Bittersweet Ecstasy

by Taylor, Janelle

  The Indians had been observing the regiment for a long time, and many wondered where Sun Cloud was, for he should be racing before them and luring them into this clever snare which he had planned. Still, all was going as expected, so they waited patiently to spring their trap.

  They had used the Apache camouflage tricks which Sun Cloud had explained to them. Even though the surrounding area looked safe and empty, countless Indians were hidden amidst the landscape, their horses having been taken to a distance by other braves. Once the soldiers reached a certain point, they were to block both paths of escape, then close in on the coulee from both sides. The soldiers would be helpless.

  Cooper was in the lead when trouble struck. Suddenly burning brush blocked the trail before him. Grasping their peril, he shouted a warning to retreat, but it was too late; brush had been shoved into the coulee to their rear and set ablaze. Indian war whoops filled the air as blazing brush was kicked into the coulee. The frightened horses reared and whinnied, throwing several men to the hard ground. Panic seized the soldiers and they did not know what to do. Even if the Indians had not suddenly appeared on both sides and begun firing upon them, the embankments were too steep for horses to climb.

  Soldiers quickly dismounted and pressed against the banks, using their horses as shields against the numerous arrows which came from both directions. Their guns were useless, for they could not locate their targets and they were fighting to control their frantic mounts. Each man who released his reins lost his cover and was struck quickly with several arrows. Horses that yanked free raced into other horses and men, then pranced and pawed in their terror. The soldiers could do little except pray this onslaught would end quickly.

  Sun Cloud had planned this trap perfectly, for there was no place for the soldiers to hide or to flee. All his warriors had to do was pick them off or wait for them to surrender. At first, the Indians savored their victory and were in no rush to end it swiftly, even though they could.

  Cooper shouted, “Use the dead men as shields! Draw your guns and shoot at anything that moves. Damn it, men! If they can see us, we can see them! You going to sit here like stupid targets and let them fill you with arrows! Kill the bastards!”

  The Indians were quick and agile. They would jump up, fire, and drop out of sight before the men could take aim on them; and few soldiers were real marksmen. They shoved more burning bush into the coulee, and killed the men who moved to dodge the flaming weapons. Soon, it became too easy to kill the entrapped soldiers, and the Indians lost their feelings of challenge and excitement during this one-sided battle. Even the few brave men who tried to clear an escape path through the burning brush were slain without any trouble.

  The soldiers forced Cooper to realize they could not escape and they would all die if he did not surrender. At least alive, the men stood a chance of survival and escape, or so they believed. One man took his white handkerchief, tied it to his gun barrel, then lifted it and waved it. The other soldiers sighed with relief, for dead men surrounded all of them. The arrows ceased immediately and silence fell over the area, as even the horses calmed. For a time, nothing…

  A shout went up from the victorious Indians when Sun Cloud was spotted riding swiftly toward them. He arrived with three white men, carrying a flag of truce. He hurriedly dismounted and was given the details of their successful attack, which he related to the white men with him. He explained who the white men were and why they were here. The leaders of each tribe were summoned, and a council ensued.

  Singing Wind bravely and insistently rode at Soul-of-Thunder’s side as he followed the trail of the soldiers toward the area where the Indian ambush was to take place. She felt she had to reach Sun Cloud to let him know she was safe, to let him know about Rebecca, for she feared he would try something rash to rescue her.

  As they traveled, she thought about the meeting between Rebecca and Little Feet that morning, and of the joyous reunion the two women had shared. She and Soul-of-Thunder had asked Little Feet not to disturb her parents last night, and the elated female had understood that Bright Arrow and Rebecca needed their first night alone.

  This morning, Bright Arrow had looked stronger, and certainly happier, but he’d been in no condition to join the war party. They had looked so perfectly matched and contented, standing arm-in-arm and smiling at each other like young lovers. When she had left his camp, the Oglalas had been celebrating Rebecca’s return and Bright Arrow had been telling his people that Sun Cloud should be chief and that Sun Cloud and Singing Wind would join. That news had pleased his people as much as it had pleased her. Soon, my love, she vowed dreamily.

