"What a terrible tragedy," Linda said. "I can well see why you would not trust our race. But we are not all bad, Tajarez.
He smiled. "I have come to believe that myself, Linda."
"How is it that you are so civilized," David asked, "more so than the other tribes?"
"Your idea and mine of being civilized may be quite different. One must balance one against the other. The white man, whom my father befriended, his name was O'Malley. He craved the gold of which we have such an abundance, and repaid my father's kindness with the death of my mother and sister. Then on the other hand, we have the two Indians who kidnapped Mara. They took a young girl away from her family by force. Which is the lesser crime? Which man was the most civilized? You will have to tell me, David, for I know not the answer."
David was clearly impressed with Tajarez. He was highly intelligent, and obviously a man of principle. David had come expecting to meet an Indian savage he could dismiss as unworthy of his sister. But he found instead someone he liked and could talk to on equal terms.
Jeffery was more than a little impressed with Tajarez. He could now see why Mara had fallen for such a man. He was a man among men, and Jeffery found himself wanting to travel to this hidden valley himself.
"Do you love my sister?" David asked, studying Tajarez intently.
Tajarez drew in his breath and returned David's steady gaze.
"If you are asking me if I am in the depths of despair when she is not with me, the answer is yes. If you ask me if I have been in torment thinking I would never see her again, the answer is again yes. I have never before felt about any woman the way I feel about Mara. I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy. I would give my life to keep her safe. I want her for the mother of my children. I cannot bear to think of a life without her. I have very little fear of anything, but I tremble with fear when I think of what my life will be like without her. I would honor her above all women. Without her I am only half a man. Is there more to love than this, David?"
Tears sparkled in Linda's eyes as she listened to the beautiful declaration of love. She squeezed David's hand. He could not possibly refuse to give Mara to this man who plainly loved her.
"Would Mara be allowed to visit with us if she were to go with you, Tajarez?"
Joy leaped into Tajarez's eyes. Could David be considering his proposal?
"Mara would not be able to leave the Seven Cities, David, until a son was born of our union. Then she would be allowed to visit you, but," he smiled, "only if you would welcome me also. If she were mine, I would not ever want her to be parted from me."
"You must understand, Tajarez, Mara has led a very sheltered life up until she was abducted last spring. She knows very little about violence, and has known only kindness and consideration," David told him.
"She will find only love and kindness from me, David. I would never harm a woman, and Mara least of all."
"Do you worship God, Tajarez?" Linda asked.
"Yes, the one true god that created us all."
"Would you be willing to marry Mara in a Christian ceremony?" David asked.
Tajarez began to feel the tension leave his body, and great joy washed over him. "Are you referring to a ceremony such as the one that joined you and Linda together?"
"Yes."
Tajarez looked at him for a moment. "I will go through the rites, if it is your wish. But you must understand, in the eyes of my people, Mara will not be my bride until my father can perform the ceremony that makes us one. Until that time, I could not take her to my bed."
There was a long silence inside the tent. Everyone waited for David to speak. Anias, who could not understand the words that were spoken, could feel the mounting tension. Sasha waited, hardly daring to breathe. Jeffery and Linda, who knew David so well, knew how he was wrestling with himself and agonizing over what to do.
There was no longer any doubt in his mind that Mara and Tajarez loved each other. Even if Tajarez was of another race, David knew he could not object because of that. He had formed a very strong respect for this man in the short time he had known him, and he knew Mara's future happiness depended on his decision. He stood up and walked over to the tent entrance, while five pairs of eyes watched him. Opening the flap, he looked outside. The camp was quiet. The many Indian warriors were moving about silently, their eyes wandering ever so often to the big white tent. David sighed and turned back to Tajarez.
"You have my permission, as well as my blessing, to marry my sister," he said quietly.
Tajarez was on his feet in one swift motion, and moved across the tent to stand before David. He extended his hand to him and smiled broadly.
"You will not regret your decision, David. I shall be a devoted husband to Mara, and I shall strive to make her happy."
"I believe that to be true, Tajarez, or I would never have given my consent."
Tajarez felt Linda's hand on his arm and smiled down into her upturned face.
"Mara is my very best friend, Tajarez, and I know her very well. She is sweet and gentle, and loves you a great deal. Take special care of her."
"Linda, I am humbled by her love. My happiness lies in making her happy."
Jeffery smiled broadly and extended his hand. "Congratulations, you just stole the family jewel."
"It is she that is the thief, Jeffery. She took my heart and will not return it."
"Ah, Tajarez, she has a collection of hearts. But this is the first time she has given hers."
"We must discuss the plans for the wedding, there is so much to do," Linda said, turning to David.
"How soon can the ceremony take place, David? It is very far to my home and I am anxious to begin the journey. I would not like for winter to set in before we reach the Seven Cities."
"You can discuss the details with Mara. I can understand your reason for haste, but you have not taken into account all the fussing women do when they are planning a wedding."
"May I call on Mara tonight? I want very much to see her."
"Why don't you come to dinner?" Linda asked. "I know Mara would like you to."
"Thank you, but I must decline your dinner invitation. However, I would like to bring my cousins, Anias and Sasha, so they might meet Mara, if you have no objections."
