“Your words say you do not hate me, but your eyes and actions speak a different story,” Leah challenged her in a manner Shalee found disturbing.
“You are a captive and I am an Indian, wife to the next chief. How should I treat you? I have not been unkind or abusive to you. Why do you dare to question me in this insolent way?” Shalee’s green eyes were fathomless and her manner rigidly controlled, carefully masking the turmoil and anger that filled her. Why would this boldspirited captive risk all she had to verbally assault an Indian princess?
“Perhaps my people are your enemies, but I am not. Neither am I some unfeeling and mindless animal. I wish to be your friend.” She calmly delivered her unexpected offer. Leah’s smile and voice were entreating, but her eyes revealed emotions that Shalee didn’t wish to read.
“Friendship is something earned, Leah, something special and mutual. A friend is someone to trust. I do not comprehend you or your ways. It is unnatural to so willingly accept enslavement as you do. Yet, I do not hate you. To me, skin color does not determine my feelings.”
“What is there to understand? I simply choose safety over brutality, peaceful submission over dangerous rebellion. I can never return to my people, so I wish to become a part of this tribe. I don’t want to remain a lowly slave forever!” Leah made no attempt to cover the vehemence in her tone or eyes.
“It is impossible for a white slave to become an Indian, Leah. Do not fill your heart with foolish dreams. Running Wolf will become impatient if you tarry much longer. Where will your safety and peace be then?”
“You would like to see me punished and sent away, wouldn’t you? Why? Because I look like you and you don’t want me around to tempt your husband to take me into his tepee when his father dies?” she blatantly added, recklessly enlightening Shalee as to the wanton emotions she harbored toward her love.
Astounded by this baneful girl’s charges, Shalee inhaled shared and glared at her. “Running Wolf will live many more years, Leah. I have never desired the punishment of any helpless white captive, not even a surly and hateful one like you. You present no threat to me where my husband is concerned, whether you favor me or not. No force or woman could halt our love. Even if I died this very day, Gray Eagle would never look upon you with love or lust. You are white; he would die before touching a white woman. In all the years I have known him, not once has he touched or looked upon a white woman with even lust in his eyes or heart. If you try to catch his eye, you will pay dearly for that wicked and unforgivable deed.”
“If you dared to tell him of our talk, he would only think you filled with hatred and jealousy. Would you slay me with your own hand?” she taunted.
“My husband is a warrior, a leader with many matters of great importance upon his mind. I would not trouble him with the foolish rantings of a white slave. But if you dared to openly flirt with him, I wouldn’t have to slay you; he would, after severely punishing you. If Running Wolf even suspected you had cast your lustful eyes upon his son, you would be sold this very day. Have you not noticed Gray Eagle has only one wife? I am the only woman he has ever loved or desired. Ask anyone if you doubt my claims. Even if I ceased to breathe this very moon, he would never replace me. Mark my words well, Leah; to fall in love with Gray Eagle would be a deadly mistake.”
“Did he tell you how he removed a porcupine quill from my hand the other day?” Leah sought to unsettle the confident woman before her.
“Yes, Leah, and how he placed healing salve upon it,” she added to prove there were no secrets between her and her lover.
“Did he also tell you how slowly he did it and how long he held my hand afterwards?” she quickly retorted.
“There is a tiny shaft pointing backwards upon a quill, Leah. If it isn’t removed carefully, a serious injury could occur. From the wound, infection can set in and even fever and death can follow it. Some quills are dipped in poison. Close study after a piercing would reveal if that shaft was harmful since the area quickly turns blue.” Shalee coldly and methodically dispelled each of Leah’s insinuations.
“Then I’m to assume the shudder that shook his body at my touch was from relief?” Leah continued this harassing debate.
“If there was a shudder in that tepee, it was yours, Leah, not his. Your lust and dreams have blinded you to reality. Wake up, Leah, before you push too far and find yourself releasing that lust beneath countless braves,” Shalee ominously warned her. “If you speak of such things again, I will inform Running Wolf of your dangerous game. Do as you’re told, now.”
