Spirit of the Lake

by Paty Jager

  Stay strong.

  I am trying. She sucked in air and opened her eyes. “I only wish to help my people. Please allow me, Crazy One, and Wewukiye to travel to Lapwai and speak with Agent William.”

  Chief Joseph peered first to his oldest son and then his youngest. “We will discuss this.” He dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

  She stood and started for the door.

  “Wewukiye,” the chief said.

  Dove swung back around. Fear for him radiated to her toes.

  Go. I am fine.

  She pivoted to the entrance and stumbled out into the cold winter air. They had to let him travel with her. He would help her keep her conviction to speak with the agent.

  Wewukiye sat tall and proud waiting for Chief Joseph to continue.

  “Why is it you do not stay in the lodge of the unmarried men?”

  “Since I am not one of this band, I prefer to be alone.”

  The three men’s curiosity charged the air.

  “But you are not alone. The sentries have found Dove near your cave.” Thunder Traveling to Distant Mountains crossed his arms and glared at him.

  “She feels a stranger to her own people and seeks solitude as well. I have given her permission to use my cave when she wishes.” He had hoped this conversation would not include Dove.

  Thunder Traveling to Distant Mountains raised one eyebrow. “And this is why you do women’s chores?”

  Wewukiye held his head high and stared at the man. “Crazy One is old, Dove carries a child who will prove to you the so-yá-po you call friend is not who he says. I do not wish anything to happen to her or the child.”

  Frog leaned forward. “Why is it we never see you fixing your weapons or hunting?” He sneered. “Do you help the women because you are not a warrior?”

  Wewukiye stared at the insolent mortal. “I do these things for the good of the Lake Nimiipuu. I do not need to prove I am a warrior.” His body surged with anger, bulging his muscles and piercing Frog with a fierce glare. The warrior was the first to look away.

  “How does tending the old woman and Dove’s chores and working all through the night to erect a sweat lodge help the Lake Nimiipuu?” Thunder Traveling to Distant Mountains drew Wewukiye’s attention from Frog.

  “Your own wife has used the sweat lodge. I have made the sweat lodge for all women who wish to relieve the aches in their bodies.” Wewukiye did not wish to verbally spar with the man.

  But he had to convey how important the trip was for the whole band. “I was born to Mother Earth to help the Nimiipuu. Dove’s health and the health of the child within her will prove the so-yá-po’s deceit.” He studied the faces of the men. “Whether you help us or not does not matter. We will prove the truth.”

  Wewukiye stood. “That is all I will say. She will travel to the Agent William, with or without your permission. It is Dove’s gift.”

  Wewukiye walked away from the men and out of the dwelling. Let them think about his words and actions. He could not reveal any more without them learning his true identity.

  He strode across the open area between the circle of dwellings following Dove’s trail in the ankle deep snow and stopped at Crazy One’s tipi.

  “It is Wewukiye.”

  Crazy One’s head popped from behind the blanket opening. She winked and smiled. “Are you not making them think hard?”

  He smiled at his niece. “I have given up wondering about your knowledge.”

  “Is Dove inside?” He believed she would rush out to see him. Her hesitant steps exiting the lodge reflected her reluctance to leave him alone.

  Crazy One nodded, scanned the area and shoved the blanket away. “Am I not a good sentry?”

  He quickly entered the small tipi. Dove sprang to her feet and into his arms.

  “You were so strong. My heart pounded with pride.” He whispered, holding her tight. This was how he wished to start every morning, embracing this woman to his heart.

  “When they sent me away I feared… They have to let us travel together to the mission. I cannot tell the agent what happened if you are not there to keep me strong.”

  He held her head in his hands, seeking her eyes. “If they do not give us permission, we will go anyway. It is your gift to fulfill.”

  She placed her hands over his and nodded. “Of this I am also certain. I must tell the agent.”

