She appeared restless and wandered aimlessly while her dark eyes scanned the area, as if searching for someone. Blue-black hair hung past her tiny waist, swishing back and forth with each agitated step. Her one-piece dress reached midcalf, the long fringe brushing against strong brown legs encased in colorful quill-topped moccasins with beaded sides. When she turned toward them, Sarah could only envy the elaborate beading across the yoke of her garment. Row upon row of beaded design covered the entire yoke.
As they neared the girl, Sarah stared into the eyes of the Indian maiden and her mouth went dry. She knew without doubt that this was Wild-Flower. But what puzzled her was the lack of resentment she felt as she stared into the dark gaze of the woman her golden warrior was to wed. She trembled when a flash of recognition ran through her, yet she had never met this girl before. She shrugged the unsettling feeling away. “She is very beautiful, Golden Eagle,” Sarah ventured, her voice no more than an awed whisper.
Golden Eagle turned to Sarah. “Not as beautiful as you, White Wind. I’m sorry this had to happen so soon,” he said, clearly torn by duties and feelings.
Sarah squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. “We will first tend to your wounds. Then you must greet your guests. I will remain in your tipi. There is much to be done after being away these past days.”
Golden Eagle stopped in front of his large tipi to let Sarah slide down from the horse before dismounting himself. He kept hold of her hand as he corrected her. “Your tipi, White Wind. I shall paint your brave act of this day on the outside for all to behold. Tonight, I shall tell all of your braveness.”
Eyes glowing with pride, he allowed Sarah to lead him inside as his mother joined them, a bowl full of herbs in her arms as word of his injuries had already spread through the camp.
Wild-Flower continued to scan the village. Where was he? Where had he gone? Full red lips pouted, and her ginger-brown eyes dismissed all men present as she searched for a particular warrior. She paced restlessly, her long hair swinging impatiently behind her.
Narrowing her eyes, Wild-Flower scrutinized the people of Golden Eagle’s village intently. She sighed as she spotted the one she sought between two tipis. Her breath caught, and she forgot those around her. He was truly magnificent.
Wild-Flower took several deep breaths and willed her body to relax. Lowering her head, she secretly studied the warrior through admiring eyes.
He stood on the other side of the village, his dark body smooth and sleek from the laborious work of cutting and stripping bark off the fallen tree. She watched, fascinated, as muscles rippled across his powerful broad chest and his sinewy arms bulged as he ripped another long piece of bark away. Just watching him work was sheer torture.
When Running Wolf had announced he was traveling to the village of Chief Hawk Eyes, she had made excuses to join her brother. She needed to see again the mighty warrior who had caught her eye when Golden Eagle last visited their village.
If only she could choose her own mate. This arranged marriage was not fair. Let Golden Eagle take another to his mat as wife. Wild-Flower bit her lip in frustration.
“Why does my sister stand alone?” a concerned voice asked.
Turning her head reluctantly toward her older brother, Wild-Flower hid her desire and interest for the other warrior. “Do not worry so, my brother.”
Chuckling, Running Wolf teased, “Maybe my sister waits eagerly for her soon-tobe husband?”
Flashing her brother a scornful look, Wild-Flower lifted her chin as she advised, “Watch yourself, Running Wolf. You know my feelings on this matter. They have not changed.”
Pursing her tips, she thoughtfully remarked, “Have you also heard that Golden Eagle has taken a white captive to his tipi?”
Lifting his head in surprise, Running Wolf asked, “What game do you play now, Wild-Flower?”
Raising her eyes to meet her brother’s displeased expression, she stated, “I play no game, brother. Golden Eagle has a white captive and she shares his tipi. I was told this.”
“Why would Golden Eagle take a white woman to live in his tipi? He is soon to be joined with you.” Scorn laced his voice. Running Wolf was still not convinced that his sister was serious.
Looking at her brother in amazement and exasperation, Wild-Flower shook her head. “If I need to tell you why, my brother, then you know little of the ways of a man and a woman.”
Waving his angry protest aside, she added, “I understand she is very beautiful.” Wild-Flower thought back to her friend Bright Blossom’s news.
