted and lifted the small boy to her chest, ready to hand him to his mother if he cried. This was the first time she’d ever held a baby, and though she wasn’t sure what to expect, she found she liked the feeling of his cuddly body in her arms.

  Looking into curious brown eyes, Sarah gave a tentative smile. The toddler grinned in return, and reached out to grab a handful of the shiny strands of hair that had drawn his attention.

  Laughter and praise of his bravery followed his actions. Startled, he leaned toward the safety of his mother’s arms, his newfound bravery gone.

  Sarah grinned, released the boy and gently ran a finger down one rounded cheek, amazed at the downy softness of baby skin. Giggling, the toddler buried his head against his mother’s chest, suckling at her breast for security and comfort.

  Sarah looked away, embarrassed. Many of the women were half naked, wearing only hide skirts to cover their lower bodies.

  Laughter at the boy’s antics dispelled much of the tension, and she shyly returned their grins. Confident now that these women meant no harm, Sarah relaxed, thinking it might even be fun to be with other girls her age, a pleasure that she’d never experienced living in so isolated an area.

  Unexpectedly, a sudden vicious tug to the back of her head forced a cry of pain as she whirled about in confusion.

  Sarah found herself facing an angry Indian maiden. Short and plump, lips compressed tightly in a face red with rage, the girl’s eyes blazed with hatred. Her fisted hands plopped on wide hips.

  Maliciously, the girl advanced as Sarah stepped back. Her hands shot out, striking suddenly to shove Sarah back.

  The silent crowd hurriedly moved away and the girl laughed as Sarah lost her balance and fell to the muddy ground, her belongings rolling beneath the feet of the women.

  The Indian maiden spat at Sarah, sneering in halting English, “You white! No belong here! Red Fox not know! You no belong to Golden Eagle!”

  Sarah started to rise, and grunted when her attacker’s bare foot made contact with her stomach. Gasping with pain and trying to draw her breath, she heard the girl’s wild laughter.

  Rolling on her sore backside, Sarah caught her breath, her hand lying protectively in front of her chest to ward off another blow. Drawing a deep breath and narrowing her ice-blue eyes, Sarah decided to show this unknown girl she wasn’t here to be kicked around. Swiftly she sat up, grabbed the bare brown ankles in front of her and pulled with all her might.

  Smiling with satisfaction as the larger girl fell heavily, Sarah scrambled quickly to her feet. She now stared down at the sputtering Indian girl, watching as she struggled to her feet amid the laughter and jeers of her people.

  The girl had been caught completely by surprise, and her face reddened with humiliation. She reached for the knife strapped to her thigh and jumped to her feet, teeth bared as she promised, “You die, white whore. You no treat Night Star bad. Night Star kill you, feed to birds of death. Then Golden Eagle be mine.”

  Sarah threw her hands in front of her, ready to duck to the side as the knife held poised in the air made a downward slash.

  Golden Eagle stepped out of his father’s tipi and looked into the group of women for Sarah. A flash of metal caught his eye. Heart pounding, he saw the gleaming metal of a knife held high, ready to strike. His mouth went dry and he ran into the crowd, shoving his people aside.

  A cry of outrage rent the air as Golden Eagle grabbed Night Star’s wrist. Ignoring her cry of pain, Golden Eagle applied pressure until the weapon dropped harmlessly from her fingers.

  Paling under the cold menacing anger emanating from the fierce warrior, Night Star tried desperately to save her honor as well as her skin.

  Using the Lakota tongue, she whined, “Take her away, Golden Eagle. She is evil, no good for our people. No good for mighty Golden Eagle. You be great chief one day. White spirits bad. White girl must go…” Her voice trailed off as the face above hers darkened in white-hot anger.

  Keeping his temper tightly leashed, Golden Eagle jerked the whining girl’s arm behind her, effectively halting her struggles. He ignored her cry of pain. “Who gives Night Star the right to kill the white girl?” he asked in a deceptively soft voice. “Does Night Star now have rights to touch or destroy another’s possession?”

