“Hae ye decided tae tell the whole truth yet? It’s been two days.”
Nothing. He squatted down, his face only inches from hers. Nothing. Her eyes were blank, as was her face. “I’ve decided tae accept ye story since I canna prove otherwise,” he announced into the stillness. “Ye can remain ‘ere an’ work for me an’ my men.”
Nothing. “Wad ye lik’ something tae eat? Perhaps ae hot bath?” he tempted the girl.
“Rebecca? Wha’ ‘re ye tryin’ tae pull now?” he stormed, hoping to startle her out of this remote mood. “Suit yeself. The door’s unlocked. I’ll hae some water an’ food sent in.” He left, leaving the door ajar.
Rebecca didn’t even notice. She had forced herself into a world where there was no pain. It was so quiet and peaceful there. Reality didn’t exist; physical pain didn’t exist. Deeper and deeper she swam into this blissful, protective ocean of nothingness. Soon, her father would swim out to meet her and guide her safely to the other shore…
When Timothy came back hours later, the food was chilled and untouched. The bath had not been used; it, too, was cold. She hadn’t moved. What was the matter with her?
He tried to lift her head, but her body was nearly rigid. Her flesh was clammy. He leaned over, sighing with relief when he detected a faint heartbeat. Was she willing herself to die? Was such a thing possible?
He shook her. He slapped her several times. Nothing. Nothing except red prints upon her ashen cheeks. She hadn’t even winced or reacted. Her eyes remained dull and glassy. She couldn’t be faking this curious state! Had she endured the hell which she had described? Had her pain become too much for her? During the war, he had witnessed mindless shock before.
A knock sounded upon his office door. He left her to go answer it. The scout Fire-Brand entered, keenly observing the girl who sat upon the lieutenant’s bunk in a deep trance.
He spoke with assurance, “I have learned the facts you seek. The girl spoke the truth. I came to where warriors were camped. They laughed and talked of the trick they had played upon her and her family. One called Deer-Stalker spoke of how they tortured her people until she agreed to free Bright Arrow. They told her she could earn her freedom and that of her family. They were all slain before she was halfway to the fort. They spoke of taking a knife from her one night when she attempted to kill herself. They spoke of how they cut pieces of flesh from her mother’s body each time she refused to pleasure them. They spoke of a younger girl about twelve. They told the one called Rebecca they would ravish the child if she did not free Bright Arrow. Another called Winter Owl talked of how Gray Eagle himself pledged his word of honor she and her family could go free if they left the land of the Oglala. Once she agreed, they treated her kindly. Bright Arrow was with the warriors I sighted. He said he did not kill her, but left her to face the hatred and punishment of her own people. All laughed at his cunning and our foolishness.”
“Sae, she was tellin’ the truth after all? Nae wonder she agreed tae his plans. She should hae trusted me, Fire-Brand. I could hae helped her,” he said sadly.
“How could she trust any man after what was done to her?” the scout commented. “She is young. That was much cruelty for the heart and mind of one such as she. It was a cunning trick, for no one guessed it. There is more. The warriors spoke of a joint meeting of the chiefs of all tribes. Deer-Stalker said each chief was to bring his two band leaders and meet with the others at the place where the giant river and the little join to become one. They are to speak of war. The vote will be taken.”
“When, Fire-Brand? If we could surprise them an’ wipe them out, each tribe wad be at loose ends. It wad tak’ months tae regroup. By tha’ time, we could hae more men an’ supplies ‘ere an’ ready.” His excitement was evident.
“But it would require most of the men to make a successful raid upon that camp! You cannot leave the fort with so few men to guard her!” he reasoned.
“This is our big chance, Fire-Brand. We could end this new uprisin’ wi’ one deadly blow..Nae tribe wad attack while their chief was parlaying for joint warfare. When is this meeting tae tak’ place?” he softly demanded, suspense washing over him.
“In one moon,” he calmly replied. “But to leave the fort unguarded invites danger.”
“Tomor’er night! Guid, Fire-Brand. Ye call the officers together in the cookhouse. We hae some plannin’ tae do. The fort’ll be safe for one dae.”
