by Deanna Jewel
“Kate! Kate! Look how many fish we caught. We’ll have a feast tonight. You do like fish, yes?” Kelee beamed, holding up two succulent trout while Taima held two more still dripping with water.
“I love fish, Kelee.” She glanced up, surprised to find that Taima’s smile lit his blue eyes. A beaded leather headband held back his blue-black hair, which cascaded over his shoulders to caress a broad, muscled chest. Taima’s chiseled jaw line, his most distinguished feature, drew Kate’s gaze.
He cleared his throat.
His deep voice caught her attention and she met his gaze. “My son has called your name twice.”
Heat quickly rose to her cheeks. She turned toward Kelee. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“Father said we could all sleep in the same lean-to tonight.”
Her gaze darted back to Taima’s, astonished that he would tell Kelee such a thing. Taima raised an eyebrow and shrugged a shoulder.
“I don’t know, Kelee. But we could give it some thought, though,” Kate said as she stood to inspect his catch. “Are you ready to cook these fish?”
By the time Kate had cleaned up after the meal, she wanted to relax. Darkness descended upon them faster than Kate realized and the next thing she knew, Kelee pulled her toward the lean-to.
“I put your blanket in the middle so you would stay extra warm.”
He scurried away from her and burrowed beneath the hides, keeping to one side. The happiness on his face at the three of them sharing the lean-to touched her heart. How could she disappoint him? Without a second thought, Kate cuddled beside Kelee, who backed against her. She couldn’t help but put her arm around his tiny body. His small hand began caressing her arm.
After a few moments, Kelee slept soundly, his small fingers holding tight to her arm. Kate lay awake wondering if Taima would join them. As if reading her thoughts, he stepped inside.
Taima knelt beside his son, then brushed a dark strand of hair from Kelee’s cheek. “He hasn’t gotten this close to any of the women of my people, not even Aiyana,” Taima said in a quiet voice.
Kate watched the tenderness he bestowed on the boy. “If only children understood how complicated life really is,” she added.
Taima stood, looking down at her. “He has more plans for the future than I can fulfill,” he said, then stooped to grasp his bedding and settled on the opposite side of the lean-to. Kate could sense his eyes on her.
She thought on his words of fulfilling Kelee’s dreams. As far as Kelee was concerned, she was also a part of his future. Could she fulfill the wants and needs of an eight-year-old boy?
Chapter Nine
The next day, Kate finished eating her piece of dried meat in the warmth of the morning sun as it burned off the dense fog from the valley. The surrounding pines were but mere shadows through the mist.
Indians from other Shoshone tribes had camped in the vicinity during the night, and they also strode about, talking with Taima and his people. After a leisurely morning meal, they all dallied in groups, laughing amongst themselves, relaxing after an exhausting two-day journey over the mountains.
Kate observed the eager faces of those around her and wondered if she wanted to become a part of all this. And if so, whether Taima would ever treat her any differently than he did now.
She thought about her feelings for Taima and the Indians that had slaughtered the whites of the wagon train during the raid. Had he ever scalped a white man? A shiver ran down her spine as the unforgettable image appeared in her mind of the savage rejoicing over the scalp he’d held up. She knew if Taima had killed, there had to be a good reason.
Kate knew it wouldn’t be easy to join his people in their belief of spirit gods...for animals, rocks, the sun, the moon...if she ever could believe, for there was only one God for all.
As she glanced toward the lean-to, Kelee gathered the items he would carry with him to the hot springs as an offering. So did Aiyana. Kate had helped Aiyana bead a pair of moccasins and a long-sleeved, fringed shirt, which Aiyana now carefully packed into a pouch--a parfleche, she had called it. It seemed such a waste to leave the offerings for a spirit Kate knew would never make use of the beautiful items.
She joined Taima and the others in the walk to the hot springs. All of the Shoshone traveled together. After a two-hour march north along what they called the Firehole River, those around her immediately sank to their knees, bowing their heads to the earth.