  “We will give them until the end of the day. If they forbid our trip, we will leave the following night.” Wewukiye hated to put Dove in the middle of more dissension, but since singing of her weyekin, he knew he must honor his duty to help her fulfill her gift.

  She nodded and whispered. “Kiss me.”

  He smiled. “You become stronger and bolder each day.” He brushed his lips across hers.

  “Is that bad?” Her dark eyes simmered with ardor.

  “No, it is a trait I like very much.” He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her closer, snuggling against the bump of the child, and sealing their lips with a deep, open-mouthed kiss. Her essence seeped into him, filling him with hope, security, and love.

  “Do you not wish Dove to come to you?” Crazy One’s voice reverberated strong through the hide of the dwelling.

  Dove pulled from Wewukiye’s kiss and whispered, “Someone wishes to enter?” Her heart pounded with fear. They could not be caught. She wished they did not have to hide their feelings but until the child proved her truths, she could not taint her reputation.

  He placed a finger on her lips and shifted to smoke before her eyes. She reached out where he had stood. Her hands filled with nothing. Her heart stopped, and her mind swirled. She knew he was a spirit. They talked to each other without moving their lips, she felt his presence in the sweat lodge, but this… She collapsed to a sitting position. His transformation in front of her proved not only his true state, but he also trusted her.

  I am here.

  Crazy One entered followed by Thunder Traveling to Distant Mountains.

  Dove’s heart pounded in her head. Did their quick decision mean they would forbid her traveling to Lapwai?

  Thunder Traveling to Distant Mountains stood as tall and wide as Wewukiye, taking up much room in the small structure. Unlike the warmth and security Wewukiye wrapped around her with his presence, this man brought trepidation.

  Be strong.

  She nodded her head and stood. “You wish to speak with me?”

  “My father, my brother, and I have discussed your gift.” He watched her. “While it appears purposeful this came to you now, we do not discount Crazy One’s abilities to help.”

  He held up a hand the moment she narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth to speak. She would not make something up to get what she wanted.

  “We do think if your accusations are correct about Two Eyes it would be good to have your story known to the agent William.”

  “I do not tell untruths.” Why did they not believe her? She would not tell them these things to start trouble if they were not true.

  He nodded but made no comment. “We will send four warriors with you and Crazy One to Lapwai.”

  “What about Wewukiye?” She would not go without him.

  Do not push. I will be with you.

  “He is not of our band. If he chooses to ride along we will not stop him.” Thunder Rolling to Distant Mountains crossed his arms. “The warriors will watch your conduct and report to my father.”

  “There will be nothing to report.” She stared back at him. She needed Wewukiye to help her be strong, but she would not jeopardize her story or her people by poor actions.

  “That is good.” He walked to the opening and stopped. “We do not honor traitors—White men or our own kind.” He disappeared.

  What did he mean by that? Did he call her or Wewukiye traitors?

  The acrid scent of smoke tickled her nostrils, and she swung around. Wewukiye stood on the other side of the fire.

  “You heard?” She stepped around the small flames stretching toward the
smoke hole.

  “It is good they send warriors. That means they believe you and wish to protect you.” Wewukiye captured her hand.

  “You will ride with us?” Her breath hitched waiting for his response.

  He shook his head. “I will not ride along as an escort. I will be with you as my spirit. This will keep any doubts from entering the White men or the Nimiipuu.”

  Dove pressed against him. “I understand. As long as you will be there, in whatever form, will help.”

  His gaze traveled across her face, lingered on her lips, and he peered into her eyes. “I will never be far from you. But the trip will not be easy in the snow.”

  “Do we not need to pack?” Crazy One moved about the small confines picking things up and putting them down.

  “I think she means you should leave.” Dove giggled at the woman’s antics.

  Wewukiye slid his arms around her, pulling her close. “I will always be near.”

  His lips claimed hers, filling her with delicious sensations, and heady thoughts. The pressure released and smoke swirled around her. She opened her eyes, and he was gone.