  When the council meeting was over and it was voted to give Derek Sturgis a chance to make acceptable and honorable peace for both sides, Sun Cloud announced, “I must go after Silver Hawk and slay him for his betrayals,” for the Blackfeet chief must have suspected his exposure when he arrived with the three white men and had sneaked off during the excitement. Sun Cloud revealed Silver Hawk’s treachery to them.

  The council had voted to spare the lives of the soldiers trapped in the coulee, even General Cooper’s, if he was punished as Sturgis promised. It had been revealed that Butler and his troop had been defeated yesterday while tracking the escaped women, and all were dead. The council had been told of Rebecca’s return and of Sun Cloud’s claim on Singing Wind. The Oglala leaders had tried to proclaim Sun Cloud chief on the spot, but he had smiled and asked them to vote in council at home. When all was decided and accepted, Derek Sturgis walked to the coulee and informed the men of the truce, and of his authority by order of President James Monroe, and of Cooper’s arrest.

  Cooper went wild, jumped up, and shouted, “I’ll never surrender, you coward!” He drew his pistol and tried to shoot Sturgis.

  Since no man was close enough to seize him, two soldiers grabbed their rifles and fired, killing the crazed officer.

  As the Indians watched the curious sight, Sturgis’ words were translated, “He is at peace now. I don’t know what happened to him; long ago, he was a good man and a superior leader. They’re all dead now, so we can have peace between our peoples once more. You honor yourselves, your tribes, and the memory of Gray Eagle. He touched my heart and mind long ago, and I shall never forget him.”

  Sun Cloud clasped arms with Derek Sturgis and smiled. “As long as there are white men like you, my friend, there will be peace.”

  Tears misted Sturgis’ eyes. “You look and sound like your father, Sun Cloud. I’m as proud to know you as I was to know him. As long as the blood of Gray Eagle flows within his sons and his sons’ sons, Dakotas will rule these lands, whether in peace or in war. Come to the fort after your marriage and visit me. We’ll sign the treaty and I’ll personally take it to the President for his signature. You’re a brave man, a wise one, for you realize the old days are gone and peace now carries a high price and lots of work.”

  “No matter what price or how much work, peace is brief, my friend. As long as greed and evil fill some men’s hearts, white or Indian, lasting peace is impossible. But for a time, we can enjoy life.”

  Sturgis observed Sun Cloud as he gathered a few supplies, then mounted to track his enemy Silver Hawk. He looked at the medallion which Sun Cloud had removed and had pressed into his hand, although it was only a replica of Gray Eagle’s wanapin. He closed his eyes and mourned his friend’s loss. He watched the others build a large fire and burn the replicas of Gray Eagle’s weapons, and he almost felt as if Gray Eagle was witnessing this occasion and was smiling.

  Hours passed as the wounded men were tended and preparations were made to return to camps or to the fort. Soul-of-Thunder arrived with Singing Wind, and they were told of the victory and truce, and of Sun Cloud’s journey after the traitorous Silver Hawk. It would be dark in several hours, so many camped for the night in this spot.

  Singing Wind decided she would track Sun Cloud, and nothing anyone said could change her mind. She was given supplies and weapons, and she galloped off in the dir
ection which Sun Cloud had taken.

  Sturgis smiled secretly as he watched the Indian girl ride away eagerly and bravely, for he was reminded of another woman of such love and valor and intelligence: Alisha “Shalee” Williams. He recalled the night he had sneaked into Gray Eagle’s tepee years ago to warn his wife of the danger of attack. She had been so beautiful and so smart and so courageous that he had never forgotten her and had always envied Gray Eagle such a unique woman. Now, it appeared his son had found himself a rare woman to share his life, and that was perfect, for a good woman inspired and molded an equally good man.

