by Leah Matheny
I couldn’t go to sleep; I kept thinking Honon might show up. I remembered his promised threat for a second slap.
The instant I woke up my stomach rebelled. Misu was there to help me the first few hours and Papina came to relieve her later. Again, not until after lunch was I able to keep down some broth.
“Thank you so much, Papina. You and the others have been such a help to me. You’ve all given up so much of your time. I hope I can repay you someday.”
“Of course you can, when the next one of us gets pregnant,” she laughed.
I spent some time with Helaku to boost my morale. I never did see Honon. I almost dreaded going to bed, because I knew the morning would be coming soon.
The morning was there before I knew it--or wanted it. Later, Misu was sitting with me as I drank my broth and I thanked her profusely for all her help.
“Falling Rain, I want to let you know I talked with Sapata yesterday. She asked me to tell you she wanted to help you if you want.”
I was surprised. “Isn’t she Matila’s friend?”
Misu smiled. “Yes, and she is my friend and the friend of many others. Sapata is a very kind and caring person. She would like to be your friend too.”
I was embarrassed. I’d acted like we were in high school and you couldn’t be friends with one person if someone else didn’t want you to be. “Yes, please tell her I’d love to spend time with her, that I look forward to it. Thank you.”
After my bath, Papina and Sitala showed up. “Hello, we’re going to get food supplies. Would you like to go with us?” Sitala asked me.
“Sure.” I said, grabbing an empty basket. On the way there, I noticed Papina and Sitala seemed a little nervous. They kept looking at each other, and then they’d both look at me--then back at each other again. Sitala was biting her lip. “All right, you two, what’s up?”
They stopped and looked at each other before looking all around. “Huyana, we have been talking with the men.” Papina stopped and looked at Sitala. “Honon has been back three days and he has ignored you all this time. We have an idea so he won’t be able to ignore you.” She stopped and looked at Sitala again.
“Go on, someone tell me.” I looked back and forth between them.
Sitala continued, “We’ll give him a little bit of his own medicine. When you tell us to, I’ll have him for dinner and I’ll put some sleeping herbs in his food. When he’s asleep, Kosumi will carry him to his…your koca. Liwanu and Muata will be there to help. Once there, he’ll be tied spread eagle to stakes so he can’t move.” She stopped to clear her throat. “Afterward…well, I’m sure you can think of something.”
My mouth hung open. I moved my head back and forth between them. “You’ve got to be kidding me. The men are in on this? Does Wuyi know?”
“Yes, he knows. And he approves, especially after he found out how you were treated. I’m sorry, tune, I had to tell him. He demanded I tell him what was wrong with Honon. Wuyi wanted to know everything that happened.”
“That’s okay,” I sighed. “I can’t believe this. But what if he gets even madder? What if I make matters worse? I don’t know…I have to think about this.”
Sitala held my shoulders. “Take all the time you need. Just remember, this plan was the only way I was able to convince Wuyi to put off a forced marriage. He’s agreed to let us use our womanly wiles for a while. If they don’t work, then…” She shrugged her shoulders and held her hands up in a helpless gesture.
“Okay, let me think about this. But, what about the next morning when I’m throwing up, what’ll I do then?”
“Maybe he’ll be sympathetic and help you, especially if he was…um…happy the night before,” Papina blushed redder than I’d ever seen.
As they walked me back to my place, I asked them, “All right, can you give me a least a week to work up the courage?”
Sitala agreed with a nod.
Men started dropping wood off by my door; summer was leaving and the nights were getting cooler. Liwanu showed me how to build and light a fire inside the koca. It took me fifteen minutes to get one going the next evening.
The next four days passed pleasantly enough, except for the mornings. Sapata started coming for a little bit each day to help out. I was enjoying her visits--she was really quite funny and always laughing as she told me about antics happening in the village.
Sitala came to tell me that my time was up. “Wuyi says you must set the plan to motion tonight. He said it’s been one week since we told him of the plan and he sees no change in Honon. Do you think you can do it?”
