She, like him, felt it would be needed in the future. She would also teach the customs and history of the white man. All of this would make these people stronger in the future, for she knew in her heart that someday the whites would outnumber the Indians.
Their love grew, previous barriers crumbled and they were free to build a firm foundation for their future. They spent their last evening on the trail locked in each other’s arms. Golden Eagle explained what to expect when they arrived on the new day.
“Your father, new mother and brothers and sisters and all of their tribe will be there. Our marriage as well as the marriage of Red Fox and Wild-Flower will be held again in three of your days. We will have no more time alone. You will stay in the tipi of your family until we are married.”
Sarah glanced up in surprise. “But we were already married and even sharing the same tipi before that. Why is this?”
“We are now man and wife as are Red Fox and Wild-Flower, but those of both tribes will expect to witness the marriage between their future chief and his wife. And Wild-Flower and Red Fox have chosen to wait for your return, so we will have a formal double ceremony for all to behold. Afterward, there will be many days of celebrating between the two tribes. Remember, not only will we be married, but our marriage officially ends all hostilities and rights the wrongs of the past. As for remaining in my tipi, my people knew that while you were my captive the sharing of my tipi was expected. But since you are the daughter of a respected chief, all normal courtship rules must now apply.”
Sarah lifted herself on one elbow and asked, “If I am to be kept away from you until we marry, how is it you were allowed to come for me alone?”
Golden Eagle chuckled. “Your father is a wise man, my love. He knew nothing short of tying me up would have kept me from coming after you. But he made it quite clear that the moment we set foot in the village, his wishes would be respected or I would answer to him.”
Sarah smiled and lay back down, pulling Golden Eagle to her. “You can be very stubborn when you choose. My father is indeed wise if he recognized this in you.”
“Hmm, I seem to know another who perhaps matches my stubbornness. We seem to be well matched, little one,” he commented as he covered her from above.
“Well matched in more ways than one, don’t you think?” he asked, not bothering to wait for an answer as he proceeded to show her just how well matched they were.
Chapter Forty-Four
Sarah sat before a warm fire, looking about her, studying her handiwork with a frown. Everything had to be perfect. To her eye, all appeared ready. The sleeping mats were laid and she kept the small fire going at all times. Some of her cooking utensils and food hung in decorated parfleches, ready for their expected guests.
Adding another small log to the glowing embers, she braced herself for the task of rising. First, she rolled to her knees, then began the difficult job of getting to her feet. The sudden appearance of a hand under her elbow guided her to feet effortlessly.
“If this baby gets any bigger, I won’t be able to get up at all,” Sarah wailed.
Golden Eagle laughed at the familiar complaint. “I guess you will just have to stay in bed and let all think Golden Eagle has a lazy wife,” he teased, slipping his arms around Sarah, holding her close, as close as was possible with her swollen belly.
“Hmm, that doesn’t sound so bad to me,” Golden Eagle said, reconsidering.
Sarah playfully socked him in the stomach. “Oh, you! Will you be serious? There is much to be done yet,” she stated as she once again surveyed the newly erected tipi.
Golden Eagle sighed in mock disappointment. He too glanced around. “You have done well. Healing-Woman and Woodcarver-Who-Lives-in-Woods will be pleased. But it is time for you to return to our tipi. All is ready here and I wish for some time with my wife on this cold day. Your family will not arrive for at least another day.”
Golden Eagle took Sarah by the hand, draped a heavy robe of buffalo fur across her shoulders and lifted the flap to usher her out into the bitter cold, helping her across the frozen ground, last night’s snowfall nearly gone.
As Golden Eagle opened the flap to their tipi, warmth rushed out to greet them, and once inside, Golden Eagle removed her heavy buffalo robe, a devilish glint flashing from eyes as black as night. “There is another fire my wife needs to see to. It burns hot and strong.”
“And will I be able to put out this fire, my husband?” she joked, still in awe over how little it took to flame the fires of their love.
Golden Eagle grew serious and cradled Sarah’s face between his hands, giving her such a long loving look that Sarah felt as if she’d just caught on fire herself and would quickly melt into a pool of molten heat at his feet.