Kate stopped in her tracks.
She glanced up and stared with wide eyes. Never had she seen white water spew from the earth to shoot into the sky like that. What a spectacular vision. Steam rose from the spouting water as it shot as high as the encompassing mountains--or so it seemed. She watched in awe at this miracle of nature.
Those around her continued to kneel, heads bowed to the earth, missing the entire display of spewing water.
“Kate, please, you mustn’t look,” Aiyana begged, tugging on Kate’s dress.
But Kate continued to watch in amazement as the geyser’s small remaining spurts bubbled upon the earth at a full boil. Did they actually believe this to be the wrath of an unhappy spirit god; casting evil over them should they look upon the wondrous sight?
“It’s over. You can get up now, Aiyana. It was beautiful. You should have watched.”
Aiyana’s wide eyes looked into hers. “Be on your guard. Bad luck may fall upon you if you’re not careful. One should never watch as the gods display their tempers.”
Kate only stared at Aiyana in disbelief. They actually believed that nonsense. If bad luck came her way, they would quickly blame it on the fact that she’d watched the water. Still enjoying the rising steam vapors, she moved to join the group as they continued walking north.
Aiyana touched Kate’s arm. “Our people will fear you now. No one watches the display of anger from the spirits except those who also have special powers.”
From a distance, Kate saw a mist hovering low to the ground ahead, and slowed her pace. The reverence with which Taima’s people entered this area surrounding the hot springs made her watch with awe. Silence fell over the entire group, including the children. Each carried an item of offering to their spirit gods, hoping luck and good fortune might come their way.
The beaded moccasins, headbands, beautifully decorated shirts, and small items made by the children were placed in various areas about the vaporous mounds. Cautiously, they walked upon the steaming ground, attempting to get as close to the top of each one as they could. Sparse trees and grass grew among the terrain. An unexpected spurt of steam scared Aiyana as she walked forward, nearly causing her to drop the soft leather shirt she held.
With a new respect and understanding for the Shoshone beliefs, Kate glanced around. Previous offerings lay scattered about the rocky mounds, some items so charred they appeared unrecognizable, while others were scorched to discoloration. Kate hadn’t imagined the rock could be so hot as to burn something lain upon it. She gazed in wonder at the rough beauty created by the steam’s trickling water down the mounds. Hues of brown and yellow streaked each rock in layers as the limestone seeped down them.
Taima’s people knelt before the mounds in prayer, some for long periods. Kate sat upon a rock, waiting for Taima and Kelee as Kelee made his own offering of the joined rings. Taima periodically glanced in her direction. Likely to be sure she stayed put, Kate mused. She met each of his glances with raised eyebrows. Did he think her ignorant enough to attempt an escape, allowing him to gloat over carrying through on his threat?
Sakima knelt the farthest from her. She met his unblinking gaze through the rising steam; slowly, he nodded to her, before moving his gaze to Taima and Kelee. Sakima watched everyone around him, though he never spoke a word.
The humidity of the area made Kate perspire, reminding her of the sauna at the gym. More memories filled her mind--saunas, pools, tennis courts.
The pain started in her temples again, and she gasped.
Her hand flew to the rock beneat
h her to steady the sway of her body. Blurred vision distorted the people before her, and she tried desperately to blink it away. Dizzy, Kate squeezed her eyes shut against the sudden throbbing pain in her temples that occurred whenever old memories seeped into her thoughts. She hoped if she sat still for a moment, the pain would subside. Inching from the rock, she sat on the ground and rested her head against the cool stone. Slow, deep breaths eased the throbbing beat of her pulse.
Saunas.
Gyms.
Monica.
Kate wished she could call Monica. She missed her home and her friends, yet for whatever reason found herself stuck in another time. Infuriated, she opened her eyes only to meet Sakima’s concerned gaze as he knelt before her.
“Your vision was the worst so far, wasn’t it?” he asked.
Confused, Kate could only nod. Jumbled thoughts of past and present swam together. Or was it present and future?