Flushing from his sister’s sarcasm, Running Wolf angrily declared, “If what you say is true, I shall speak to Golden Eagle immediately upon his return.”
“No! You will not interfere,” Wild-Flower informed him, her tone such that even he dared not go against her. If what she’d heard was true, that Golden Eagle loved his white captive and she him, there was hope. Maybe her only hope.
Giving Wild-Flower a speculative look, Running Wolf warned, “You will join with Golden Eagle, my stubborn sister. It was decided long ago. Just remember this.”
Scowling, Wild-Flower watched Running Wolf stomp away angrily. Turning her attention back to Red Fox, she was disappointed to see that he had left. Once again she began her search for the warrior who had captured her heart.
As her gaze roamed the village once again, she noticed a male and female just entering the circle of tipis. Her shoulders slumped in defeat with the return of Golden Eagle. She cursed the spirits that worked against her. Why couldn’t he have stayed away just one more day?
Her curiosity overcame her frustration and she watched the pair stop in front of Golden Eagle’s tipi. Wild-Flower frowned when she saw evidence of Golden Eagle’s injuries, but smiled to herself as she witnessed the tenderness that Golden Eagle bestowed upon the white girl before allowing her to lead him into the tipi, followed by Seeing Eyes. The white girl did not look to be afraid or unhappy. That was a very good sign.
Hoping to avoid conversation with Golden Eagle, Wild-Flower turned away and threaded her way through the shady trees. Coming to the water’s edge, she found a cool spot and sat. The gentle babbling of the flowing water relaxed her. She had much to think about, much to plan.
Returning from his refreshing bath, Red Fox tried in vain to put thoughts of Wild-Flower aside. He groaned, and his loins tightened with just the thought of the lovely maiden.
He’d felt her eyes upon him as he worked, heating his body to a feverish pitch. Finally, not able to stand anymore, he’d left to bathe and cool his body. With luck, Golden Eagle would return today.
Rounding the bend, he came to an abrupt halt. The woman of his thoughts was sitting before him. Perhaps he could sneak back the way he’d come.
Wild-Flower chose that moment to glance up, her innocent gaze meeting his, and he cursed. Out of politeness he could not walk away. Taking a deep breath, he continued on his path.
Wild-Flower smiled before quickly lowering her head in respect.
“Why does Wild-Flower sit here alone?” Red Fox asked.
Looking up shyly, Wild-Flower replied softly, “It is quiet and peaceful here, Red Fox. Wild-Flower enjoys the beauty of your village.”
Letting her husky voice wash over him, the soft tones soothing his jangled nerves, Red Fox swallowed his uneasiness in her presence and offered, “It is nearly time for the evening meal. Perhaps you will allow this warrior to escort you back to the tipi of Chief Hawk Eyes.”
Wild-Flower kept her eyes lowered and stood. “That is very kind of you, Red Fox. Thank you.” In silence, they made their way to the tipi of the chief, Red Fox one stride ahead.
As she sat alone in Golden Eagle’s tipi, Sarah’s belly rumbled with hunger. The smell of many cooking fires reminded her that she hadn’t had anything to eat since that morning, hadn’t been able to bring herself to eat since they’d returned.
She’d not seen Golden Eagle since he’d left after submitting to his mother’s and her ministration
s of packing the deep cuts with chewed maka skithe, or sweet medicine, taken from the part of the hop root three feet underground, and then dressing them with a paste made from several other roots and herbs. He’d then declared that his wounds were not serious enough to keep him from his responsibilities.
She too had gone right to work, softening an antelope skin that she had already tanned by rubbing a mixture of fat and antelope brains into the hide and leaving it out to dry in the sun, before gathering wood and water, anything to keep from reliving the horrible nightmare of the attack.
Now, however, she wondered what to do about the evening meal. Normally, she took her evening meals here with Golden Eagle, or occasionally with his family. But with guests visiting, she knew he would be expected to join his family this night. Sarah was loath to join them. The nature of the guests made it seem improper and too uncomfortable.
Crawling over to the parfleche of dried meat she’d prepared, she decided to eat in her tipi. Crossing her legs, she withdrew a piece from the rawhide bag, and was just about to pop it in her mouth when Golden Eagle came through the doorway.