“No, White Wind. As long as we live, my fire will burn hot for you. It will never die, but continue to grow stronger each day. There is none in this land who can put out the flames of my desire, for to do so would be to destroy me. I would become nothing more than a cold empty body without you at my side each and every day. I love you, White Wind. You are the fuel that feeds my fires.”
Sarah’s eyes misted over. The strength of their love never failed to amaze her. “And I love you, my golden warrior.”
The days that followed were long and hard for all. Winter had raged its fury on the small village. As a result, most kept to their tipis, venturing out only when necessary.
Sarah stared at the surrounding walls in frustration. She was cooped up and needed to get out, but both Golden Eagle and Mary had forbidden her to leave the tipi without one of them, and then only if it was necessary. She might slip or get too cold, or too wet, she was told repeatedly.
She longed to go visit Bright Blossom or Wild-Flower. She was desperate enough to even put up with Night Star’s company. She and Matosapa had arrived to winter with Striking Snake, afraid he might not survive another harsh winter. Night Star had changed, had mellowed and had even managed to make new friends within her old tribe.
Sarah frowned as she thought of Night Star. Within days of their arrival, the other girl had followed her down to the stream and had confessed that she had been responsible for the white men who had kidnapped Sarah. With tears in her eyes, Night Star had begged Sarah to forgive her and keep her evil deed between them. She now loved her husband, was to bear his first child and seemed eager to put the past behind her. Sarah had agreed.
She had known that it would have only been a matter of time before Willy had found her anyway, and she too was eager to put the past behind them. Night Star had presented her with several finely crafted infant garments which had been meant for her babe but which she insisted Sarah have. She, Night Star, would have time to make new ones for her own babe, she’d stated.
Sarah sighed, letting out her pent-up breath, and looked down at herself. She was sick of this unwieldy condition. A strong kick to her ribs alerted her to the baby’s restlessness. Her hand covered her belly protectively.
“So you are restless too, hmm. Well, there’s not much to see or do this day, I’m afraid. We are both to be prisoners of our surroundings for yet another day. Your ma’s been in such a bad state with her temper that your pa went out brave the horrible weather to get away,” Sarah complained aloud.
“Can’t say I blame him, though. I have been in a rotten mood lately,” Sarah groaned, automatically rubbing her belly to calm her little one before putting her hand to her lower back to ease the stiffness.
Golden Eagle stood outside listening to White Wind talk to the baby. For the past two days, she’d been moody, emotional and hard to be around. Healing-Woman and Seeing Eyes just smiled and nodded knowingly. It was to be expected, they told him.
He shook his head, confused. Why were females so difficult to understand? Taking a deep breath, he adjusted the smoke flaps of the tipi and let himself into the warmth inside, going to the fire to warm his cold hands. He kept an eye on Sarah, watching warily as she continued to pace. She reminded him of a she-cat about to
pounce.
Enough of this, he decided. He’d been told by all that she should remain inside, quiet and calm, until the babe came, but he couldn’t stand any more of this. His wife was far from calm and her agitated pacing was driving him crazy.
He strode over to the pile of furs and held her robe out in front of him. “Come, we are going for a walk. I cannot stand another day of this,” he ordered.
Sarah allowed Golden Eagle to bundle her in several warm layers. “Thank you, Golden Eagle. I promise to be careful.” Turning her back on him, Sarah hung her head in shame. “I’m sorry I’ve been so out of sorts lately. I don’t mean to be, yet I just can’t seem to help it, and being cooped up all day doesn’t help,” she apologized.
Turning her to face him, Golden Eagle tilted her chin and planted a light kiss on her lips before leading her out. “I know. This is a difficult time for you. But soon, the air will warm and our babe will rest in our arms. Now come, perhaps we will call on Red Fox and Wild-Flower. Seems Wild-Flower is just as moody since she became with child. We cannot stay long, though,” he warned. “Another storm brews and already the winds grow strong.” Hand in hand, Sarah and Golden Eagle walked along the river to the tipi of Red Fox and Wild-Flower.