Timothy returned to Rebecca’s side. He did not notice the sly look upon the scout’s face. Fire-Brand watched the girl for a moment. His coming report to Bright Arrow would not sit well with that fierce warrior. He would surely make the lieutenant pay dearly for abusing his woman! Moore was a fool. All it took was a few devious words to convince him of the girl’s innocence…He wondered what Moore had done to her to take away her great courage and cunning. Bright Arrow was lucky; for she possessed the heart of a warrior, the gentleness of a doe, the cunning of a fox, and the beauty of a rare flower. It was not so incredible after all that the intrepid warrior wanted her back in his tepee, even though she was white. Still, she was the daughter of Koda Joe, a white friend to many Indian tribes.
Timothy could find no way to make Rebecca respond to him. The doctor came to check her and to sedate her with laudanum. The rigidness of her body lessened and color gradually returned to her cheeks. Her respiration grew stronger. “She’ll be out a day or two. See she gets water and soup forced into ‘er. I’ll see ‘er again when she comes around. Just shock, sir. I’ve seen it lots of times in cases like hers. The mind reaches a point where it can’t accept anymore torment. It sort of hides from real life until it can rest and heal some of the anguish. She’s mighty young to have been through so much. Might never be the same or could be just fine, if things are better when she wakes up.”
“I’ll be leavin’ in the morning. I wan ye tae tak’ care o’ her for me. We know she let him go, but she had guid reason. Don’t matter anyway. Looks lik’ we’ll ambush ae meetin’ of all chiefs an’ head warriors tomor’er night. This war’s about o’er, Doc,” he declared confidently. He sighed heavily to release pent-up tension.
“What about this girl?” the doctor speculated.
Timothy gazed down at her. He tenderly caressed her bruised cheek and stroked her tangled hair. “As soon as she’s well enough, I’ll marry ‘er,” he announced.
“You’ll what!” Doc exclaimed in amazement. “But she’s a squaw! You can’t!”
“I’ll admit she’s slightly used goods, Doc. But she’s somethin’ special. I hae ae long look at the real girl when she briefly forgot who an’ wha’ she is an’ why she was sent ‘ere. She hae ae smile which could light up the darkes’ night. She’s gentle an’ smart. In ae way, she’s still pure in mind an’ body. She’s everythin’ I’ve wanted an’ needed in ae woman. I’d be ae fool tae let wha’ happened stand ‘tween us. She wasn’t tae blame an’ we both know it.”
“Think she’ll accept you?” Doc Weldon inquired.
“If for nae other reason than tae prevent ae life o’ whoredom ‘ere. In time she’ll return my love an’ know I did only wha’ I was forced tae do in response tae her treachery.”
“What about the men? What’ll they say?”
“I dinna gie ae fig!” Timothy exclaimed. “I’ll gie ‘em the facts. Besides, my tour o’ duty is up ‘ere in ae few months. We’ll head back tae Tennessee an’ start ae new life.”
“Isn’t there another woman waiting for you back there?” he reminded him of the southern girl he had spoken of before.
“Yep! But she canna compare wi’ Rebecca. I’ve found ae dream, Doc, an’ I dinna intend tae wake up for ae long time.”
“In that case, I’ll take real good care of her, sir,” he promised, then chuckled heartily. “She is mighty pretty,” Doc commented enviously just before both men left for the meeting.
Moore gradually related the facts which Fire-Brand had reported to him, including the imminent war council and Rebecca’s coerced part in
Bright Arrow’s escape. He promptly ordered no discussion about Rebecca, telling them she was in his hands from now on. Hearing colored facts and recalling Moore’s attachment to her, this didn’t seem so shocking to anyone except Smith. It was evident that Smith still craved her for himself; yet, he wisely yielded to Moore’s greater size and rank.
