She folowed the path to the stream and hid the bundle in some thick, leafy bushes near the water’s edge. She hurriedly colected some wood, filed the mni bags, and bathed. She knew this could be her last bath for a long time. She scrubbed away the last traces of their lovemaking from her body, wishing the same could be done for her mind.
She retrieved the wood sling, water bags, and her soiled clothes and returned to their teepee. Matu saw her leave and return. Then, seeing no reason for Alisha to leave Wanmdi Hota’s teepee Then, seeing no reason for Alisha to leave Wanmdi Hota’s teepee again, she dismissed her from her mind. She had not even thought it unusual to not see her again.
Alisha added more wood to the fire to give the appearance of her presence. She placed more aguyapi on the flat, hot rock by the fire. The smel of the fire and aguyapi cooking would avoid any suspicion toward her until it was too late.
It was mid-afternoon. The women had taken the smaler childen inside for their naps. Many of the braves joined their women at this rest time. The other braves went to the meeting lodge to talk and smoke with friends or to plan new hunts and raids. The older boys and girls were at the far side of the vilage doing chores or playing games. This was her chance. It was to be now or never. No one saw her as she cautiously slipped from the teepee and headed into the forest. She walked quickly, careful to notice if anyone was folowing. She retrieved the bundle she had hidden by the stream. She removed her moccasins and stepped into the water. She had recaled her father’s lesson on scents and trails being concealed in water. She walked a long way in the stream, observing the trees and bushes for signs of discovery or danger. When she thought she had gone far enough, she left the stream by the other bank and entered the forest.
Every nerve in her body was on edge. She was too frightened to feel the scratches from the briars, or the scrapes from the twigs which slapped against her, or to hear the sounds of the wild forest creatures.
She traveled for what seemed like hours, not daring to stop for rest. She came to the edge of the woods. Before her, she could see only dirt knols and sand flats which appeared to go on and on forever. The far landscape was etched with high bluffs and ravines, forever. The far landscape was etched with high bluffs and ravines, and in the far distance, dark mountains and plateaus. There were many sagebrushes, dried and withered from the harsh sunlight, to nip at her bare legs. From her viewpoint, the terrain looked rocky, dangerous, and very desolate, but for the occasional beauty of the yuccas and flowering cacti. The sparse patches of tal grass seemed barely enough to support any kind of wildlife.
The boulders and canyons she noted in the distance could provide many hiding places for her. The trek would be slow and treacherous, but she had made her decision and resolved to push on quickly. She gazed around once more and stepped out into the open. She hesitated for a time as if she waited for some evil to swoop down and devour her on the spot. Nothing … no movement or sound… only the blazing sun beating down on her in welcome to this arid, deserted wilderness. She ventured forth slowly. It was getting late and she knew she must soon find a safe place to stay the night. She searched the sides of the ravine as she moved along. Her eyes lit on a smal clump of bushes located on a semi-flat area a short distance up the embankment. She would have a good view of her surroundings from there. The bushes would offer some visual protection from intruders and a slight shield from the cool night breeze.
She gradualy worked her way up to the bushes after many slips, fals and scrapes to her hands and knees. She spread out the blanket and sat down on it, breathless and panting. She coughed to clear the dust from her nose and lungs. Perspiration dampened her body. The hard, stony ground instantly made its discomfort known to her posterior. She wished the buffalo skin had not been so large and obvious to carry. She would surely miss its warmth and comfort tonight. She shifted restlessly on the thin blanket and moved closer tonight. She shifted restlessly on the thin blanket and moved closer to the scanty shelter of the bushes.
She rested for a time. She soon became aware of the numerous stinging cuts and scrapes. She picked up her water skin and gingerly bathed the dirt and blood from her face, hands, and legs. The water did little to soothe her minor injuries. A little later, she ate her meager meal. She was so weary, but so uncomfortable she could not fal asleep. Too many fears, doubts, and questions plagued her thoughts.