"That would be lovely. I am sure my sister-in-law would like to meet them, as they are members of your family."
Tajarez turned to Anias and spoke to him, then he watched as Anias left the tent to do his bidding. "I have a gift for you, which I hope you will accept. It is presented on behalf of my father and myself."
They were saved from answering by two men who carried a large chest in and set it in front of Tajarez, then departed. Tajarez raised the lid of the chest, and the Golden family stared openmouthed at the large amount of gold the chest contained. Surely no one man could have so much gold.
David stared long and hard at the gold, then swung around angrily to face Tajarez. "You insult me, Tajarez. My sister is not for sale. I will not accept your gold."
Tajarez looked at David in confusion. Did not all white men crave the yellow metal? Why was David offended? He could tell by the look on Linda and Jeffery's faces that they felt insulted as well. His respect for Mara's family increased. She truly came from a family with honor and principle.
"You are mistaken, David. The gold is not intended as payment for Mara. It is meant as a gift to you from my father and myself. I ask that you accept it in the spirit it is offered."
"No, I cannot in good conscience accept such a large amount of gold. Whatever you think of my race, we are not all greedy."
"I can see that, David, and I must tell you I am honored to have met a man I respect and admire. Forgive me the insult."
David turned to Jeffery. "It is time we were leaving for home. Mara will be most anxious to hear what has occurred."
Tajarez smiled to himself. His father would be pleased to learn that Mara's family had refused the gold on principle, but he would not be pleased if the gold was not
accepted. A gift from the king was never refused.
"Linda, as your future brother, would you allow me to give you a wedding present? Surely you would not refuse me that pleasure."
She smiled at him sweetly. "I think I could not refuse when you put it that way."
"Excellent! I shall have my men deliver the chest of gold to you tonight."
Linda looked stunned, as David and Jeffery both laughed deeply.
"Your father must be proud of you, Tajarez. You have a gift of maneuvering people to suit your purpose," David said.
"I have taken lessons from a master since I was very small, David," Tajarez said, smiling. "But I have met with heavy resistance today."
"Would that you played chess," David told him. "I would enjoy challenging someone with your ability."
Tajarez smiled slightly. "If that is a challenge, I must tell you I do indeed play chess. Another accomplishment that O'Malley taught me."
David's eyes blazed. "I look forward to the contest." He extended his hand to Tajarez and they shook hands, exchanging looks of mutual respect. "I will tell Mara to expect you and your cousins tonight."
Jeffery took Sasha's hand. "It has been a pleasure to meet you, Sasha, and I look forward to seeing you again."
She smiled at him shyly, and could think of nothing to say when she looked into his brilliant green eyes.
After Tajarez walked the Goldens to their horses and bid them farewell, he returned to the tent where Anias and Sasha were waiting.
"I take it that they agreed for you to wed the Golden One, my cousin," Anias said.
Tajarez sank down on the cushion and closed his eyes. "I cannot yet believe that she will soon be mine. The Great Father seems to be clearing away all the obstacles that stood in our way. It was meant for the two of us to be together, this I know."
Sasha knelt down beside Tajarez. "Why did the man, David, become angered when you offered him the gold, my prince? I do not understand."
Tajarez smiled tenderly at her. "Because, little Sasha, he is an honorable man, and he felt I had insulted him."
"But you said all white men craved the gold."
"It seems I was mistaken. Today I met a man who held his honor above riches. How right it is that Mara should come from such a family."
"Is it really true that I shall meet her tonight, my prince?" Sasha asked.
"Yes, and she will love you, my little cousin. Go and prepare yourself. Do whatever you maidens do to make yourself presentable. I would talk to Anias alone."
Both men watched as Sasha left the tent, then Anias turned to Tajarez. "So, as usual, you have what you want."
Tajarez frowned at the biting tone in Anias's voice. "Perhaps you should explain."
Anias shrugged. "Ever since I can remember your fondest wish has been granted. This is merely one more example."
"I was not aware that my life was of such interest to you. Do you take tally?"
Anias recognized the anger in Tajarez's voice. "No, it is merely speculation, wondering if the time will ever come when there will be something you want that you cannot acquire."
"It makes little difference to me what I acquire now or in the future, as long as I have Mara. What else could a man want, except a son, of course."
"A half-white son to sit on the throne of the Seven Cities," Anias said acidly.
Tajarez scowled. Half white! He did not like to think of that possibility. No, his son would not have the white skin. Still, the seed of doubt had been planted, and in the weeks to come it would begin to grow.
A FAIR DAY. THE WIND BLOWS HARD FROM THE SOUTH. THE BREEZES, WHICH ARE VERY FREQUENT IN THIS PART OF THE MISSOURI, ARE COOL AND REFRESHING. SEVERAL HUNTERS OUT TODAY, BUT, AS GAME OF ALL KINDS IS SCARCE, ONLY TWO DEER WERE BROUGHT IN. I AM MUCH ENGAGED DRAWING OFF A MAP.
— William Clark
9
George watched as the three Indians dismounted. There were two men and a girl. He grudgingly took the reins of their horses to lead the mounts to the back of the house.