The officers and scout talked of their plans to surprise the war council and kill everyone present. The eagerness to have this matter settled dulled their wits. This reckless and arrogant lot of men were excessively self-assured of their tactics and skills. Even being fully aware of the cunning of Gray Eagle, they never once speculated upon an attack upon this fort while most of the troops were out chasing an illusive camp! They never once considered they might be riding into an ambush. The lie was too convincing and compelling to ignore or to reason out. Snared by their hatred and conceit, they would fall right into the crafty scheme of Gray Eagle…
Just before midday, the troops were called together to head out. They had waited until the last minute to prevent being sighted by the chiefs at the war council. Sticking close to the forest, they could conceal themselves; yet, this tactic would slow their arrival until nightfall. They were to surround the camp and attack at the sound of the first shot. Everyone was to be slain. Prisoners would invite an attack upon the fort by warriors determined to free their chiefs. With all chiefs and leaders slain, confusion and disunity would rule for a long time as others battled for the right to become the next chiefs and leaders. Then the soldiers would constantly harass and conquer the weakened, disputing tribes. The plans seemed faultless. One dauntless act could render this entire area powerless and in the white man’s undisputed control. Or so they naively believed…
But once again, they had underestimated the resolve and intelligence of Gray Eagle. Their so-called half-breed scout Fire-Brand was none other than the illustrious son of Night-Hawk, chief of the Sisseton tribe, member of the awesome Sioux Nation. Fire-Brand had slowly worked his way into their confidence by permitting the sacrifice of several braves and by leading raids upon his alleged enemies, the Indians. Proven trustworthy and competent, he could now lead these white foes into total defeat. This new fort which stood upon the face of Mother Earth in the midst of their lands would be destroyed this very night! Without its protection, the frightened settlers would hurry back to their own lands. Peace would soon rule their plains and forests again.
Fire-Brand raged against the sluggishness of their plans. Eventually, he would have opened the gates in the darkness to permit his warriors to enter here and wipe out this bold threat against them. For in that careful delay to avoid suspicion and to insure success, his father had been slain and Bright Arrow captured. For all his anger and hatred, he had done nothing to bring suspicion upon himself which might deny revenge against them.
Rebecca had unwittingly saved Fire-Brand from discovery by releasing Bright Arrow. He had made it a point to overhear her explanation and to use it to gain her time and kindness until she could be rescued and returned to Bright Arrow’s side. She had won Fire-Brand’s respect with her courage, love, and daring. She had won his gratitude by allowing him this chance to avenge his father’s slaughter.
If Bright Arrow cannot bring himself to keep you in his tepee, Fire-Brand thought, then I will make trade for you, Little One…If given the chance, your coups would shine as brightly as our own! Your Indian heart is more important than your white skin! Your blood will join with ours and you will become one of us, as with Koda Joe your father. You have earned this right, Little One. You have earned it…
The men mounted up, two abreast. The gates were opened wide and they rode eastward to face humiliation and danger. The gates closed, sealing the remaining whites in a world as lost to reality as Rebecca was.
From the forest to the west of the fort, hard black eyes observed this military action. A smug grin curled up the corners of his sensual lips. He mused, White-eyes are mindless. They ride away in search of a sweet dream which only the Indian will know and taste this day. To the puissant man at his side he declared, “You are wise, Father. See how they rush to destroy us. Fire-Brand says she was captured. If they have harmed her, I will slay them all. Rebecca is mine. Is this not so?” Bright Arrow softly asked.
Gray Eagle’s resigned gaze met and locked with his son’s. “This is so…” he gravely concurred, trying to suppress his annoyance at himself for the careless flaw in his plan. He should have told Rebecca to return with his son under such favorable conditions as were presented that portentous night. She and Bright Arrow must have been too distracted to realize there had been no reason for her to remain behind!
Chapter Fifteen
The three largest units from Fort Dakota gingerly made their way through the dense forest, clinging to the protective cover of the trees and underbrush. The troops travelled silently, each man preparing himself for what was to come at nightfall and for maintaining secrecy.
About mid-afternoon, Fire-Brand reined in his horse to allow Moore to ride up beside him. The scout’s voice was low and guarded. He suggested that he and Private Hansley move on ahead to scout out the approaching area. He told Moore he would send Hansley back with a warning if necessary. Otherwise, they were to join up at a large rock formation just before they reached the Indians’ rendezvous point.
“We would not wish to ride into an ambush or alert hidden scouts. If we find any braves posted along the way, we will dispose of them. You must keep the men and horses quiet. The warriors must not be alerted to our presence before we attack.”