She watched the effect of the brightening moonlight on the nearby terrain. It was lit by the ghostly, sinister glow. The sky was clear and the heavens filed with hundreds of milky, iridescent stars. A chiling breeze leisurely swayed the tal grasses back and forth in hushed silence. The rock formations loomed dark and forbidding against the graying skyline. She studied the cacti and trees which were bent and mangled by age and weather. It gave them the appearance of hideous specters to a fatigued mind. Somewhere out there Wanmdi Hota either sleeps or sits beneath this same moon and stars, she mused. How different our thoughts must be. Our paths have crossed and now veered from each other. Sadly she thought, but we gained nothing from our touching of each other’s lives. I have lived as chattel for these past months. I doubt if he wil even think of his white captive when he is gone.
She instinctively reached to finger her gold locket, but knew instantly it was missing and how it had gone. Drowsily she stared at the landscape. She slipped into a light stupor and without being aware of when or how, she drifted into a fitful slumber. Within a few hours, she was abruptly awakened by loud, mournful wails of a nearby animal. In the distance, a coyote was on mournful wails of a nearby animal. In the distance, a coyote was on the prowl. She shuddered and fearfuly glanced around, expecting to be pounced upon and ripped to pieces at any minute. Her exhausted mind played many tricks on her imagination. She saw and heard al kinds of evil things lurking in the nearby shadows. For the remainder of the night, she sat in wide-eyed fear, clutching her knees to her chest. She shivered from the chil of the night and lack of warmth from the light blanket. How she longed for a fluffy, thick buffalo hide and Gray Eagle’s body heat. By daybreak, she was worn down mentaly and physicaly. She wondered how she could push on, but knew she must. This was no time to look back or falter. She watched the huge, orange sun rise from the bowels of the earth and sluggishly ascend upward into the periwinkle sky. Its hue gradualy changed from orange to ocher, to yelow, to a briliant platinum. It spread its warmth and dazzling light al around her, dispeling al the demons of the night. She ate very little, knowing her food supply and water would have to last for a long time. Surely there would be places to refil the water skin, but no way to kil or find more food. She had no idea how far or how long she would have to travel before she found other whites or the fort. She wasn’t even sure if there were any other white settlers nearby. If she could only make it close to the fort, hopefuly someone would find and help her. She remembered Fort Pierre was to the northeast on the map her uncle had shown her. But the map was in the charred ruins of their fortress and the fort was northeast of that fortress, wherever it had been located. She didn’t even know in which direction the Oglala camp was from her fortress. The only thing she could do was head east, toward the rising sun. Somewhere in that direction lay her civilization, Fort Pierre, and hopefuly her England. civilization, Fort Pierre, and hopefuly her England. She gathered her things and began to move on. The going became harder and slower. So much of this terrain was perilous with its sharp, slippery rocks jutting up to trip and cut the feet of a careless traveler. There were so many pitfals and hidden snares to avoid, she was forced not only to watch the countryside for dangers, but her footing as wel. Her progress went even more slowly.
Unaccustomed to long walking and the rocky terrain, her feet and legs ached. Her shoulders, arms and back begged for some relief from the constant strain of puling, pushing, bending and carrying. Alisha was hot, sweaty, dirty, scratched, bruised and weary before noontime. Never had she been so tired, not even on the journey to this savage country. How much longer could she continue in this heat?
T
he sun beat down harder and harder. Its heat sapped her strength and its bright light pained her eyes. She did not realize how frequently she drank from her water skin.
It was almost sunset when she was so weary and sore she could go no farther. With shock she discovered she had used al her water. She squeezed and shook the water skin in panic. She glanced around for any slight sign of moisture. The arid, dusty land told her it had seen no rain for a very long time. There was no chance for escape without water. Escape, she scoffed. There is no life without water, Alisha. How could I have been so wasteful and careless? Al this suffering just to die from a death worse than one Wanmdi Hota would mete out.