Hours later, warmed by a meal of hot soup and bread brought to them from Mary, Golden Eagle sat on his pallet of furs and watched Sarah ready herself for bed. Outside the tipi, winds howled with growing fury, while inside, hot embers glowed brightly, keeping the cold at bay.
Golden Eagle grew concerned as he noticed Sarah rubbing her lower back. Rising, he led her to a pile of furs and helped her to a comfortable sitting position, then took her brush and lovingly stroked her blond hair until it crackled and shone as bright as the moon. Deftly, he rebraided the pale strands into a single plait down her back before easing her onto her side so he could rub her back. His fingers firmly loosened the tight muscles. “What’s wrong, White Wind?” Golden Eagle inquired as Sarah moved restlessly.
“It is nothing, Golden Eagle. My back is stiff as a board, but it will pass,” she answered.
Golden Eagle rose to his knees. “Perhaps Healing-Woman will prepare a cup of soothing tea for you,” he suggested. He and the members of his village had come to respect the woman who knew much about nature’s power of heating.
Mary had arrived three weeks ago with Ben, whom they had named Woodcarver-Who-Lives-in-Woods for all the wood carvings he’d made as gifts. Since her arrival, Mary had set out to learn all she could about the herbs the Indian women used, and in turn shared her knowledge of herbs and healing with them.
“No, don’t disturb them. It’s late. The discomfort will pass as always.” Sarah sighed, Golden Eagle’s hands soothing much of the stiffness and discomfort. She was drawn close to Golden Eagle, her back spooned to his front as he drew covers over them, stroking her back until they fell asleep.
Later, low moans woke Golden Eagle. Looking around in the darkness, Golden Eagle spotted Sarah hunched over as if in great pain. Another gasp escaped her clenched lips. Golden Eagle sprang to his feet. Only the glowing embers shed light on White Wind’s pinched features as black storm clouds hid all light from Hanwi.
“The baby, is it time, White Wind?” At her nod, Golden Eagle quickly donned his shirt, leggings and moccasins before running to fetch his mother and Healing-Woman.
A short time later, Golden Eagle stood bewildered and frustrated as his White Wind was led into the birthing hut. He could hear her cries and moans of pain, but could not help her. Ben, Chief Hawk Eyes and Red Fox tried to distract Golden Eagle by joining him in his father’s tipi.
As another loud cry rent the air, Golden Eagle jumped to his feet. “She’s going to die in there!” he exclaimed, fearful that he’d never see or hold her again.
A hand on his shoulder held him back, and he realized he had started for the door. He looked into the knowing eyes of his father. “No, my son. White Wind is strong. The spirits are with her. She will give you a strong child, but you must not interfere. Leave her to the women. This is a difficult time for fathers, but you must have courage. It is the way of the world. Go now and rest. There is nothing you can do for her at this birthing time. She will need you strong when the new sun shows her face,” Hawk Eyes counseled.
Golden Eagle looked out into the storming night sky. Wind howled through the tree tops, sending sheets of rain in every direction.
Golden Eagle needed to be alone, needed to beg the powerful spirits to watch over his loved one. He let himself out, unaware of the chilling wind or the water seeping through his leggings. The only chill he felt was deep within, brought on by his helplessness to ease White Wind’s pain.
Climbing the steep rise that protected one side of his village, Golden Eagle fought the elements. The wind-driven rain pushed against him, sending him stumbling down the slick muddy earth. Time and time again, he picked himself up, struggling to reach the top. Exhausted, he stopped just short of the top of the ridge. Raising his arms to the clouds above, he prayed. His chanting grew loud as he asked Wakan Tanka to spare White Wind and his child.
The storm drew near, thunder rolled closer, flashes of white illuminated the eerie darkness.
Suddenly, Golden Eagle found himself thrown to the ground as a loud crack rent the air, followed by a loud crackling hissing noise close by. Stunned by the suddenness, Golden Eagle rose to his knees and looked around, blinking the moisture from his eyes. He sucked in his breath, for there at the very top of the ridge a giant tree lay split down the middle, flames sizzling as rain pelted the burning wood.