Moore readily agreed with these precautions. Hansley was informed of their plans. He and Fire-Brand rode off into the trees. Hansley thought it strange when they veered off to the east of the trail, but said nothing. He assumed the scout knew what he was doing. They rode for a time, then Fire-Brand halted abruptly. He motioned for Hansley to come up beside him. He placed a finger to his lips for silence, disarming Hansley completely.
The sandy-haired man in his early twenties did as commanded. Fire-Brand mutely pointed at something to their left. Hansley shifted in his saddle to look that way, dreading to imagine what he might see there. A searing pain shot through his body. He glanced down at the knife buried in his chest. Horror flooded his sea-blue eyes. He gaped at the man at his side, the man who had ridden with him many times.
Fire-Brand’s face was impassive. His jet eyes were indifferent to his malevolent deed. His aura was menacing and arrogant. His gaze went to the protruding knife and the stream of blood flowing down Hansley’s chest. “Soon you will die, White Dog. All white-eyes will die. You take our lands. You defy our laws and soil our women. You steal animals and destroy things which are ours. Your Bluecoat friends ride into a trap. The fort will soon be attacked. All Bluecoats will die this very day. I am Fire-Brand, son of the Sisseton chief Night-Hawk which your people killed.”
Hansley’s anguish and terror were written upon his drawn face. He knew he was dying. He knew the fort and the troops were powerless against a planned assault. He wished he had the strength to pull his gun and kill this treacherous man. He shuddered and fell to the hard ground, the fall increasing his pain. The last thing he knew was Fire-Brand’s chilling look…
Fire-Brand slipped off his horse’s back. He concealed Hansley’s body in the underbrush. He took the animal’s reins and rode back toward the fort to join up with Gray Eagle’s party. He laughed to himself. Moore’s troops would have a bitter skirmish upon their hands at nightfall! They would be lucky if any of them survived! Three small units held no chance against the mighty warriors of four tribes who had united to share this victory!
Fire-Brand gave the pre-arranged signal: three hoots of a horned owl. An answer came immediately. He headed in that direction. By dusk, a large band of warriors from both tribes had stealthily surrounded the fort. At the distressing news about Rebecca’s health, the waiting seemed endless for Bright Arrow.
Gray Eagle looked at Fire-Brand and nodded. It was time. A tingling e
xcitement suffused him. The scout mounted up again, sagging in his saddle. He galloped headlong toward the fort gate. “Stacy! You there, Sentry! Open up! It’s me, Fire-Brand! The others are coming in! It was a trap! Lots of wounded!” he shouted lie after lie.
The gates swung open wide in anticipation of the troop’s rapid arrival. “Keep a sharp eye out for ‘em! I’ll alert the others,” he called out as he rode past the stunned guard. But instead, he made his way around the fort’s walls, opening all other gates to allow his warriors to enter.
Before the remaining soldiers could be aroused and armed, the fort was overrun with Indians. Taken by surprise, it did not take long for them to attain their bloody victory. Fire-Brand called out to Bright Arrow, “The girl you seek lies in that place.” He pointed out Moore’s office, then hurried off to engage in this long-awaited bout of vengeance. The fruit of his labor would soon taste sweet!
Bright Arrow entered the darkened quarters. His apprehensive search revealed her limp body upon the narrow bunk. Fire-Brand had fortunately informed him of the sleeping medicine which they had given to her. He wrapped her in a blanket and carried her back to his waiting horse. He left the fort to wait for the others out of the line of danger.
His panicked eyes scanned her pale face and the bruises there. At least she was alive! He held her possessively and snugly. It felt good to have her body against his. He had feared to never see or touch her again. He would never permit anyone to ever harm her.
Two hours later, others joined him. The few whites which still lived were now captives. The new fort lay in burning ruins, devastated just like the old one. The band of Sisseton warriors headed for home with Fire-Brand as their new chief. The band of Oglala warriors rode out as well. They rode all night, only stopping occasionally to rest their horses or to water them.
Rebecca did not awaken the entire trip. Bright Arrow’s worried.gaze frequently studied her ashen face and still body. Even his father’s words of encouragement failed to lift his dismal spirits and to lessen his fears. She could not die! Not now!
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