Although Shalee had spoken her last word calmly, Leah recognized the stern tone that indicated she was saying too much too soon. If she couldn’t get to Shalee through feigned friendship, she must find some other way to discredit her. She was gradually winning over the old man and the child, but Gray Eagle would require more time and cunning. First, Shalee must be dealt with in some disparaging manner. She had to break down Shalee’s confidence and destroy her perfection in the eyes of her people, especially her husband. She must discover Shalee’s weaknesses and use them against her. Somehow, she had to make it appear their roles were reversed! She must make herself more desirable in every way: appearance, manner, intelligence, company, gentleness, and courage. Somehow, she had to worm her way into the tepee of Gray Eagle. Once there, she would find the means to replace Shalee in all ways… even if she had to lethally rid the tepee of Shalee! Shalee had everything she wanted, and she would eventually take it all! There were ways to vanquish any obstacles, even live ones. Perhaps she could force changes in her personality and behavior, then arrange some unsuspecting accident….
As Leah strolled back to camp, her mind was racing with a variety of schemes. One thing for certain, she must remain in Running Wolf’s care until she could enchant Gray Eagle. That husky warrior would never take her once she was touched and soiled by countless braves. Thankfully the old man was beyond desiring her upon his mats! But if Shalee was right and Gray Eagle was unreachable, there was still White Arrow.…
When Shalee arrived in her tepee, she anxiously paced for a long time. She was relieved that Gray Eagle was out hunting and Bright Arrow was with Shining Light and her son. How dare that little witch actually relate plans to pursue her husband! How dare she speak to her in such a brazen and wanton manner! Yet Shalee decided it was best if she handled this problem herself. Not because she feared Gray Eagle’s disbelief or mockery, but because she didn’t wish to place Leah’s life in danger by revealing such a reckless scheme. If her husband would simply punish Leah and send her away, Shalee would have told him immediately. But his anger and pride would demand more from an offensive white woman who had dared too much. On the other hand, if she kept silent, Leah would continue her wicked games with the people she loved. What to do? Nothing for the present. With luck, Leah would realize the danger of her ploy and cease it.
The thudding of several horses’ hooves instantly alerted Shalee to the hasty departure of the Cheyenne warriors. In spite of her recent encounter with Leah, Shalee hastened to Running Wolf’s tepee to learn the news. As was the custom, the Indian princess called out before entering a tepee with a closed flap. When the chiefs voice bade her enter, she ducked and responded. Going straight to the fire and sitting down upon a thick mat, Shalee pressed him in Oglala for answers she feared to hear.
Irritated that she had not learned enough of their language to translate their words, Leah busied herself clearing away the remains of the meal she had served. Still, she furtively observed the genial interaction between Shalee and Running Wolf, hoping to discover some clue as to how to disrupt it when the right moment presented itself. Shalee’s poise and her ignoring of Leah’s presence vexed her. From Shalee’s manner, Leah’s words had not distressed her in the least! But wait, my lovely princess, they soon will….
Shalee anxiously and attentively listened to the troubling words from Running Wolf’s lips. The reports were not good. Many white settlements had been established along the great river th
at flowed through the Dakota Territory and past the large settlement called St. Louis. Far worse, the two forts in the area had been completed and well armed. The Bluecoats were determined to have a stronghold in this opulent land. To further add to these distressing facts, the villages of the Cheyenne and the Oglala rested between the two powerful forts. The only good news she heard concerned the white man’s weapons; so far, no faster-loading or better rifle had replaced the sluggish flintlock. But the cavalry had been observed in almost desperate practice with those deadly sabers that swung from their waists, as well as in hours of target shooting to increase accuracy and loading speed. Advanced in the preservation of food, the cavalry could store enough supplies to withstand a lengthy time period.