  Le’éptit wax mita’t

  (23)

  Dove and Crazy One rode side by side with Frog and Many Scars ahead of them. Too Short and Red Bird rode behind. Dove wiggled on her horse. They did not allow her to stop as Wewukiye had on the way to Imnaha. Even after crossing the cold wide river they only stopped long enough for the women to wrap blankets around their wet legs. They kept a steady, grueling pace through the day. Not even stopping to take a drink of water.

  “Frog knows I am with child. Why does he not allow me a rest?” she asked Crazy One, trying to find a position that did not irritate.

  The old woman peered at her. “Does not a warrior find fault with a woman who slows him down?” She lowered her voice. “Was that not the reason Chief Joseph sent his son?”

  Dove stared at the woman. “You mean he hopes this trip will damage my character more?” An ache grew in her chest, throbbing and expanding until she could hardly breathe. She thought they finally believed her, and now she saw they only hoped to still her voice.

  Crazy One reached over picking at nothing on her shawl. “Do they not know the power you have? Did not my uncle say he will keep you safe?” The old woman smiled.

  Wewukiye. Are you here? Dove had to know the night would not be as unpleasant as the day.

  I am with you always.

  When will I see you?

  When they stop for the night, I will find you.

  Dove found solace in his words. She endured the jostling of the horse until they stopped at dark. The warriors vaulted off their horses, moving about in silence preparing the animals for the night. Dove positioned her mount beside a large rock and slid from the animal’s back onto the boulder. Careful to not slip on the snow-covered roundness, she shuffled off the rock. Many Scars dropped their bundle of belongings on the ground and grasped the reins of their horses, leading them to the others.

  Crazy One opened the bundle, setting out hard bread, pemmican, and dried berries for the warriors. Dove walked stiffly to the bushes and relieved herself. She hurried back to help Crazy One erect a hide for them to sleep under.

  “Should we not make all sides covered?” the old woman whispered, winking.

  “Why?” Dove tugged on the heavy hide, draping it over four poles shoved in the ground and rising no taller than her waist.

  “Do you want others to see my uncle with you?” The old woman carried their bedding into the small area.

  You will be with me through the night? To sleep in Wewukiye’s arms would soothe her aches.

  I will be there.

  Elation added a new bounce to her steps. She even smiled at the grumpiest of the four warriors. None had tried to talk to her or Crazy One. The morning had started with Frog ordering their supplies loaded on Crazy One’s horse. The warriors sat atop their horses, never saying a word, watching as she and Crazy One prepared their mounts.

  Frog knew the reason for the trip, but did the others? Would it make a difference in how they treated her? She glanced at Frog studying her. His dark narrowed stare filled her with apprehension. His gaze flickered to her belly as though he tried to see if she really were with child.

  She turned her back on him and finished spreading her bedding. Crazy One handed her food, and they sat on a rock far from the men.

  “I feel like a prisoner,” she said to the old woman.

  “Do they only follow orders?” Crazy One nodded toward the three men wrapping themselves in blankets and settling in for the night. The fourth stood at alert, watching the darkness drawing around them.

  Dove shivered as the cold from the boulder seeped into her legs and bottom. “I am going to sleep.”

  She entered the enclosure and found Wewukiye reclining on her blankets. Her heart hummed at his presence. He held a finger to his lips. She smiled and quickly lowered to the blanket, facing him.

  “You are a wondrous sight to behold,” she whispered, touching his face.

  He smoothed his thumb under her eye. “You are tired. Was today too much?” he whispered warm against her ear.

  “I ached when we arrived, but now I feel only happiness.” His presence swept away her fatigue and aches.

  Wewukiye gathered her into his arms. She willingly sagged against his warm front, his hands massaged and relieved the tension in her back, legs, and bottom. His touch warmed her muscles, soothed her aches, and eased her doubts. She kissed his throat and breathed in his scent. Her mind wanted to continue enjoying his touch, but her body relaxed. He turned her, drawing her bottom against his waist. His arms folded around her, and she drifted to sleep.