She racked her brain for any shred of information about dry climates and water. Underground streams … springs bubbling up near bases of cliffs… an artesian spring… vegetation which holds near bases of cliffs… an artesian spring… vegetation which holds moisture…. She scanned the landscape for the highest bluff. To her right, she spotted two high rock formations with a narrow pass between them. Perhaps in there, she thought with eagerness. She dropped her bundle and headed for the opening. The lack of water had panicked her into believing she was thirstier than she had reason to be.
She walked the length of the narrow pass until she came to where it was blocked by falen rocks. On her way, she had examined the wals and ground for any sign of moisture. She found none. The shadows on the sides of the cliff wals and the receding light reminded her it would soon be getting dark. She hurried back to the entrance. At least I have food, she reassured herself. I can eat, then find a place to sleep for tonight. I’l have to wait until the morning to search for water.
As she reached the entrance to the smal gorge, she halted, then froze in that very spot. One of the most terrifying sounds she had ever heard pierced her ears. Like a powerful magnet, her eyes were drawn to the ground before her. A deadly quiver passed through her. She glared as if hypnotized at the six-foot long, diamond-backed rattlesnake that lay directly in her path, blocking the only exit.
She was mesmerized by the snake which was as large around as a huge apple. He had a triangular head with protruding mounds above his slanted eyes and minute pits on either side of his mouth. She noted the brown, black, and white diamond designs on his back. She watched the forked tongue as it darted swiftly in and out, and listened to the ominous rattling of its tail. The tail caught her attention and she vainly tried to count the number of rings on it. It was almost impossible with its rapid movement, but there appeared was almost impossible with its rapid movement, but there appeared to be twelve to fifteen. He had been around for a long time. In a flash, Alisha recaled Ben’s warning about this particular snake and its aggression against its enemies. After Luke’s death, Ben had told her al he knew about rattlers. He said that with their sense of smel, they could pursue their quarry relentlessly for miles. Most snakes would back off from a larger enemy, but this one would stand his ground and attack.
The rattler had made no move to strike at her so far, but neither did it slither away. It just lay there, waiting and warning her. It was a game of cat and mouse, with her as the mouse and the snake, the cat. It sensed her fear and toyed with it. Her body ached in every part, but she knew she must not shift her weight in any way or it might instantly strike at her. She would not stand a chance of avoiding those deadly fangs. Her only hope was to remain completely motionless, as lifeless as the rocks around her, until the snake tired of this cruel game and moved on to other prey.
She could not venture a guess as to how much time had elapsed. Thoughts of her precarious position were foremost in her mind. Even if she avoided its first strike and fled into the gorge, it could pursue her. There was no way out of the boxed gorge. Wanmdi Hota, where are you? Alisha begged silently. Please come! I need you. Let him be in time, please…
A faint swish and heavy thud were suddenly heard as a yelow-tipped arrow was embedded deep within the snake’s head. Her eyes retraced the flight of the arrow. Relief flooded her features. She screamed his name and nearly swooned in joy. features. She screamed his name and nearly swooned in joy. With Alisha’s life in danger, Gray Eagle had made the only decision possible. He was sure the snake had no intention of leaving any time soon. It would have been only a short time before she had done something to incite him to attack. The snake’s life had to be taken with great silence and caution. If he had missed, al would have been lost. She would have screamed or moved and the snake would have ended her life. He was sure the Great Spirit understood and agreed with his decision. Her life was now back in his hands. Alisha leapt past the stil thrashing snake and ran straight into the arms of Gray Eagle. She clung to him as she cried hystericaly. She babbled almost incoherently, releasing pent-up fear and joy.
“You came… so frightened… found me… al-most too late…
wouldn’t leave me here to die … sorry… never again… promise…
learned lesson … prayed you would come… so tired… don’t be angry… don’t… hate…” The last couple of sentences, although rushed, were clearer to him. “You do care what happens to me, don’t you? You wouldn’t have come to save me if you didn’t. Hold me, Wanmdi Hota. Just hold me and never let me go, ever again.”