My stomach clenched in fear. “Well, I guess Wuyi isn’t giving me any choice. I’m having dinner with Papina tonight. I’ll let Muata know if I’m ready and he can go tell you and Wuyi, okay?” I shuddered. “Are you sure this is the right thing to do? I hope I don’t throw up on him.”
“It would serve him right,” Sitala laughed. “This is a good plan.” She patted my arm. “The way to a man’s heart is not always through the stomach.” She looked down and seemed apprehensive. “Tune, there’s something you should know, maybe knowing will give you more strength to do what you need to do.”
My anxiety level rose. “Okay, tell me.”
“Honon brought the supplies that were needed back with him,” she said and looked at me.
“Okay, you have more horses now?” Then I knew, “Another woman.” I started to panic. “Please tell me it’s not another woman. Are they together? Does he want her?” I felt my stomach clench up again.
Sitala grabbed my shoulders. “Sit down, relax. Yesterday is the first day he was seen walking with her…um, and again this morning.”
I leaned on the bed and held my stomach. “I don’t know, this just isn’t me. I don’t chase after men. I’ve only dated three of them. I don’t think I know how to do this.”
Sitala sat next to me. “You seem like a strong woman. The other night you proved it, you can fight. And that’s what this is, a fight for your man, the man you love, the father of your child. Don’t let anyone else win, including Honon. Don’t think like you’re flirting to get the attention of a man. This is for your life, the life of your child. Now, do you think you can do it?”
I blinked. “Wow, that’s some speech, you’re a great motivator. And yes, I know I don’t have any other choice but to fight, and to win. Let Wuyi and the others know I’m on for tonight. Thank you, Sitala, again,” I said with a hug.
“This will work. Good luck.” Sitala hugged and kissed me goodbye. She stopped before she exited to look back and give me an encouraging smile.
Chapter 10
I was eating dinner at Papina’s. Before we had eaten outside; now we were eating inside because of the cold. I was extremely distracted and had a hard time following the conversation. “What is wrong, Falling Rain? Are you afraid?” Helaku asked me innocently. Muata coughed.
“Oh it’s nothing, Sunshine. I just have many things on my mind.” I tried to pay attention to the conversation.
Helaku came over to me and put her hand on my cheek. “Are you afraid to be sick again? Because I will help you, I know what to do. I watched my mother help you.” Her expression was so serious and compassionate.
As usual, she made me grin. “Yes, there’s always that fear. Thank you for your offer to help me,” I said, and gave her a big hug.
Muata got up. “I’ll go find Liwanu and Kosumi, we have things to discuss.” He patted my shoulder. “Good luck.” He hadn’t looked comfortable all evening.
“Muata, what do you think of our plan? Do you think it’ll work? Am I doing the right thing?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. I have never seen Honon act this way before, so I don’t know how he will act afterward. I can think how he will act during.” He smiled shyly at me. “I know I would not be mad while my Papina took me captive like that.”
“Muata!” Papina playfully slapped him on the arm and blushed deeply. “Go on now, make your plans.” All three of us laug
hed as he walked away.
I was helping Papina clean up. “Papina, I have a favor to ask. Do you have any more rosemary oil? If you do, may I have some?”
“Oooo, yes I do. I think Honon is going to lose his fight tonight.” We both laughed. Helaku came over to us, so we sat down to sing nursery songs, both in English and in Miwokan. They laughed at my pronunciation. I almost forgot about the night ahead. Almost.
There was no moon; the night was completely dark when Muata came inside the koca. “Sitala says to come. We’re ready.”
Oh. My stomach dropped to my knees. I quickly looked to Papina. “Help,” I squeaked.
Helaku was getting worried. “What is wrong, Mother, what is wrong with Falling Rain?”
“Shh, Helaku, go get into bed. There’s no problem, this is adult business.” Papina nudged her toward the bed and Muata took hold of my arm. “Come, we must go now.”
“Good luck,” Papina called after me. “Wait, Huyana, the oil.” She ran back inside. I groaned and quickly looked around to see if anyone could have heard her.
Muata laughed. “I don’t think Honon will be mad the entire time,” he whispered to me and I groaned again.