  Her body fit so well with his, Wewukiye wondered they did not slip into one. He kissed her hair and placed a hand over the small bulge of her belly. This woman and this child had come to mean everything to him.

  He had simmered watching the warriors continue at a relentless pace all day, never giving her a break from the horse. If they continued the same tomorrow he would enter Frog’s body and manipulate him to give the women a rest several times during the day.

  “Did I not tell her you would be here?” Crazy One entered the enclosure and sat on her bedding. Her watery faded gaze lingered on Dove’s face. “Does she not carry the strength of our ancestors? Did she not once complain or cause Frog trouble?”

  Wewukiye’s heart banged in his chest. Dove was strong. Her strength grew each day. “She will prove Evil Eyes’s deceit, and she will help The People,” he whispered.

  “When are you and she to become one?” The creases in the old woman’s face deepened with her concern.

  “I know we are meant to be together. The Creator will let us know when and how.” His stomach quivered. He wasn’t sure the Creator would be that generous, but he had to hold onto the hope. Without Dove sharing his life carrying on as a spirit would be meaningless. The Creator had to find a way for them to be together.

  “Is there not much love between you?” She sported a toothless grin. “Did not my mother and father find a way?” She tossed a blanket over Dove, and he arranged it better.

  His niece lay down, pulled her blanket up to her chin, and closed her eyes.

  Wewukiye breathed in the herbal scent of Dove and held her in his arms, keeping her safe and warm through the night until he heard the warriors stirring. He repositioned Dove in his arms, kissed her lips, and dissolved into smoke, rising out of the women’s enclosure.

  He slipped into a small brown chickadee and watched the men moving about readying the horses and belongings for the day. Frog walked forcefully toward the enclosure. He called out once and tossed the flap back.

  Crazy One stuck her head out. “Are you my man or the man of this woman?” The old woman stabbed her boney finger in the warrior’s chest, moving him backward, freeing Dove to exit their enclosure and hurry into the bushes.

  Wewukiye flew circles above her, watching that no other bothered her. Did y
ou sleep well?

  Yes. Why did you not stay so I could start my morning with a kiss?

  Ah, but I did kiss you before I left. You are most delicious.

  She giggled. He landed on the branch beside where she stood. He bobbed up and down. Her eyes lit with delight.

  “Ah, little bird you do think highly of yourself. Your chest is all puffed up.”

  “Who do you talk with?” Frog’s voice came from not far behind them.

  Wewukiye flew off, and Dove faced the warrior.

  “I was speaking with a bird. Do you not talk with the creatures that live on this earth with us?” She walked around the warrior and headed back to camp.

  Can you become any creature you wish? Wewukiye’s talents amazed her.

  I do not become the creature. I enter them.

  She stopped and Frog ran into her back, toppling her forward until he reached out grabbing her arm.

  Would Wewukiye enter her? The idea did not settle well.

  “Why did you stop? Do you see trouble?” Frog stepped in front of her as though protecting her.

  “No. I just…” She scurried around him and helped Crazy One finish storing their belongings in the hide they used for their enclosure.

  C-can you enter me?

  No. You would have to be very ill for me to slip past your txiỷak.

  Dove breathed easier. Though she could deny this man who held her heart nothing, she did not like the idea of him slipping into her body when he wished.

  How is it my txiỷak would keep you from entering me?

  Your txiỷak makes you aware I would enter you—other mortals without such power do not realize they are being entered. There are different txiỷak as there are different gifts. The ability to enter creatures to travel about and to keep peace was bestowed upon me. I am a spirit. You are a mortal with powers to help you see evil and communicate with others who have txiỷak.

  With the horses loaded, the warriors and Crazy One sat atop their mounts. Dove led her mare to the boulder, climbed up, and settled on the horse’s back. She did not like being at the mercy of the warriors escorting her. She also did not relish two more days of this fast paced riding.