Savage Ecstasy

by Janelle Taylor

  Her gaze moved to his knife in its sheath hanging on a pole nearby. She stared at it, but was too frightened to try to get it. Her eyes went from him to the knife and back to him many times as she lay there unable to sleep. She fretted, how can I sleep nude like this? I should kil you for what you’ve done and escape. Hours passed as she lay there recaling and reliving the events of the past few days. Her thoughts were in a maelstrom and her nerves were taut, preventing the peace of slumber. As slivers of grayish light marked the approaching dawn and filtered in the teepee, fatigue and despair brought sleep and blackness to her weary mind and body.

  On first awakening, Gray Eagle knew she had slept very little by the dark smudges beneath her eyes. He studied the smal, oval face sleeping beside him, recaling how she had unknowingly and unwilingly reached out to him, not to another man or her captor, but to him…. Knowing her need for rest and sleep to endure the trials of today and the coming days, he stifled his urge to possess her right that moment.

  He smiled sardonicaly as he told himself, she is yours from this day on, Wanmdi Hotà. In time, Cinstinna, you wil come to me wilingly. This I saw in your eyes and felt in your touch when I took you last night and the day you came to me in the wasichu camp. He was careful not to rouse her when he moved from her side and stood up. He donned his leggings and moccasins and departed with his weapons, pleased that she had not gone for his knife last night as his weapons, pleased that she had not gone for his knife last night as he knew she had been tempted to do several times. He smiled to himself at her show of inteligence—and fear, too. Soon, the camp was a beehive of activity on this sunny day. Women were moving about preparing the food for the day and tending to their smal children. Later, they would go to the stream to wash clothes, bathe and fetch water. When that was done, they would go into the forest to gather wood, berries, nuts and wild vegetables.

  Most of the braves were either busy with their weapons, preparing for the coming hunt or supervising the older boys with their warrior skils practice. The younger boys were under the care and command of their mothers, as were the girls.

  The noises of the activities reached Alisha’s ears and roused her from her sleep. She sat up, stretching and yawning, and looked around to find herself alone in the teepee. She sat there waiting and watching for what this new day would bring. She wondered if Ben stil lived and what they would do to him.

  Her stomach rumbled, reminding her she had not eaten since her arrival. She looked down at her nudity and knew she couldn’t leave his teepee. She doubted if anyone would give her any food or water if she did ask. She puled the blanket around her and secured the edges once more.

  Very soon, a slump-shouldered old woman entered the teepee carrying food and water. Her skin was darkened and leathery from the sun and lined “with age. Her braided hair was nearly al white. She advanced to the center of the teepee where the campfire was located and set the items she carried on the flat rocks there. There appeared to be a bowl filed with a stew and a platter holding smal pones of bread. She hung a skin filed with water on holding smal pones of bread. She hung a skin filed with water on the pole. Alisha could smel the aroma of the meat and bread and her mouth watered with anticipation. Her stomach quickly agreed with a few growls. She watched the old woman working and wished she would hurry and leave so she could eat alone. A clear, cool voice behind her told her the brave had returned. She turned her attention to him as he entered the teepee. He walked over to the old woman and spoke with her. She listened, nodded several times, and left.

  He ignored Alisha’s presence and sat down by the food. He began to eat with great enjoyment. For him … she realized in anger and sadness. It’s for him. Imbecile! she scolded herself hotly. She turned away, knowing the food was for him, not her. Ben and Horace’s words came back to taunt her. Had she realy expected him to be kind and considerate after yesterday? Yes, she had, if only a little …

  Humiliated and bitter, she determined she would starve before she would grovel and beg food and water from him or his people. His stern voice broke into her thoughts, “Ku-wa!”

  In her black mood and with intense thoughts of hate and anger, she had not noticed the old woman’s return. She was carrying more food and a chamois-colored skin over her arm. Again, he motioned and caled for her to come to him, “Kuwa!” He patted the earth beside him, saying, “Yanka!”