Her statement about his caring for her rifled through his mind and he reacted violently. He seized her by the shoulders and shook her. He shouted to be heard over her babbling.
“Hiya! Iyasni! Iyasni! Hiya wohdake! Sica!”
He continued to shout at her, but his tone and expression only gave her more reason to cry, which she did uncontrolably. She comprehended only a few of his commands—to be silent and that she was bad.
He realized he had little choice but to let her get it al out. When she did calm down a little, he bound her hands before her and tied a long rope to them. He left her standing there while he and tied a long rope to them. He left her standing there while he went to the snake. Taking his knife from its sheath, he cut the rings off its tail. The rings were believed to contain great magic. They were usualy made into a wanapin and worn to protect the wearer from evil and danger.
He came back to where she waited, stil silently sobbing. He glared coldly at her for a minute. He reached for the rope and gave it a tug. She nearly stumbled as she was abruptly yanked forward by both her hands. She mutely folowed him to.where he had dropped his own belongings. He retrieved his weapons and pack, and began to lead her away. He ignored al her attempts to explain her actions and to plead for forgiveness.
They walked for a very long time. Alisha was so exhausted she soon walked in a near stupor. She stumbled and tripped many times and then fel face forward into the dirt. Her elbows and knees were scraped and bleeding. She couldn’t force herself to get up again and move on. Why was he being so mean? She couldn’t go on anymore…
“Mni…” she pleaded hoarsely. But when she wearily raised her head, she faced Gray Eagle’s moccasins, firmly planted on either side of her head. She lifted her eyes to him. His expression was one of total indifference concerning her needs. She dejectedly dropped her head back to the stony ground and wept anew. She was in need of water and rest, but knew he would grant neither. He leaned over and jerked her back to her feet. He gave the rope a pul and led her forward again. She tried to hang back, but he grabbed her hand and forced her on and on. It was not long before she faltered and cried out, “I can’t go any farther, Wanmdi Hota. Please let me rest for a while. Couldn’t I have just one sip of water? I’m so tired! Please…”
have just one sip of water? I’m so tired! Please…”
She staggered on for a short distance until she began to hear a buzz which sounded like hundreds of insects flying around and inside her ears. Minute, brightlycolored lights formed and flashed before her vision like numerous fireflies darting about. The moon must have gone behind some clouds, for it was suddenly very dim and dark. The droning hum grew louder, the night grew darker, and the fireflies increased in number.
She weaved back and forth, shaking her head to cle
ar her senses. She could not think where she was. Her mouth was very dry and her knees unsteady. She could hear a faint voice from far, far away caling her name, but she could not seem to answer. She could make out a blurred image before her, but the face swam from view before she could tel who it was. Total blackness engulfed her as she colapsed into Gray Eagle’s arms.
Gray Eagle had surmised only moments earlier what was about to happen. He had planned to make camp as soon as they cleared the open plains. He was pushing for the edge of the forest before they stopped for the night. The dense cover of the trees would offer the needed protection from the night and his enemies. He had refused to realize how weak and tired she was. Her face and lips looked bloodless. There were blue smudges beneath her eyes, and her breathing was too shalow and labored. He should have alowed her to rest and drink. He was using her to vent his anger and frustration.
He tenderly lifted her limp body and carried her the remainder of the distance to the edge of the forest. He spread both of their blankets out and laid her on them. He forced water between her lips and made her swalow it by holding her nose. After her parched mouth and throat were wet and soothed, she drank instinctively mouth and throat were wet and soothed, she drank instinctively from his mni skin, but did not regain consciousness. She did not even come to when he bathed her face in the cool water. He made a smal campfire near where she lay. He was too agitated to sleep. He gazed into her colorless face, then into the flames. He ate the dried meat and aguyapi with little appetite, but drank thirstily from the same water skin from which she had begged only a sip. He had been consumed with an overwhelming need to force her to suffer because he had found her missing. He was determined to crush the rebelion which had caused them both such suffering and shame.
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