Running Wolf appeared annoyed that the harsh winter had not prevented the white men from continually increasing their stores of weapons, ammunition, “and food. While the Indians had been camped for the winter awaiting the time to return to the Great Plains to replenish their stores, the white men had been replenishing all winter! Soon it would be time for the spring buffalo hunt. Would the Bluecoats take advantage of their scant rations and their preoccupation with this vital hunt? Would they press their upper hand at that critical moment? The camps would be open to successful attacks while the braves and warriors were away for many weeks. Plans must be made to protect their families and villages during this time.
Their talk was not interrupted by Leah, but by Bright Arrow as he raced inside and fell into his beloved grandfather’s lap. The old man’s eyes glowed with love and amusement as he laughed and teased this happy and energetic boy. He besieged the chief with countless questions about nature, his people, and the coming hunt. Bright Arrow was very intelligent and forward for a child of four years. Without a doubt, this mental advancement was the result of the endless hours spent with him by his father, his mother, and Running Wolf. When Running Wolf finished answering his questions, Bright Arrow instantly pleaded for him to repeat the stirring tales of his numerous coups. What did it matter that the boy knew each one? He never tired of hearing the exciting and daring tales again and again. The illustrious man chuckled and began his stories.
During the telling of the third one, Leah came forward to hand Bright Arrow two pieces of aguyapi filled with dried nuts and specks of fruit. She smiled as she offered the treats to the small child, knowing he would delight in them, and knowing Shalee would not, since it was nearing the evening meal. Yet Shalee astutely did not call attention to their quarrel by halting Leah’s intentionally divisive action.
Bright Arrow laughed and thanked her, manners having been drilled into him as into all the Oglala children from birth, as were respect and patience. At this moment, Bright Arrow’s impatience and audacity were showing. The proper time for a gentle reprimand would come later, in private. Bright Arrow was indeed smart, but what small child could know of such devious schemes to impress and to blind him? Not wanting to appear petty before the chief or stern before her son, Shalee remained silent and calm. Leah instantly realized this small ploy had failed, for Shalee had refused her dangling bait.
When Bright Arrow stuffed the first pone into his mouth, Shalee laughed softly and chided him, “There is no raccoon here to steal your aguyapi, my greedy son. Eat slowly or your throat will reject such swiftly eaten treats. Perhaps your grandfather should use the second one to teach you how to eat properly,” she merrily threatened.
Bright Arrow’s boyish laughter filled the quiet tepee. “Sha,” he joyously accepted her rebuke, placing his left hand in hers and smiling into her eyes. Ever so slowly, he politely nibbled upon the second pone as he listened to the voice of his grandfather, not once rudely interrupting him. But each time the chief hesitated for a breath of air during his narration, the excited child asked many questions to which he already knew the replies.
Two days later, Leah made another bold attempt to unnerve Shalee. Soundlessly coming up behind Shalee and placing her burdens of wood sling and dirty clothes to either side of the unsuspecting Indian princess to endanger either path of retreat, Leah moved to stand beside Running Wolf as if merely waiting to speak with him.
Shalee finished her remarks and turned to leave, helplessly falling over the carefully and deviously placed wood sling. Shalee instinctively cried out as she toppled to the stony ground, soiling her dress and scraping her hands. Gray Eagle, standing and talking not far away, rushed forward to assist his wife and to check for injuries. Leah quickly seized the frantic moment to drop to her knees and profusely offer deceitful apologies for her carelessness.
“I’m so sorry, Shalee. Are you hurt?” she hurriedly questioned, her face and voice laced with feigned concern and remorse.
Shalee was helped up by her husband. She glanced at her torn and dirtied dress, then at her bleeding hands. Eyes chilled like pools of frozen green ice glared at Leah. “Perhaps Running Wolf should turn you over to the women for training, Leah. Such carelessness is dangerous and avoidable. An old person could have been injured badly by such a fall,” she subtly warned the white girl, both aware of the abuse Leah would find under the women’s watchful eyes and stern hands.
“But it was an accident, Shalee! I would never harm you or anyone here. I was in a hurry and didn’t think clearly,” Leah lied, forcing false tears to slip forth as if she were being wrongly and maliciously tormented.