  She came forward and sat down near him. The brave had already finished eating and sat watching her closely as the old woman handed her the roasted meat and pones of bread. She fidgeted nervously, al too aware of his keen observation of her. She had to force herself to eat slowly and lady-like for she was ravenous and the food tempting. It was hot, juicy and delicious was ravenous and the food tempting. It was hot, juicy and delicious and al thoughts of rebelious starving fled instantly. The old woman had laid the skin, which appeared to be a garment of some type, beside the brave. She slowly and quietly left the teepee, secretly studying the winyan kaskapi. Once more, they were alone. The silence and tension in the air were pressing in on. Alisha as she eyed the brave suspiciously. She expected him to seize the bowl from her grip at any moment, but he did not. She was surprised that he sat immobile, making no attempts to taunt or torture her in any way. He was totaly unpredictable and a mystery to her. She ate as he watched her, relieved he did not have to use force on her this time. She is aware of who has the power here, he mused. She wil think twice before she defies me. She wil come to learn I stay my hand of punishment when she obeys my commands. She finished eating and set the dishes down beside his and turned to him.

  He picked up a strange-looking garment and stood up. It was of an oblong shape, a few inches wide with two long strips on either end. He puled Alisha to her feet and reached to remove the blanket from around her slender frame. Comprehending his intent, she clutched it tightly until her knuckles turned white. She began to back away from him, shaking her head in refusal.

  He looked at her with those icy, black eyes and commanded coldly, “Hiya!” as he shook his head from side to side. Stil, she held on in defiance of yet another humiliation. He gripped the edge of the blanket and tore it from her grasp, leaving her standing naked before him. Her cheeks flamed and her eyes quickly lowered in embarrassment. She stood motionless before his gaze. How could she fight against his strength? She was no match, nor even any competition, for him.

  nor even any competition, for him.

  His hand touched her leg and forced her thighs apart. Her face reddened even more and spread down her neck and lightly onto her chest. He puled the cloth between her legs and tied it oń either side on her hips by the two long strips. He pointed to the breechcloth and said, “Cehnake… cehnake…”

  She eyed the strange contraption and grasped its purpose and his meaning. She touched it with her fingertips and repeated his word, “… cehnake…”

  He nodded and replied, “Sha.”

  He leaned over and picked up the other garment. He lifted her arms over her head and this time she did not resist him as he slid the garment over her head and puled it down into place. It was of a fawn color and very soft to the touch. There were smal white teeth from some animal sewn onto the yoke in a pattern. He touched the dress and said, “Winyan heyake …” He lifted her chin and laced the neck ties. She watched him in confusion. His gentleness as he dressed her had a dangerously disarming effect on her. She asked herself if this could be the same man who just yesterday… just last night… kiled … raped … and terrified her.

  His gaze rose to meet her curious, bewildered stare. She could read nothing in those dark, unfathomable eyes of his. She lowered her eyes to the dress and touching it lightly said, “Winyan heyake?”

  He replied, “Sha.” He lifted her chin and pointed to the buffalo skins and said, “Yanka!”

  Quickly, she went to obey, taking advantage of his good mood and kind treatment. She did not think it wise to anger him unduly at a time when he was like this.

  He lifted the flap and went outside. H
ours passed as she sat He lifted the flap and went outside. Hours passed as she sat there not knowing what else she could do. She wondered what had happened to Ben and the others. Where had the brave gone just now? What was he planning for her? She was totaly mystified by his actions this morning. She realized that he was capable of showing a little mercy and kindness. But why now and after what he had done to her yesterday?

  Nervously, she jumped up and began to pace around the inside of the teepee. She was scared, confused, angry and edgy. She tried to decipher some of the noises and sounds that reached her ears. She could make out children’s laughter, women’s voices talking and singing, men’s voices, dogs barking, horses neighing and many other varied sounds that she did not know or recognize. She doodled in the sand, hummed songs from childhood and paced some more… Agitated, she went to the flap and lifted it, hoping for some fresh air and release from her tension and boredom. As she furtively opened it and peeped out, she stared directly into the scowling face of Gray Eagle as he stood talking to that other brave. She blanched and quickly dropped the flap back into place.