“Why are you sitting here, White Wind? We are ready to eat. You are not still upset from what happened earlier, are you?” Golden Eagle asked, frowning when he noticed the dried jerky Sarah was about to consume.
Looking up in surprise, Sarah pointed out, “Your family has guests, Golden Eagle. I will eat here. It would not be proper for me to eat with your family this day. I have food here. You must join your guests.”
Sarah did not meet his searching gaze. It was harder than she’d thought it would be to know he would have to leave and join his betrothed for a meal.
“No. You will eat with us as is your custom to do so. Wild-Flower and the others do not change anything, White Wind. Come, let us not hold up the meal.”
“Golden Eagle,” Sarah begged. “Think of Wild-Flower. My being present isn’t fair to her. It will only make things more difficult. Your father will also be displeased. It’s only for one or two nights…” Her voice trailed off as Golden Eagle advanced.
Golden Eagle pressed his lips together, his hands planted firmly on lean hips as he silently stared at Sarah.
Sighing, Sarah knew he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Putting away the untouched meat, she stood and followed him out to his parents’ tipi.
After serving the roasted prairie chickens and bowls of chokecherries to the males outside, the women went inside to eat their share of the food. Except for the bright chatter of Winona, the three older women sat silently.
Sarah looked upon the child with fondness. Oh, to be so young and innocent. The youngster’s eyes gleamed golden as she related her pranks of the day. Such a scamp!
With a smile hovering on her lips, Sarah looked up and caught Wild-Flower studying her, the girl’s large eyes filled with curiosity. The two girls stared at one another.
Wild-Flower sat tall and proud, her skin a rich tawny-brown, her features fine and sharp. She was, Sarah decided, the most beautiful, most striking woman she had ever seen. Her long hair hung straight and sleek, emphasizing straight narrow shoulders. Her eyes slanted slightly as she met Sarah’s gaze, giving off a certain mysterious air. How could Golden Eagle not love this beautiful girl?
It was easy for Wild-Flower to see why the high-ranking warrior would fall in love with the white girl. Her face was lovely, intelligent and honest. Wild-Flower had also seen the fond look bestowed on Winona, watched the indulgent lift of her lips. She knew that Sarah was a woman not selfish with her love.
Smiling shyly at the white girl, Wild-Flower lowered her head and continued with her meal.
Seeing Eyes also watched the two young women with fondness and a bit of trepidation. She was genuinely fond of Wild-Flower, but had always known this was not the woman for her son. Calling for Winona to assist, Seeing Eyes left the two girls alone, praying that there’d be no trouble.
Two pairs of anxious eyes watched the older woman and her daughter leave. As Sarah and Wild-Flower turned toward one another, an uneasy silence fell. Neither knew what to say.
Finally, Sarah held her hands palm up. Not sure of what to say, but needing to say something, she apologized. “I’m sorry to cause you pain, Wild-Flower. I should have stayed and eaten in my—uh, I mean, Golden Eagle’s…”
She stopped, not wanting to hurt the other girl by admitting she shared his tipi. “I should not eat here with you.” Sarah faltered, not sure if the other girl would understand her words.
Leaning forward, Wild-Flower fingered a lock of Sarah’s flowing mane of pale hair. “You very pretty, white girl. I see why Golden Eagle take you. Do not worry. Wild-Flower not angry. It is the way with men. Is this not so?”
“You speak English also?” Sarah asked, surprised.
Wild-Flower laughed and nodded her head. “My father, Chief White Cloud, speaks your tongue. My brother and I both learned to speak it. It is handy to know white man’s tongue. Our tribe lives on the Great White River. Many whites come near. Many traders come to trade with my people. Many lie and cheat.” A sly look came into her eyes. “White man cannot cheat or steal so easily now. I also speak the French tongue. My mother’s sister is married to a French trapper who lives with my people when he is not away,” she finished proudly.
Impressed, Sarah smiled and held out her hand in a token of friendship. “My father was also a French trapper, but he died last winter.” She’d replied in French, and noted the surprised look on Wild-Flower’s face. There was something likeable about this girl, and Sarah couldn’t shake the strange feeling she’d known the Indian girl for a long time.