Tears streamed down his face, mingling with the rain. This was a sign. Slipping and sliding down the hill, he made his way to the hut where Sarah lay. He froze when a piercing scream rang out into the night air. Silence followed. Even the storm seemed to have been stilled for a brief moment by the cry.
Then, from within the birthing hut came the cry of a newborn baby filling his lungs with air for the first time. Golden Eagle grinned, the cry music to his ears, even though he knew the babe’s cry would be silenced by the women inside as the baby received his first lesson. No crying.
Safety for the village depended on a child not crying and giving them away to their enemies, so babies were taught moments after birth not to cry. In return, they quickly learned there was no need to cry, for their every need would be tended to promptly.
As Golden Eagle stood waiting, Seeing Eyes stepped out and motioned him inside. Golden Eagle immediately went to White Wind, who lay exhausted but with a glow of happiness surrounding her. Bright Blossom and Wild-Flower stepped back, allowing Golden Eagle a few moments with his wife.
“Are you all right, White Wind?” he asked, kneeling beside her.
“Yes, my golden warrior. You have made me very happy this day.” Sarah looked over at Mary, who handed her a small bundle.
Sarah took the small squirming bundle and placed it carefully in Golden Eagle’s arms. “Our son, my husband.”
A son! Gingerly Golden Eagle peeled the fur blanket open and looked into the splotchy-red face of his son. With awe, he gazed upon the tiny perfect features. His fingers hesitantly touched the baby’s cap of thick black hair. When he stroked one soft cheek, he grinned when the tiny pink mouth tried to latch on to his finger.
Golden Eagle beamed. “He is hungry already. He will grow to be strong.” A look of wonder overcame him. “I’m a father. Thank you, my wife. Could a father ask for a more beautiful child?” Golden Eagle leaned over and tenderly kissed White Wind.
A tap on his shoulder, and he rose to meet his mother’s understanding gaze. Seeing Eyes spoke to Sarah. “You need to rest now. I know of a certain grandfather who is eager to see his grandson. Wait, that’s two grandfathers!” All laughed, knowing that Ben also would be a fiercely protective grandparent. All were astonished at the wooden cradle he’d made the babe, having never seen such wooden furniture.
Golden Eagle and Sarah exchanged secret looks, knowing their children would have the best from b
oth worlds.
Chief Hawk Eyes came forward to see his grandson with Winona, Ben and Red Fox following the moment Golden Eagle and Seeing Eyes stepped into the warm tipi. Taking the small bundle from his son, the chief demanded, “Have you thought of a name fitting for the first grandson of Hawk Eyes?”
Golden Eagle thought of the storm on the hill and nodded decisively. “He shall be called Striking Thunder. He shall strike his enemies in the dark of night and in a flash be gone, leaving only his fire behind as a sign of his greatness.”
Hawk Eyes nodded, pleased. “You have chosen well, my son, has he not, wife?”
Seeing Eyes nodded. “Yes, he shall be a great warrior someday, greater than even his father or grandfather,” she stated, looking upon her grandson. Golden Eagle and Hawk Eyes glanced at one another. Each knew by her words that the child named Striking Thunder would indeed become a mighty warrior.
Epilogue
Fluffy white clouds rode the gentle breeze across the deep blue sky. One lone eagle soared the currents, keeping a watch on the earth below. Movement on the Great Gray Rock sent the majestic bird spiraling higher, his cries echoing across the land, as though protesting the human intruders.
A hand appeared from below the top, then another as a figure pulled himself up. Standing from the high perch, Golden Eagle gazed down at the valley floor far below him. His feet were planted apart in an arrogant stance as he lifted his hands to the sky as if to embrace all that he could see before settling on his lean hips.
Sounds of scrambling came from behind him, and he strode over to the edge and helped White Wind over the top before returning his attention to the view below.
White Wind sat a moment and caught her breath. When Golden Eagle had suggested that they take a day and go off by themselves, she’d had no idea he wanted to climb a mountain.
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