Had the family at the big house all gone mad? What did it mean, all the comings and goings of the Indians? He noted the appearance of the Indians. One of the men and the young girl wore silver, while the third Indian wore gold. What manner of Indians were these? No one ever told him anything about what was going on. Oh, well, he had been hired to tend to the chores. It was not his affair what went on at the big house, he thought, as he rounded the side of the house, leading the horses.
Tess answered the knock at the door. Her heart was pounding in her throat. Her eyes were wide with apprehension. Her glance swept the three Indians. One of the men and the young girl were wearing fawn-colored doeskin garments. The taller of the two men was dressed in white doeskin. Tajarez, she thought. He was a handsome devil, she admitted to herself as he smiled at her. Tess was startled as he began to speak in English.
"You must be Tess. I am Tajarez, and these are my cousins, Anias and Sasha."
"I know about you," Tess said, losing her fear, only to have it replaced with anger. "You are taking Mara away from me."
Tajarez smiled. "What would you have me do, Tess? You see, I love her."
"Like as not you do, and who would not," Tess admonished.
"You can see my problem then?"
Tess opened the door wider so they could enter. "Come on in. You are expected. You can wait in the sitting room. The rest of the family will not be joining you.
Tess led them into the sitting room. "Make yourselves at home. Mara will be down shortly," she told them just before she sailed out of the room.
Sasha could not help staring at the lovely room in awe. She lightly touched the china figurines that stood on a highly polished mahogany table. She ran her hand over the green velvet settee, loving the way it felt beneath her fingers.
Anias was having a similar reaction. Never had he seen so many strange things.
Tajarez watched with an amused smile on his face.
Sasha sat on the edge of the settee. "Why does the woman, Tess, not like you, my prince?"
"I suspect she barks loudly and bites softly, Sasha."
Three pairs of eyes moved to the doorway as they heard footsteps on the stairs.
Mara entered the room. Her blue silk gown was in the empire style, which had been made fashionable by Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife, Josephine. It fit snugly beneath her breasts and fell in soft folds, enhancing her beautiful body. Her golden hair fell to her waist. Her green eyes sparkled.
Sasha rose quickly to her feet. There could be no mistake, she was in the presence of the Golden One.
Anias gasped as his eyes widened in admiration. She could not be real flesh and blood. No one could be so perfect. Her skin was white and creamy. Her hair was the color of the noonday sun. She smiled at him, and at(that moment, he would gladly have died for her had she asked it of him. But then he realized that her smile was not meant for him, but Tajarez, who stood directly behind him.
She moved gracefully across the room, and some strange, sweet-smelling perfume drifted to his nostrils. Hatred burned in Anias's heart as Tajarez took her hand.
"I am so glad you have come. I could hardly wait to see you," she said in a throaty voice. She felt his hand tighten on hers as his dark eyes spoke volumes to her.
Tajarez, aware that his cousins were waiting to be presented to Mara, pushed her gently away from him. "Mara, I would like to present you to my cousin, Anias."
She turned to face the man. Smiling, she offered him her hand.
Anias took her hand and looked into the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. Their green color startled him for a moment. He spoke softly, in words Mara did not understand.
"My cousin wishes me to tell you that your loveliness rivals the noonday sun, and he is yours to command," Tajarez told her.
Mara inclined her head to Anias, who was holding her hand tightly. "Tell Anias that I am pleased to know him, and thank him for the pretty compliment."
As Tajarez translated, Anias rea
lized when he saw his cousin's raised eyebrow that he still held Mara's hand. Seeing the warning in Tajarez's eyes, he reluctantly released her hand and stepped back a pace.
Tajarez took her hand and turned her to face the lovely Indian maiden. Jeffery had told Mara of Tajarez1 s lovely cousin, and she smiled brightly, wishing to put the girl at ease.
"Mara, I wish to present you to Anias's sister, and my cousin, Sasha. She has been most anxious to meet you."
Mara took both of Sasha's hands in hers, remembering Jeffery had told her Sasha could speak English. "I am pleased to meet you, Sasha, and I think you are very lovely."
"I thank you, Golden One, and I, too, am pleased to meet you at last." Sasha could not believe she was actually talking to the Golden One. She had practiced the English for just this purpose, and now all her efforts were being rewarded.
"You speak English very well, Sasha," Mara told her.
"I am pleased that you should say so, Golden One," Sasha said, lowering her head at the compliment. When she raised her head, she looked at Mara adoringly. "My prince told me of your beauty. I tried many times to envision what you would look like. I think there has never been such beauty as you possess."
Mara looked at Tajarez, and gave him an impish smile. "I am pleased your prince finds me pleasing to look at, Sasha, but I think you are perhaps much more fair than I."
"Oh, it is not so, Golden One. No one could be as lovely as you."
Mara frowned. "Why do you call me 'Golden One,' Sasha?"
Tajarez gave Sasha a warning glance, and she knew he had not told Mara of the prophecy. She was uncertain how to answer. "You are the Golden One," she said at last.
"Sasha, you must call me Mara."
Savage Desire (Savage Lagonda 1) Page 13