Savage Ecstasy

by Janelle Taylor

  But what if it turned out to be his koda who stole her or her heart? He wondered what he would do if she turned to his friend for more than friendship, or his friend took more from her. Would his friend keep his word not to touch her, or would he be overcome friend keep his word not to touch her, or would he be overcome with her beauty also? Pride and honor were two of the most important things to a warrior. Surely his friend would not sacrifice either for a mere white slave. But his Lese was far more than a mere white slave, far more … He hoped he would never be forced to face either of those two situations. He might kil his best friend for such an insult, and her also if she responded … Confidently, he decided he would trust his koda’s honor and love, and Lese’s fear and love for him, to prevent anything like that ever happening. He would not even consider Wanhinkpe Ska’s warnings and hints about his having to give her up one day soon.

  The days marched on as this pattern of truce dropped back into place. He had not taken her for three nights after the incident. He had sensed her apprehension and fear, and sought to give her a few days to calm down. The first night he had taken her, she cried out in panic and fought him wildly. He had finaly managed to quieten her and incite her into submission to him. When it was over, she had refused to leave his embrace al night. She would cry out and toss restlessly in her sleep. Each time, he would comfort her, and she would sleep peacefuly again.

  Her days slipped back into their schedule of regular tasks, chores and activities. But she could not seem to relax completely. She always worked in a pensive, tense mood while in or near the forest. A short time ago, Matu had returned to camp with the berries and greens they had gathered while she remained behind to gather the firewood.

  She glanced around frequently as she worked, in fear of a similiar incident like the other day. She tried to calm her fears by talking to herself as she worked. You must forget what happened the other day. It’s over. He can’t hurt you ever again. Wanhinkpe the other day. It’s over. He can’t hurt you ever again. Wanhinkpe Ska kiled him… for you. Why doesn’t Matu come back? Wanmdi Hota wouldn’t like it if he knew I was alone. Just a little more wood, and I won’t wait for her! I’l go back alone!

  As she worked faster, trying to finish quickly, she had not noticed the wind was rising and the sky growing darker. It was so hot and humid today, and her thoughts were on a cool, relaxing swim in the stream. She was reflecting on the summer days she had spent with her father before she had returned to school in the fal. She had often gone swimming with him on many of those days. Suddenly, a loud crash rent the stil air, jarring her back to reality. She looked around for Matu who stil had not returned. She was completely alone. The wind picked up and gusted through the trees and grass. She ran out into the open field to see if she could catch a sight of Matu. Her braids swayed in the breeze. She had dropped the wood sling and covered her face as dazzling bolts of lightning zig-zagged across the gray sky. Thunder boomed and vibrated in the air. Rain began to pour down and she was scared. The heat was almost stifling and the feeling surrounding her awesome. She had been caught in a few storms, but none as violent as this one. There was power and intensity in this storm. The thunder sounded its warning to al who could hear. She was shaking in fear. She did not know which way to run as lightning struck a nearby tree and sent it crashing to the ground. The storm seemed to cut her off from the vilage and surround her. She looked around in confusion about what to do.

  Above the howling winds and peals of thunder, she heard her name, “Lese… Lese…”

  Her heart lurched in joy. Wanmdi Hota! Overcome with joy and relief, she caled out, “Here! In the field … Hurry, Wanmdi and relief, she caled out, “Here! In the field … Hurry, Wanmdi Hota. Please hurry.”

  In a moment, he was at her side. She ran into his arms and hugged him tightly. His arms encircled her and pressed her close to his chest. When Matu had returned to the vilage alone, he knew she was stil in the forest. Matu had told him she had returned to bring the mni skins and wota while Alisha gathered the wood. She was going back to fetch her, but secretly hoped she would try to escape, or some il would befal her again.

  Gray Eagle had scowled at her and said she was never to leave her alone again. He said he would go and bring her back this time.

  The storm had broken in fury as they talked. He left to search for her. Alisha trembled and clung to him, burying her face on his chest. He puled her to the ground as other bolts flashed nearby and the storm’s fury heightened. Her terror and fear increased. He covered her trembling lips with his and kissed her passionately, trying to block out the raging of the storm and her fear. They clung together in the tal, wet grass and wildflowers. She did not know when her dress was pushed up above her waist and the breechcloth removed, but she was wel aware of the hunger he filed when he entered her.