Taking the lightly tanned hand, Wild-Flower clasped it with her own darker one, and in that moment a strong bond formed between them.
Leaving the tipi, the two girls walked side by side as Sarah led the way to Bright Blossom’s tipi, conversing easily in French.
The watching males each had his own reaction to the sight of two rival women who showed no animosity toward each other.
Golden Eagle watched the two girls talk and laugh. He was proud of Sarah. He also eyed Wild-Flower with curiosity for he’d never seen her so animated, happy and relaxed. He shook his head as if to say he’d never understand the female species.
Running Wolf frowned, for he knew his younger sister all too well. He wondered what she was up to. He too glanced upon the white girl, and had to admit with her fair looks she was very appealing. He understood why Golden Eagle had taken her to his tipi. Any warrior would desire her beneath him on his mat. But he worried over the marriage. He couldn’t relax until the joining of the two tribes was complete. For now, he would watch and wait.
Chief Hawk Eyes brooded. He, the great chief, found himself confused in his thoughts. Despite his efforts, and he had fought hard, he had become fond of the white girl. She had taken to their way of life as if born to it, and took care of his son’s tipi as well as any Indian woman. His young daughter looked upon Sarah as an older sister. In fact, she tried very hard to emulate the other girl. And now, he had to admire this white woman for her brave deed in saving his son’s life.
Red Fox, who had just arrived, fought to hide his anger. How could Golden Eagle treat Wild-Flower in such a shameful way? As he watched Wild-Flower laugh and giggle, he knew she had to be putting on a brave face, hiding hurt and shame brought on by her unthoughtful and selfish future husband. She deserved better. She deserved… Jerking himself to his feet, Red Fox stalked away, knowing he had no say in the matter. But neither did he have to witness Wild-Flower’s shame.
Chapter Twenty-Three
The light of day slowly faded. It should have been a period for rest and reflection. A time to meditate and sort through the day’s events, a time to prepare oneself for what tomorrow would bring. But for one young woman, it was a trap, an enemy reminding her that time was running out.
Knees drawn to her chest, chin propped in her hands, Wild-Flower blotted out the laughter and shouting. Her thoughts were too angry and
desperate to appreciate the high spirits of those celebrating her presence in their village.
Her eyes closed and she buried her head in her hands. During the evening meal, her brother had announced that they would be leaving on the new sun. When confronted later, Running Wolf had stated that it was time for her to return home. No amount of pleading changed his mind.
Wild-Flower raised her head. Her time in this amiable village was at an end. The next time she saw Golden Eagle it would be the day of their marriage. But what could she do in the short amount of time she had left?
She spotted Golden Eagle walking away from the roaring fire. Wild-Flower took a deep breath, mustered her courage and rose to her feet.
Golden Eagle nearly ran Wild-Flower down on his way to join his father and guests at the council lodge. His brows rose in concern when Wild-Flower lifted misery-filled eyes to his.
“Please, Golden Eagle, Wild-Flower wishes to speak with you.”
Golden Eagle’s brows rose at her bold request. “Speak. What troubles you, Wild-Flower?” Not a trace of surprise showed in his features, even though it was the first time Wild-Flower had initiated a conversation between them.
Glancing about, Wild-Flower looked at his injuries and asked, “Can we walk? What I have to say is of a private matter.”
Nodding his agreement. Golden Eagle turned and walked a short distance from the village. Stopping just inside the sheltering band of trees at the edge of his village, he turned toward Wild-Flower. “Now then, speak. What is on your mind?”
Wild-Flower’s eyes dropped to her quilled moccasins. She cleared her throat and hesitantly began. “We are to be joined soon. I…I don’t…”
“You don’t what?” Golden Eagle interrupted, his brows drawn together impatiently, frowning as he sought to understand what it was that had upset her so.
Wild-Flower glanced at Golden Eagle. Taking a deep breath, she blurted out, “I don’t wish to marry you. Golden Eagle. I love another.” A tremor of defiance crept into her voice and eyes. Chin thrust forward, she awaited his reaction.
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