“Sakima...what am I doing here?”
“I cannot answer this, but no one will believe what has happened to you, though I understand.”
Kate massaged her temples. “Taima will not understand.”
“He doesn’t have to know.”
Kate glanced at the looming shadow, and her stomach knotted. She knew who stood before her and slowly raised her gaze.
“What won’t I understand? And what don’t I need to know?” Taima asked, towering over them, one eyebrow raised.
She looked at Sakima then back up at Taima. What possible explanation could she give that would satisfy his question? The blueness of Taima’s gaze drilled into her.
“Well?”
“I get sudden headaches, then forget where I am.”
Taima’s brows drew together. “How often does this happen?”
Kate narrowed her eyes. Was that actually a look of compassion, she wondered, lowering her lashes. “Don’t worry; I’ll not be a burden to anyone.”
“There are warm, healing waters in the area. You will visit them,” Taima said. Without looking at his father, he added, “I’ll take care of it, Noshi.”
Sakima winked at her and stood. Kate couldn’t believe her ears. Now she would be cause for an argument between Taima and this other woman, since Taima would be spending more time with her at these healing waters. The other woman who held his interest would only blame her for his absence from her side.
“She must go twice a day to be rid of the headaches,” Sakima said to his son.
Their resemblance still amazed her. She thought of Taima’s mother and the relationship between her and Sakima. His love for her still showed whenever he spoke of her. Did his son also have the ability to love, to be tender and caring?
“I’ll see she goes twice a day,” Taima answered. Again his heated gaze traveled over her body, searing her flesh through the soft leather of her dress.
She jumped up. “You’ll do no such thing! I’ll find my own way, thank you,” then stormed past Taima, and through the area of steaming mounds.
Those kneeling in prayer looked up and gasped. “No,” they called after her, but Kate ignored them, intent on locating those hot springs on her own. And getting in on her own!
A vise-like grip surrounded her waist and she was lifted into Taima’s arms. “Put me down!” she cried, kicking and screaming, then caught sight of his face. The blazing anger burning there silenced any further outbursts.
“You are on sacred ground...without an offering. Evil befalls all who tempt the gods.” He held her tight and walked back toward the rock.
Kate glanced at the gaping mouths and wide eyes. His people quickly looked away rather than meet her gaze. “I am not afraid of your gods,” she called out to them.
“My people will treat you differently now. Only the shaman is allowed this far into the steaming mounds. Here, the angry spirits vent their unhappiness by sending up steam and gushing water to request an offering. Should you live to see dawn tomorrow, my people will take it as a sign that you’re gifted with special powers.”
Kate broke into laughter. “Prepare them, then, for I will be here in the morning.”
Taima stopped near the huge rock. “Do not make fun of our beliefs. We come here to offer gifts as a way of repaying the Great Spirits for what we receive.”
“And what of you...what will you believe when I’m still alive tomorrow?” She waited for his answer--for him to shun her.
“I believe the spirits are out for revenge against me, forcing me to deal with your constant chatter, like that of the small striped creatures of the woods.”
He set her feet to the ground, and she stepped away, fuming that he compared her to a chipmunk. “It’s not my wish to remain where I’m not wanted, yet I’m prevented from leaving.” She paused, then lowered her lashes. “I didn’t mean to trespass on sacred ground. I wasn’t aware I’d be doing anything wrong.”
Taima’s fingers lifted her chin, his gentleness surprising her. Dare she chance meeting his gaze? His blue eyes seemed to drain her strength whenever she did, which she could ill afford right now, so she concentrated on the beautiful beaded decoration on his leather shirt instead.
“Look at me,” he whispered.
Damn him! Why did he always have to win? After a deep breath, she zeroed in on the dark pupils of his eyes...surrounded by a sky-blue ring of color.
“None of my people are brave enough to do what you did. They fear our gods too much. And now, they will fear you.”
“Why?”