  All night and all the next day, Sun Cloud tracked the rapidly fleeing Silver Hawk, wondering where the warrior thought he could go to escape his vengeance. He had rested little, as had the warrior who had been chief of the Blackfeet tribe for only a short time and only through his evil actions. He knew Silver Hawk could not keep up this pace much longer; then they would meet face to face and settle this matter between them. At last, others knew that his suspicions were accurate and they expected him to seek justice for them.

  Even when Silver Hawk took the precious time to attempt to cover his trail, it failed, for Sun Cloud knew every trick there was and did not fall for them. He kept pressing onward, toward the sacred Black Hills, in pursuit, knowing he could not halt until his duty was done.

  Nights were the slowest for Sun Cloud, for Silver Hawk was hurrying but he was tracking. After two had passed, he reached the Paha Sapas, and realized Silver Hawk had chosen the sacred hills to make his last stand. Sun Cloud ordered himself to full alert, for he knew that Silver Hawk would know that he would never give up his pursuit until they fought to the death. It seemed as if both had known it would come to this one day, and it had.

  When Sun Cloud approached Silver Hawk, the warrior was standing on a rock which overlooked the immense lands beyond the sacred hills. His foe turned and smiled. The two warriors gazed at each other, each recalling their entwined pasts as they mentally prepared to do battle.

  Silver Hawk spoke first. He said, “I knew you would come, Sun Cloud; it is our destiny. Long ago, some evil and powerful force exchanged them when your father stole the woman who should have been my mother and he put a wicked Oglala in my Life-circle as the wife of my father. I was destined to be the son of Shalee, not you, as she was destined to be the wife of Brave Bear. Gray Eagle stole my life and fate, and I punished him for his evil.”

  Silver Hawk drew his knife and lovingly stroked its sharp blade. “As with your father, you take all from me. You turned Tashina against me, and you have stolen the chief’s bonnet from my head. I tried to take Little Flower from you, but she was weak and foolish, and I realized you could not have desired a woman like her. I should have killed her after I raped her. Each time I took her viciously, I told her it was your fault and she hates you now, as I hate you.”

  Sun Cloud remained motionless and silent, for he wanted to learn why this man hated him and had tried to destroy him, if there was a logical reason. He wondered if Silver Hawk was merely crazy, or if something had happened to misguide him. He listened intensely.

  “If Shalee had joined my father, he would not have been slain and I would not have lost my rank. The blood of Chela stained the hearts and lives of my sisters, not so with Shalee as their mother. I was forced to slay Medicine Bear and his sons to reclaim my rank, and I was forced to take Little Flower to save face when your brother’s child sought to dishonor me with her rejection and betrayal.

  “Your father used the white men for his gain; but, when I tried, they tried to deceive me and use me. The fools are all dead. My people still speak of how Gray Eagle defeated my father in the death challenge for Shalee, then generously spared his life,” he sneered coldly. “All my life, all I have heard is Gray Eagle, Gray Eagle and his sons! Your father stole my bloodline. Brave Bear was not of the blood of Black Cloud. I needed Shalee, daughter of Black Cloud, to give me power and protection; these were stolen from me!” he shouted.

  When he did not speak again, Sun Cloud said, “Brave Bear was a good man, Silver Hawk, and a good chief. It did not matter if he was not the blood son of Black Cloud. He died bravely for his people. You shame him with your evil and greed. It was only right for my father to win Shalee, for they loved each other and had belonged to each other before your father knew her and wanted her. My father was a great man, the heart and spirit of all Indians. To destroy him nearly destroyed all. You betrayed your people; you betrayed all Indians. There is no place to run, Silver Hawk, for all know of your evil.”

  “You will never be chief, Sun Cloud,” he asserted confidently.

  “I am already chief, Silver Hawk. My brother’s wife has returned, and all know your vision was false, a lie. Bright Arrow has confessed his blindness and mistake, and he has voted me chief. I will join to Singing Wind and reunite the bloodlines of Brave Bear and Gray Eagle and the tribes of the Oglala and Blackfeet. It is Grandfather’s will; it is my destiny, and you cannot change it.”