  The storm now raged inside and outside. Their unleashed passions rivaled its very fury. Soon, they were oblivious to the bright lightning, the roaring thunder, and the rain pouring down on them. They were soaked, but al they felt was their heat and thirst for each other.

  She responded to his lovemaking with such fierce, unbridled desire, he would be astounded later when he would reflect on it. They flamed their love and desire higher and higher until a final, They flamed their love and desire higher and higher until a final, explosive ecstasy was reached. The pounding in her ears and chest was far greater than the thunder.

  As they lay spent in each other’s arms, they returned to reality of the wind and rain. The storm had subsided slightly, but a gentle rain continued to fal. Laughing, they replaced and adjusted soaked clothes and started for the vilage.

  She halted and exclaimed, “The wood!” She ran to retrieve the sling and came back to where he waited for her. He wished he could carry it for her this one time, but dared not. They entered the vilage unnoticed. Al the others were inside to avoid the storm and rain. He built a fire and they exchanged wet clothes for dry ones. She sat by the fire to dry her hair. When he looked over at her, she smiled serenely as if were the natural thing to do. Her eyes had a soft, happy glow.

  The remainder of the day was spent inside. She napped as he sharpened his weapons. As he worked, he would occasionaly stop and study her sleeping features. Had her fear of the storm been responsible for her uncontroled submission to him? He recaled her passionate yielding. She had offered no resistance, mentaly or physicaly, this time. He was aroused just recaling her wild, carefree behavior. Stubbornly, he refused to take her again so soon. It would not be wise to let her see how much and how often I desire her, he reasoned thoughtfuly. He smiled contentedly to himself at her slow, but assured, defeat to him. Life was becoming easy and relaxed with her. This both pleased and worried him greatly … far too greatly, he mused.

  Chapter Eight

  Morning arrived with a clear sky and a bright, warm sun. The peaceful, sleepy vilage began to stir and come to life almost immediately. Gentle rays of sunlight filtered down into the teepee from above. Birds were singing and chirping in the crisp, freshened surroundings. It was going to be a glorious day.

  Gray Eagle and a few of his braves left to go hunting. The soft, damp earth made tracking game very easy and quick. They had been gone for a number of hours when loud whoops and yels pierced the stil air.

  Alisha had finished most of her daily chores and was about to prepare their evening meal. The excitement drew her attention away from her task. She put the knife and meat down to go outside. She wondered what the hunters were bringing in to cause such a wild clamor. Perhaps something huge, dangerous or rare, she mused. She stepped outside into the dazzling sunlight, squinting momentarily to focus her eyes. The pounding of horses’ hooves puled her line of vision to the right where the braves were charging into the center of camp in an uproar of dust and noise. Automaticaly, she halted and stared. Not only were the braves leading several horses laden with fresh game, but also two white trappers, as revealed by their clothing and appearance. The two prisoners were bound securely with their h
ands behind their backs. She quickly noted they were being puled forward by ropes tied around their waists leading to the horses laden with game. The pace of the horses forced the two men to a slow run to keep up. pace of the horses forced the two men to a slow run to keep up. One tripped and fel into the dust. The braves continued, alowing the man to be dragged along in the rocky dirt.

  Her eyes franticaly scanned the group for a sight of Gray Eagle. Suddenly, he came from the rear of the group and moved forward with ease and confidence. She studied his tal, lean frame to be sure he was unharmed. Gray Eagle mistook the intense scrutiny for a show of accusation.

  When her searching eyes returned to his, hers met with a cold, dangerous glint which she had known so wel, but had not seen lately. She instantly recognized the message he was sending to her, but knew she could and would not obey it. She remained rooted to the spot where she had halted only moments before. Her eyes and brain begged, not again … please, not again …

  His eyes turned to burning coals, warning her not to interfere, to remain silent, to return to his teepee and not defy his authority. She read and ignored al his commands.