“Should you still be alive tomorrow, they will assume you have special powers to withstand the evil wrath of the spirit world.”
Kate tipped her head sideways. “And what of you?”
“You are different. Of that, there is no doubt. But I’ve yet to figure out how or why. Your raging headaches plague me. I hope the healing waters help.” He held her gaze. “I’ll do my best to assist.”
Kate widened her eyes at his audacity. Did he think she’d allow him to help her undress for the healing waters? She opened her mouth to speak, but Taima placed a finger upon her lips before she could say a word.
“You are much too easy to taunt,” he whispered.
She slapped his hand away. “And you find that amusing? Do you enjoy making people angry at you?”
“I do you. It brings out the pink in your skin . . .” Taima traced his finger down the column of her neck. “. . . all the way down. Does your chest turn pink, as well?”
She narrowed her eyes and smiled. “That, you’ll never know!”
“None of us can be so sure of anything, White Woman.”
She rolled her eyes and crawled upon the rock to wait for the Shoshone to finish their offerings. While she waited, Kate thought about her visions and the conveniences she remembered. She covered her face with her hands and closed her eyes, concentrating, hoping to see a glimpse of her other life she so desperately wanted to return to. Though she tried, she saw nothing but blackness.
A small hand touched her thigh. “Kate, are you crying?”
She quickly uncovered her face to see Kelee. “No, I was just thinking.” Kate looked around. “Is everyone ready to go?”
He grasped her hand to help her down and she chuckled to herself at his intentions. “Most of our people are ready. Noshi is walking with Washaki. Let’s catch up.”
His urgency pulled Kate along. “Kelee, why so fast?”
“You have to meet Washaki. He’s a great warrior to our people. He's even helped the white man cross through our lands. Noshi doesn’t like that Washaki helps them, though.”
* * * * *
Back at camp, after much trekking again, Kate stared at the afternoon sun as it dipped toward the horizon while Taima smoked a long pipe with Washaki, Ahanu, and several others, passing the pipe around their circle. She sat nearby with Aiyana and Kelee as he whispered to her tales of the great warrior.
When the men had finished about an hour later, several of them left and upon Taima’s invitation, Kate and Aiyana joined him, Ahanu, and Washaki a
round the fire. Washaki’s complexion was darker than Taima’s, and his narrowed eyes were set deep into his round face, which appeared even more round because neither his chin, nor his jaw line appeared sculptured like Taima’s.
Once settled around the evening fire, Kelee asked, “Washaki, tell Kate the story of how you got the scar under your eye.”
The warrior touched his cheek and met Kate’s gaze. “It was a raiding party of Blackfoot warriors. An arrow that nearly took my sight hit me. Not yet ready to join the Great Spirit, I fought for revenge. I drew my knife and we fought hand to hand, but I was stronger. My blade marked him for life with a raging scar down one side of his face from his forehead to his cheek, barely missing his eye.” Washaki drew an imaginary line down his own face. “He escaped death that day, but I know he still roams the mountains.”
Though Kelee continued with several questions, Kate thought back with horror of the Indian who had abducted her after the raid on the wagon train. Could that warrior be the same man? Washaki had correctly described the horrendous scar on his face. A shiver ran down Kate’s spine as she remembered the desperate, unforgettable hatred in his dark eyes that day.
“You are cold?” Taima asked.
“No, but Washaki’s story reminds me of the warrior who had first abducted me that day in the raid.”
Washaki leaned forward with interest. “How long ago was this?”
Kate felt the blood drain from her face. Washaki’s gaze met her own. “Just a few weeks ago,” she answered, not understanding the venomous look he then shared with Taima.
“That warrior chief does not easily give up what he considers his. He will return for her. Beware, and watch your back, my friend. Should you need help, you only need to send word. My braves and I would love to finish what we started years ago.”
Taima looked at Kate, but she couldn’t read his thoughts. His lips pursed with suppressed fury. Perhaps now he wished he hadn’t captured her, only to bring possible danger to his people.