  Sun Cloud revealed his recent vision and the new treaty between the Indians and the whites, and vowed, “We will have peace, Silver Hawk, if only for a short time.”

  “You will have nothing, Sun Cloud, for I will slay you!” he shouted, then started to charge the other warrior. His foot tangled in a strong vine, causing him to stumble. Unable to recover his balance, he fell, screaming, from the lofty rocks to his death.

  Sun Cloud looked over the edge and realized he could not reach the body, which would be located and consumed by vultures, fulfilling his vision about birds eating Silver Hawk’s heart and preventing him from finding eternal peace. His eyes lifted skyward and he murmured, “It is done, Great Spirit; it is over, Father.”

  It was late afternoon and Sun Cloud was exhausted. He decided to make camp at the edge of the sacred hills, then head home in the morning. He longed to see his love, but he needed to refresh his mind and body before he began his journey home. He shot a rabbit, and while it was roasting, he stripped and entered the large creek beside his camp for the night. He sat down and splashed water on his face and over his sweaty body. He was so weary after traveling without sleep for two days, which came atop his nocturnal vigil at the fort. He rested his face in his wet hands. When he lifted it, Singing Wind was standing before him, naked and grinning.

  “You must be very tired, my love, to allow a mere woman to sneak up on you,” she teased, dropping to her knees between his. Her gaze scanned his body for injuries and she was delighted to find none.

  His hands gently seized her upper arms and drew her close to him. “What are you doing here, woman? How did you find me?”

  “I have been trailing you since you left the others. You moved too swiftly for me to catch up. Soul-ofThunder found us after we escaped the fort and took us to your camp. I tried to wait there, but I could not. There are many things to tell you. Wahea has returned.”

  “I know,” he murmured, happiness and excitement glowing in his dark eyes. “We will join when we return to my camp. All is good once more, my love, but Silver Hawk is dead,” he stated gravely.

  “I know,” she replied, wishing she could feel more deeply for the death of her brother. “He was evil; it was his destiny. I saw his body. Was the battle terrible?” she reluctantly inquired.

  Sun Cloud related the episode, then said, “I am glad he did not have to die by my hand. I cannot recover his body to place it upon a death scaffold. He must face the Grandfather as he lived, violently.”

  “He was wrong to hate you and to crave your Lifecircle. If father had lived…” She went silent.

  “Silver Hawk would have shamed him and broken his heart, for a man’s destiny cannot be changed. When we reach my camp, I will send a message to your people and tell them all things.”

  “Bright Arrow told your people we will join and you will become chief. He and Wahea looked so happy together.” She told him about his brother and Rebecca, and about the things which Rebecca had explained to her.

  “A
ll is as it should be. Bright Arrow’s heart and destiny have been returned to him. Soon we will join and I will be chief. Evil has been conquered and destroyed. For a time, our lands will know peace and happiness once more. Now my father’s spirit can rest.”

  His hand brushed aside her long hair and he gazed into her eyes. “I searched for a way to rescue you from the fort, but my senses could find none. I planned to force the survivors of our attack to release you to me. When I met with Sturgis, he told me of your escape and of Wahea’s return. You were brave and cunning, my love. I knew you would be safe until I could claim you once more.”

  Singing Wind related the truth about the incident in the blockhouse; and Sun Cloud smiled with pleasure, for he recognized the names of the two white men who had helped his love and his brother’s wife. After she told him what she had learned about Little Flower, a look of distress crossed his face; then he revealed what Silver Hawk had said before his death.

  “Little Flower and Shining Feather are free of his evil; they can seek new mates and new happiness,” she remarked with relief. “And my people can find a new chief, one who is good.”

  “After we join, I must ride to the fort to meet with Sturgis; then all will be settled. Our people can hunt the buffalo and enjoy a big feast.” He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes briefly.

  Singing Wind’s gaze walked over his face and body, and she realized he was as exhausted as she was, and as elated. He was so strong and compelling, and she wanted to lose herself in his arms.

  “How is my brother?” he asked, opening his sandy eyes.