Papina handed me the oil. “Sorry,” she whispered and shrugged her shoulders with a giggle, which she tried to stifle by covering her mouth with her dainty fingers.
“You go to your koca, we’ll be right there with Honon.” Muata pushed me in that direction and he headed toward Sitala’s.
“Oh, please give me the strength,” I whispered. “Do not throw up…I will not throw up,” I chanted as I walked over.
I was standing by the bed when Liwanu came backwards into the koca. He was holding on to some fur. Kosumi followed carrying the other end of the fur. “You have Honon inside that? Can he breathe?” I asked, my voice rising.
Muata pushed his way through, carrying a bag. “Set him down and help me move the bed away from the wall. I need a place to put these,” he said while removing stakes from the bag. I moved to uncover Honon’s face; he was asleep, so I moved to the other side of the room to stay out of the way. They moved the bed a little closer to the fire pit and Muata called Kosumi over with a quick wave of his hand.
“Kosumi, you’re Honon’s size. Lie down here, stretch your arms out, and let us see if this will work.”
Liwanu got the fire started and brought more wood in. Kosumi was on the bed stretched out and he laughed, “I think I’m going to envy my brother even more.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me.
I turned around and groaned, “This is not happening. This is all a dream.”
“Kosumi, quit playing. We need to move the foot of the bed over a little more.” Muata sounded pretty nervous. He tossed the pillows at me. “Here, put those over his ears. I don’t want to take a chance this will wake him.” He began hammering the stakes into the ground just out of Kosumi’s reach and then down by his feet. We all looked at Honon, still sleeping soundly.
Muata slapped Kosumi’s foot. “Get up and help me move him.”
Kosumi pouted. “But I think I want to stay here. Huyana, are you sure you want my brother?” He said with a little pout that quickly turned into a wicked grin.
Muata stood up and kicked Kosumi in the leg. “Up, help me put him on the bed.”
Sitala moved the curtain aside and peeked her head in. “Huyana, here’s some food in case you get hungry later. And here’s some water for you to drink, and tea to give Honon in case he has a headache when he wakes.” She looked over at Honon and quickly left. Everything seemed to be happening so fast. Part of me felt like running--a big part of me.
Liwanu came over to me. “I wish you luck. I will keep guard tonight to make sure no one comes to bother you.”
My eyes widened, “Right outside?” I shook my head; he would be able to hear everything. It was bad enough that they knew what would be happening.
He chuckled and tweaked my nose, “No. I will watch from my koca.”
I sighed with relief, but also noticed I was sweating with nervousness. I needed hot water to wash up. “Liwanu, can you please take this pot and fill it with water from the hot pool for me?” He took the pot and headed out. Muata and Kosumi were just finishing tying Honon up and they stood.
“Well…that’s all. We’ll go now, unless you need anything else?” Muata asked.
I shook my head, “I’m good. Thank you both.” They patted me on my arm before turning to leave.
Kosumi stuck his head back in. “Mother told me to tell you Honon should sleep for close to one hour more.” He gave me a slow look from my feet to my face, winked, and walked away.
Liwanu showed up about five minutes later with the pot of water. “Where do you want me to put it?”
I pointed next to the fire. “Thank you, Liwanu.” He patted my shoulder before leaving and I was sure he heard the tremble in my voice.
My heart was racing and I was alone with Honon. He was laid out before me like a bountiful meal, ready for me to take my fill. After my sponge bath, I put on the outfit he’d given me. I combed my hair out of its braid and let it hang free. Maybe twenty minutes had passed before I had the guts to walk over and sit beside him. He was asleep and I could enjoy myself for awhile before the real games began. He was wearing long pants--not pants really, more like chaps--under his breech cloth.
I gently ran my finger over his face, memorizing every feature, rise, indent--his soft lips. Honon groaned and I jumped backward to the foot of the bed before quickly scrambling up and away. My heart tried to jump out of my chest. He didn’t move and he was still breathing deeply; I sighed with relief. Geez, get a grip. Can’t show fear. I walked around the room, pacing, trying to relax and take control. If he’s not awake in a half-hour, I’ll try to wake him. I wished I had a watch. Wanting to concentrate on something else, I walked over to see what Sitala had brought us to eat. There were dried berries, crackers, nut biscuits, and a bowl of honey. Ha, good job, Sitala.