  She walked over to the buffalo skins and sat down, nervously waiting for him to enter. Would he punish her for her inquisitiveness? From the look on his face, she guessed he would. When he did finaly enter, he seemed oblivious to her presence. He picked up his weapons and placed his bow and quiver of arrows over his shoulder. He turned to her and said, “Kuwa! Ihakam ya!”

  She rose and folowed him outside into the warm sunshine, squinting at its brightness. She folowed close behind him as he made his way through the vilage. She was aware of the many made his way through the vilage. She was aware of the many curious stares she received and was happily surprised at the lack of open hostility from anyone. Until they met Chela …

  The two women locked gazes for a short time. The Indian girl’s hatred could be felt in the air and noted in her voice when she spoke with Gray Eagle. To Alisha, she appeared to be pleading with him about something important. As the girl talked, she gazed hungrily into his face, laying her hands on his bare chest. Her pleading and begging turned to anger as he seemed to refuse her words and wishes. Alisha watched the many emotions of love, hate, anger, desire and jealousy come and go on the girl’s face and in her ebony eyes. He was a man to stir and evoke al of those feelings in a woman. Had she herself not felt al of those for him at different times? She could easily understand the girl’s turmoil of emotions. Jealousy! The thought struck her like lightning. Could that be her source of anger and hate? She is furious because I am his captive and… sensing Alisha’s stare, Chela turned and glared contemptuously at her. Chela returned her ful attention to Gray Eagle. She caressed his face lightly with her fingertips as her other hand seductively fondled his smooth chest and broad shoulders. Chela’s tone, mood and intention became clear and embarrassing to Alisha and she shifted restlessly at the heated scene before her. Alisha looked away as Chela tried to put her arms around Gray Eagle’s neck and kiss him.

  He roughly pushed her away from him and puled back. He grabbed Alisha by the hand and walked off. Chela’s stare bore into Alisha’s back until they were out of sight. Alisha knew if their places had been reversed, she would feel the same way Chela did now. She was alarmed to find herself thinking, if he were mine and he brought another to take my place, I would fight for him and hate he brought another to take my place, I would fight for him and hate her. What is that girl to him? I wonder. Surely not his wife for she does not live with him. Perhaps his fiancée or sweetheart? If so, then why does he treat her like that? It is cruel and mean. Maybe their relationship is one-sided. Maybe, this love and desire she feels for him is not returned. That thought brought a smile to her lips and a leap of joy to her heart…

  Just maybe, he does not love or want her. The way she touched him and behaved toward him … a spark of anger and jealousy flickered uncontrolably in her own heart and mind. Defensively, she asked, why should I care what is between them?

  He can have whom he pleases! Perhaps she could take his attentions from me. Fearfuly she realized, if she did, then what would he do with me? Would he give me to one of his friends?

  Maybe Ben was right. If I do what he says, perhaps he wil keep me for himself. That way, I would be under his protection …

  But why did he choose to keep me? Surely my help meant nothing to him or he wouldn’t have been so cruel to me last night. She franticaly asked herself, if he only desires me or wants to hurt me, what wil happen to me when his lust and revenge are sated?

  While I remain here in his demesne, she resolved, I shal endure until the time for freedom comes.