“Accidents are for fools and enemies, Leah, not white captives. There is no valid excuse for such recklessness. Make certain it does not happen again.”
More crocodile tears spilled down the white girl’s cheeks. “Have I not been obedient and respectful? Have I not worked hard and done all asked of me? Have I ever caused anyone harm here? It is unkind of you to berate me so cruelly. I had not thought you like this,” she murmured, unaware the valiant warrior also spoke perfect English. She merely assumed Shalee had taught him enough English to grasp a cunning word here and there, but not enough to comprehend each word; for his expression never revealed this fact to her.
The keen mind of Gray Eagle perceived the strong undercurrents that flowed between the two women. There was an enmity here that he had not observed before. The accident was a careless mistake, but why was his gentle and tenderhearted wife reacting so strangely to it and to this obviously frightened and contrite captive? This wasn’t like Shalee. Something about this white girl was troubling her spirit. The glimmers of anger and repulsion in Shalee’s eyes could not be concealed. Shalee had never been a vengeful or impatient person, even with just cause. But both emotions glittered in her stormy gaze as she stared at the offensive girl, who was weeping and apologizing. He was dismayed and perplexed by this new mood in his woman. If anything, Shalee had always been overly kind to and tolerant of white female captives! Why was this situation different?
He gently pulled upon her arm and suggested they tend to her hands. Her eyes softened the moment they touched upon his face. She smiled and nodded. Gray Eagle glanced at Leah, failing to pierce her false mask. She smiled ruefully at him and wisely lowered her head. The action went unnoticed by the retreating Shalee.
Leah cautioned herself not to smile victoriously or to sing with joy over her apparent success. She forced a subdued and melancholy air to further her air of having been wrongly abused. She slowly walked away to perform her tasks, sensing she had instilled confusion in the stalwart warrior.
As Gray Eagle tenderly washed the blood and dirt from Shalee’s hands, he remained silent and alert. Retrieving a parfleche from the edge of the tepee, he opened it and withdrew the pouch of healing ointment. He carefully applied it to the scrapes to halt the bleeding and to relieve the discomfort. After replacing the parfleche, he came forward to sit beside her.
“Shalee?” he inquisitively began. His brow was furrowed in deep speculation and his mood was serious. “Is there some trouble between you and the white girl?” He came right to the point of his concern.
Shalee’s gaze shifted from her hands to his handsome face. “Trouble?” she echoed, allo
wing herself time to ponder a logical explanation.
Shalee had never been able to conceal anything from Gray Eagle’s eyes or sharp senses. He immediately knew there was without her replying. “Tell me what private war you carry on with a lowly slave,” he softly demanded, watching her closely.
Shalee deliberated this tense situation. Would she sound foolish and spiteful if she related her concerns? She had underestimated Leah; the white girl had cunningly made her game appear innocent and harmless. Could she voice aloud her unproven suspicions and fears? “There is something about Leah that disturbs me, Gray Eagle. I cannot discern what haunts me, but I do not trust her. I fear she is crafty like the fox, but I cannot guess her sport,” she replied honestly, but withheld her doubts and Leah’s words. Why, she wasn’t certain.
“Has she disobeyed you?” When Shalee shook her head, he asked another question, “Has there been another accident?” Again Shalee shook her head. “Does she defy my father or show him disrespect?” Once more, Shalee was forced to shake her head. “Then I do not understand, Grass Eyes,” he concluded in rising bewilderment.
“I can’t explain it, Gray Eagle; it is just a feeling I have. She cannot be trusted. You are a warrior and a hunter; do you not have inexplicable and strange feelings that come to you and seem to warn you of some future problem? Do you always comprehend such gnawings upon your mind?” she continued artfully, without revealing too much.
“It is so, Grass Eyes,” he readily agreed. “But my father needs Leah to care for his needs. How can I punish her for feelings that haunt you? How can I send her away when she has done no wrong?” he reasoned.
Shalee held up her hands and asked, “This is not a wrong, my husband?”
Brazen Ecstasy Page 3