  Night Star paled. Golden Eagle’s words reminding all in hearing that a person’s possessions could be freely given, but never taken or destroyed by others without suffering the consequences.

  Night Star pointed an accusing finger at Sarah. “Your captive attacked me. I was only defending myself,” she lied.

  Seeing only anger and disgust in Golden Eagle’s eyes, Night Star called to the women in the crowd. “Tell him. Tell our chief’s son that his white captive laid her hands upon me.”

  The crowd moved away, refusing to meet Night Star’s wildly accusing eyes.

  A warrior stepped through the throng of retreating women. “I apologize for my foolish sister’s actions. Golden Eagle. She brings shame to our tipi this day. She will not harm your captive again,” Red Fox promised, slapping a hand hard over his sister’s shoulders.

  Night Star spun around and flinched from eyes that promised retribution.

  Nodding his head, Golden Eagle accepted Red Fox’s apology. Turning his attention back to the sniveling girl, he felt loathing for the troublemaker. Giving her one last hard glare, he commanded, “Stay away from what belongs to me, Night Star. Harm my captive in any way and you will be punished. All have heard my words.” Night Star lowered her head, hiding hate-filled eyes.

  “Take her to your father’s tipi, Red Fox. Perhaps it is time to arrange a husband for your sister…in another village!” Golden Eagle swung around, his long black braids whipping about.

  “Are you all right?” Golden Eagle demanded of Sarah. His eyes searched for signs of injury.

  Sarah waited until Red Fox led the violent girl away before turning to Golden Eagle. Her heart still raced from the close encounter. “You brought me here to be safe? I would have been safer on my own. Is this what I have to look forward to each day, Golden Eagle?” Sarah glared with reproachful eyes, taking care to keep her voice lowered, mindful of his previous warnings and those who watched.

  Her accusation struck home. Guilt crept over him for not being there to watch over her. He’d promised her safety and if he’d been just a few minutes later…

  “I’m sorry for what happened. Red Fox will punish Ni
ght Star,” Golden Eagle promised. “No one will harm you now, little one. All now know you belong to me.”

  Sarah’s head snapped up, eyes flashing. “Belong to you, Golden Eagle? I don’t belong to you or anyone else. I am no prized horse or other such possession, nor am I a piece of bought merchandise to be shoved around.”

  Golden Eagle drew himself to his full height and directed his still-smoldering gaze to her defiant blue eyes till they lowered in acknowledgment of his authority. “In my people’s eyes, I captured you, brought you here, and that makes you my possession. As my possession you are safe, for we do not steal from our own. You had best learn this now and accept it for your own good. Belonging to me is the only way to keep you safe,” he informed his spirited captive, his words cool and clear.

  “Come. My father wishes to speak to you.” Taking a firm hold of Sarah’s arm, Golden Eagle led her to the tipi entrance.

  Sarah was about to enter the large dwelling behind Golden Eagle when a soft voice came from behind her. Turning, Sarah watched as the mother of the baby boy approached.

  Shyly, the girl handed Sarah her belongings. Speaking in halting English, she explained, “This belong to you. I save for you.”

  Taking her precious bundle from the pretty young girl, Sarah smiled. She had forgotten all about it. “Thank you,” she murmured.

  Pleased, the girl turned to Golden Eagle, who’d stepped out to see why Sarah had not entered. “I help. I teach white girl Lakota. Teach women’s ways.” She looked shyly at Sarah. “Maybe white girl teach Bright Blossom better white man’s tongue. No use for many moons. Bright Blossom forget many words.”

  Taking an immediate liking to the friendly, sincere girl, Sarah agreed. “I would be honored for you to teach me, Bright Blossom.” Sarah looked at Golden Eagle, letting him know she expected his voice of agreement.

  Nodding his head, Golden Eagle was pleased. Bright Blossom would make an excellent teacher and friend. Beckoning for Sarah to follow, he stepped into his father’s tipi.