When I turned around, Honon was staring at me.
My smile dropped as I took a step back. I swallowed a lump in my throat and my heart raced. What have I done? When I looked and saw that his arms were still tied, the air rushed out of me in relief. I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out so I shut it and swallowed again, willing my heart to slow down.
“What are you up to, Dani, excuse me, Falling Rain?” He stared at me with his stone face. Both of his arms jerked and I heard the creak of the leather stretching. I looked, but didn’t see the stakes budge. “I don’t know what game you are playing, but I can assure you that you won’t like the consequences.” His face started to harden. “Now, why don’t you be a good je…be a good girl, and untie me. Now!” He yelled the last word.
My whole body jerked as I gasped. I felt like I’d been running a race. I swallowed. He obviously couldn’t get loose or he would have. “You were going to call me a jewa, weren’t you?”
“And if I was? Are you not pregnant?” He said with one eyebrow raised in that cocky way. His voice was calm again, but his eyes were hard.
“Well, if I’m a jewa, and I am pregnant, that must make you the cakah’uc who impregnated me,” I said casually with one of my own eyebrows raised. I can be cool and collected too, you jackass. I started to walk closer to him and stopped about a foot away. Honon jerked his arms again, hard.
“That is the question, isn’t it?” He sneered.
I ignored him. “How’s your head? Do you have a headache? I have tea to help if you do.”
He just stared at me.
“No? Okay.” I sat down next to him and his body tensed like he was ready to strike. “You asked what I was doing. Well, what I’m doing is two-fold. First, this is payback,” I said while trailing my finger down his chest, slowly, to his belly. Keeping my eyes on my finger the entire time, I saw the muscles in his stomach twitch. I gently bit my bottom lip and slowly brought my eyes back to his, keeping my finger on his stomach. I raised an eyebrow. “Okay?”
“A
nd the second part?” He said quietly.
Smiling, I trailed my finger up to where I could see his pulse beating in his neck. “Oh, I think I’ll save that part for later if you don’t mind.”
“But I do mind. I mind this very much. You are going to stop now and untie me.” His voice was still deceptively soft.
I stood up. “No, I don’t think so. I remember quite clearly wanting you to stop doing things to me. Did you care about what I wanted? Did you stop?” I walked over to the shelf and grabbed a big knife. His eyes widened for a split second when I walked back to him and he jerked his arms and legs again. The ropes still held strong. I stepped over one of his legs and sat back on my heels. Holding the knife in one hand, I put the other hand on his thigh and his muscle clenched.
“Dani, stop now or…I’ll call out for Muata,” he said between clenched teeth. He tried to move his body away from me.
“No, I don’t think you will. If you do, Muata, and maybe others, will come in here. I don’t think you want them to see you like this, do you? Now, I suggest you not move…I’m not used to this big knife.” I looked down near his feet and put down the knife so I could remove his moccasins. Then I looked at his face. Oh boy, is he angry.
I picked up the knife and set it near his leg, then stopped. “No, I don’t think I’ll cut up your clothing. I’m not as callous and wasteful as you are.” I proceeded to untie the straps all the way up that leg, and I did the same to his other leg. Putting my hands underneath the material and slowly moving my hands up, I moved the front panels away. He was still lying on the back side of the pants. Sighing, I looked at him, “Honon, you can either lift your bottom up so I can slide these away or I’ll waste perfectly good clothing with a knife.”
He just stared at me for a minute. “Well?” I said, picking up the knife. He lifted his bottom and his eyes hardened. “Thank you,” I smiled and fluttered my lashes before tossing the leggings by the drape. I scooted up closer to the junction of his legs. My heart started to beat harder; I had to slow it down, so I took a deep breath and exhaled. With both my hands, I reached for the ties to his breech cloth and I watched his eyes as I slowly pulled. His jaw was clenched.