  She turned and looked on in pity and anger at the men who were stumbling wearily and weakly into camp and the angry braves who were leading them. Tears threatened as she watched the mob preparing for more torture and death. The hostility of the Indian hunters was evident to her. She watched it spread to the people around as they spoke in angry voices, pointing several times to the two men.

  The brave who appeared to be the spokesman for the group of hunters told the people how the two men had attacked and kiled three of their party. The two men were in the process of scalping the braves when they were taken prisoner. A cry of vengeance roared through the air and filed her ears. She stared at the scene, bewildered by the talking and shouting by the brave and his people. bewildered by the talking and shouting by the brave and his people. If only she could understand what they were saying and what was happening! With each new burst of words, the people grew angrier and fiercer. Hatred as thick and heavy as an England fog blanketed the camp.

  Her eyes were drawn down the line of horses and men to a sickening, saddening sight. There were the bodies of three braves strapped to horses. Most of their bodies were covered by blankets, but she could see bright red blood running down their arms and dripping onto the stony ground. Even the blankets covering them were saturated with blood in several spots. They must have put up a fierce struggle. Once more her eyes scanned the group to see which of the braves was missing. Mahpiya Luta, Hehoka Sapa and Tatanka Yotanka were missing. Sympathy for Gray Eagle touched her raging heart, for Red Cloud had been one of his best friends and companions. She had come to respect and like the aging warrior. Five more lives . .. she realized she was just as sad about the deaths of the three Oglalas as she was about the deaths of her own kind. Even if death was such a common, expected event in the lives of these people, she stil found it difficult to accept. It was far more difficult when it was cold-blooded and unnecessary, like today. More bloodshed . .. more death … more suffering for both sides… would the hating and kiling never end? Al the torment and anguish she had witnessed and endured for the past weeks flooded in on her, blocking out the peace and love of the past few days. Without any doubts, she knew what was about to take place. Grief and distress prevailed over common sense and judgment. It was too much…

  Gray Eagle had watched her face, reading al her thoughts. He had hoped her expression at the sight of Mahpiya Luta’s bloody had hoped her expression at the sight of Mahpiya Luta’s bloody body would overrule her rebelion. He had hoped she would realize the serious gravity of the situation and not interfere. Noting the look on her face, he knew he had hoped in vain. The lives of the two white men were stil more important to her than the deaths of three of her enemies, or so he thought. Unaware of the crime the whites had committed, she could not know the justification and demand for their punishments and deaths. He made a very unwise decision when he refused to explain the truth to her.

  He maneuvered his horse in front of her, blocking the scene from her vision. She raised her emerald eyes to his, seeking mercy and understanding which were not there. To his dismay, he caught the spark of rebelion and anger which flared in her somber eyes. He pointed to their teepee and said tersely, “Hiya, Lese! Ya!

  Iyasni!” Silently, he prayed she would do as he commanded. She argued with herself. Helplessly, she knew there was nothing she could do for them. Do not risk his wrath and temper turning on you, she warned.

  Trying to understand, she asked, “Why, Wanmdi Hota? Why must more suffer and die? Five more lives sacrificed. For what?

  Surely you don’t expect me to stand here in silence, watching while you torture and murder them like you did my own people. I can’t!”

  she nearly screamed at him. “I beg you, do not kil them. Do this much for yourself and me …” Her voice was filed with pain and sadness. In anguish, she whispered, “If only I knew how to make you understand what I say. Talking to you is like talking to a rock…”

  More firmly, he repeated his commands again. As tears began to flow down her cheeks, she turned and ran inside his teepee. He sighed in relief at his victory and her submission. He caled White sighed in relief at his victory and her submission. He caled White Arrow over to him and said, “You must watch her carefuly, my koda. These are her people, but I cannot alow her to interfere. She must accept and deal with her sadness and anger in private. I wil take care of this matter while you watch over her. Do not let her leave my teepee or cal out.”

  White Arrow nodded understanding. “I wil watch over her.”

  He knew if she openly defied his friend again, he would punish her severely. He did not want to see her suffer or hurt. Her courage, beauty and gentleness played havoc with his reasoning. White Arrow handed the reins of his mount to a nearby youth. He crossed the short distance to Gray Eagle’s teepee, ducked and entered. He stationed himself just inside the opening. He had lowered the flap when he had entered. He thought it best that no one witnessed his concern and guard.