  They stroled toward the forest and entered the trees. It was exhilarating to be outside in the fresh air and sunlight, to smel the greenery, flowers and nature’s aromas and to move about with a smal measure of freedom. It was delightful to walk barefooted in the cool grass and inhale the heady, woodsy air. It was almost as if they had suddenly stepped into another world and time. Al around Alisha could hear the sounds of the forest creatures and the rustle of the leaves in the light breeze. Sunlight filtered through shady trees, the leaves in the light breeze. Sunlight filtered through shady trees, sending shimmering rays to the ground or playing on the leaves and flowers. The bushes and trees were covered with heavy green foliage. Wildflowers sprang up here and there, offering their color, fragrance and beauty for them to see and enjoy. A gentle wind whipped through her hair and dress and played across her skin. The singing of many birds filed her ears. A quiet calm settled in her mind as she walked along the forest path behind Gray Eagle. She was reminded of the many long walks she had taken with her father at Thad’s estates back in Sheffield or in the park near their townhouse in Liverpool, especialy in the early spring or fal. She stopped and gazed up at two squirrels chattering noisily and shaking their tails in warning to each other. It appeared as if they were arguing over who would be the owner of a cluster of spruce cones. She laughed softly as she stood observing the animated scene. Forgetting where she was and why, she caled out quietly to Gray Eagle, “Look! Aren’t they cute?” She pointed to the scene above her as she suppressed her laughter with her hand. She did not know he had halted when she had and had been watching her the entire time. He had noted the sparkle of life and gaiety which lit her eyes like stars. He saw how the bright eyes and dazzling smile intensified and heightened her beauty. As he listened to the musical laughter, he almost joined her merriment. Displeased with himself for his lax, unguarded reaction to her, he spoke roughly, “Ku-wa!”

  Startled at the unwarranted iciness in his voice, she jumped and stared at him. The smile and laughter faded instantly. As he turned and walked on ahead of her, she impishly stuck her tongue out at him, then proceeded to folow along behind him again. He knew he had extinguished her newfound lightheartedness and knew he had extinguished her newfound lightheartedness and regretted his harsh tone. Hadn’t this walk done exactly what he had hoped for, by slightly relaxing her fear and mistrust? That was until she had caused him to relax just a little too much too soon …

  Later, they came to a wide, rock-filed brook and he sat down. He patted the ground beside him and said, “Yanka, Cinstinna.”

  She glared at him, then sat down a little way off with her back to him. He grinned in amusement at her open display of hurt feelings and her attempt to punish him for his harshness. He would alow her to lick her wounds for the time being.

  He watched her as she unconsciously plucked wildflowers and one by one picked the petals off them in anger. He thought teasingly, she pretends it is my body she tears apart with her bare hands.

  Alisha listened to the drone of the bees colecting nectar. She heard the singing of the katydids and cicadas. She watched the flowers and leaves dance in the sunlight and breeze. She listened to her heart beg for truce and understanding between them. Its pleas tugged at her. Hadn’t there been enough hatred and cruelty between them? How could she bear to live this way forever?

  Would he… could he… accept
truce between them? She was lost in her ilusions when White Arrow came up and joined them. White Arrow sat down and began to talk with Gray Eagle as he threw smal pebbles into the water. The stones hit with a “plip”

  and rings rippled in ever widening circles until they disappeared. Alisha watched the ripples, wishing she knew their tongue. If she did, then she could hear and know their secrets.

  She was thinking this place was a glen for lovers, not a place to speak of death raids and vengeance, as she was sure they were to speak of death raids and vengeance, as she was sure they were doing. Lovers could lie among the flowers in the cool grass and …

  Her face pinkened as she realized what she was thinking and visualizing with Gray Eagle as her lover. Alisha! she scolded herself. What are you thinking? Have you gone completely daft?

  Gray Eagle caught her elbow and puled lightly on it. She turned to see what he wanted. He said, “Wayaketo!” pointing into the forest across the brook.

  Her gaze folowed his direction to where a female red fox was coming to drink with. her young pups. No matter how hard she tried to appear disinterested, her eyes kept straying back to the scene on the other bank. The mother had a reddish-orange coat of silky fur which was thick and fluffy. Her ears, throat, paws and tail were tinged and tipped with milky white. The pups could hardly be more than a few weeks old.