  She lay sobbing on the buffalo palet. He longed to go to her and comfort her. He knew what a grave and foolish mistake that would be and forced those thoughts aside. She is Gray Eagle’s winyan, he reminded himself. I must not reach out to her in any way. When he realizes he must give her up, I wil bargain for her with al I possess. I wil comfort her when she is mine.

  His ears and senses became alert as the death chant began. He listened to the words as he had done so many times before. Wakantanka, see your children…

  We come to give lives and hearts of wahmunkesa.

  Weoffer their blood for the blood of our warriors. Wakantanka, see your children…

  We send the spirits of the wahmunkesa to you.

  Judge them for their evil.

  Judge them for their evil.

  Wakantanka, hear your children…

  These wahmunkesa are kilers of your children.

  These wahmunkesa are kilers of your animals, our brothers. Wakantanka, hear your children…

  Hear the cries of Mahpiya Luta, Hehoka Sapa, Tatanka Yotanka. Hear the cries of the wahmunkesa, death and vengeance. Wakantanka, see and hear your children…

  White Arrow again turned to Alisha. His eyes watched her so intensely she could feel the power in his stare. She was surprised when she raised her hand and found White Arrow standing there instead of Gray Eagle. Their eyes met and locked with an undefinable emotion.

  The spel was abruptly broken by a yel which rent the air, folowed by a tormented scream. She blanched as white as the snows on the mountain tops. Her chin trembled visibly. Another, and stil another yel and scream tore through the silence. As many more folowed, she glanced around the teepee in agitation and helplessness. Her hands twisted and fidgeted nervously in her lap. Her teeth tugged at her lower lip. With each new cry, she flinched as if she felt the pains herself.

  Soon, she lowered her head and covered her ears with the
palms of her hands. Stil, this did not shut out the anguish of death. She began to rock back and forth, humming softly to herself. This new ploy did not shut out the pleas and sufferings. A pain-filed voice reached her ears as it pleaded for death and an end to his torment.

  Unable to restrain herself, she bounded forward. Before she could reach the entrance, White Arrow seized her by the arms and could reach the entrance, White Arrow seized her by the arms and held her securely. He warned, “Hiya!”

  She lifted tormented eyes to his and wept. He put his arms around her and held her gently, but securely. In need of this comfort, she clung to him tightly, her arms encircling his waist. Al of a sudden, Gray Eagle entered and noted the tender scene. his fiercy gaze flashed ominously at his friend. Nagging doubts and fears plagued his mind.

  White Arrow immediately guessed what his friend thought. He calmly explained he was only giving her comfort in her pain and fear, and preventing her from going outside. Gray Eagle saw how distraught she was and begrudgingly accepted his friend’s words. He watched how Alisha clung to him, like a smal child. He came forward and reached for her. As he puled her unwiling body from White Arrow’s embrace, their eyes met for a brief moment. He was shocked and alarmed by the bitterness he read there. Angrily, he knew the truce was ended between them. He felt sadness at this knowledge, for their truce had been so pleasant, but so short. Stil, she was his and he would not alow this mood.

  Furiously, she jerked her arm from his light, easy grip and backed away without speaking. She stood not far away, glaring at him. His eyes darkened like the deepest night and his jaw tightened noticeably. He looked like a man devil-possessed by her defiance. He spoke through clenched teeth, “Ku-wa, Lese!” There was a deadliness in his tone which brought panic to her heart. She remained frozen to the spot, noting his rapidly rising fury. She made a foolish move in White Arrow’s direction, but he was instantly between them, blocking her escape. She looked past him to White Arrow for assistance, but he lowered his head in refusal. Arrow for assistance, but he lowered his head in refusal. For some wild, unexplainable reason, she made a grab for Gray Eagle’s knife in the sheath at his waist. He seized her smal wrist painfuly and puled her struggling body to him. He pinned her arms behind her back with one of his powerful hands in a grip of steel. He slapped her a couple of times, brutaly bringing her back to her senses.