As they rode on, Gray Eagle became more and more conscious of the softness and warmth of Alisha’s body. He wondered, how was it possible to crave a woman again so soon after last taking her? He realized it would be all too easy to halt his horse at that minute and make love to her. They had already taken too long to make the return trip to his camp. The others might become worried, he joked lightly to himself. He was at the mercy of a fragile, white enemy! All she had to do was hint at stopping and making love once more, and he would have done so without a second thought to time. He was taking twice as long to return home as he should have, but he had Alisha with him and time did not matter with her so near. He could imagine the celebrating going on at the Oglala camp because of the white men’s defeat. Perhaps it was for the best if she missed most of it. Alisha didn’t need to be reminded this soon they were still enemies. He inwardly flinched at this thought and its implication, and set his mind on reaching his home quickly.
Shortly before sunset, they approached his village. He slowed Chula to a trot and entered the circles of teepees amidst the stares and curious looks of many. He felt Alisha’s body stiffen against his. She pressed closer to him and breathed in quick, short rasps. He felt the quivering in her arms and the tremor run through her body. She was as cold as the snows in the high mountains in the winter.
In a flash, Alisha recalled all that had taken place here, which had been pushed to the back of her mind during her stay at the fort and her reunion with Gray Eagle. She nervously looked around, sudden panic filling her. Had anything really changed for her just because of a day’s loving with the brave? What would he do with her here? she fearfully wondered. Would things return to their old pattern? Would he present a different face before his people than he had done to her in secret? Alisha could already note the change in his arrogant carriage. She fearfully realized he was becoming the fierce warrior and leader right before her very eyes. Her lover was gone and her enemy had returned ...
Terrified of this change she felt in him, she pleaded in a trembling voice, “Please don’t turn away from me again, Wanmdi Hota. I could not bear to lose you ever again.”
As his answer, he placed a warm, strong hand over her cold, trembling ones and squeezed tightly, then left them there covering hers.
The raiding party had apparently ridden all the way home with few stops. Alisha scanned the village for signs of prisoners, sighing in relief when she saw none. Maybe they were all dead or captives of other tribes. At least, she would not have to witness any tortures or deaths.
She would not know her assumption was correct. The few whites still alive were taken to the Santee and Shosshoni camps.
Chula weaved his way through the teepees and people to the corral near the stream. There were many young Oglala boys taking care of the weary horses. The brave looked around for Jutah to take the horse to be rubbed down, watered and fed.
Jutah came running forward at the sight of his favorite warrior returning home at last. He looked up at the pale, frightened girl clinging so tightly to Gray Eagle and grinned. The chief’s son brought her back home where she belonged. Even though he refused to acknowledge her presence, he was pleased to see her back again. She was different from the other ska winyans. She did not deserve to die or be captured by some other tribe. She had offered her friendship many times before, but he had always rebuffed her because of his embarrassment and pride. This time it would be different. What did he care about the taunts from the other boys? She was too good and gentle to be treated badly.
Hero worship and awe shone clearly in the face of the young boy. Gray Eagle laughed, leaned down and tugged Jutah’s braids in affectionate teasing. The boy took the reins of the horse while blurting his comments about Gray Eagle’s bluff at the fort yesterday.
“Such daring and bravery!” he shouted. “They cowered like rabbits beneath the claws of the great warrior Wanmdi Hota!” He beamed his pride and happiness.
Before they could dismount, White Arrow walked up quietly, glancing over Alisha for any sign of new injuries. He had hoped their delay last night in returning had not meant she had fought him or tried to flee again. He sensed the change in mood of his closest friend and companion. He gazed from Alisha to his friend and back to her. There was a strange aura about them—subtle, but clearly evident. His koda was in high spirits and very relaxed. He noted the way he possessively held his hand over hers and how his eyes held a new light. Her face definitely showed fear, but not of him; not the way she was snuggling so close to his chest. There was anything but hate or sadness in those emerald eyes. He could not quite put his finger on the change, and knew there was a mystery here to be solved.
Alisha looked down. White Arrow met her demure, wary gaze and smiled. She relaxed her grip a little and returned his smile. He reached up and placed his strong hands firmly on her slender waist. She placed her hands on White Arrow’s broad shoulders, as he handed her down lightly to the ground before him.
White Arrow was aware of her loveliness and was glad to gaze upon it again. How his eyes had hungered for the sight of her, his ears for the sound of her musical laughter, and his spirit for her companionship! His heart thumped hard at her nearness.
Gray Eagle noted the amity and renewed trust which passed between them. He threw his long, sinewy leg over Chula’s back and eased to the ground. Alisha dropped her hands from White Arrow’s shoulders and turned to face Gray Eagle.
Jutah led Chula away to care for him. He would rub him down in the cool water of the stream and exercise his heated muscles. Later, he would stake him near Gray Eagle’s teepee.
White Arrow was the first to speak and break the silence. He remarked, “You both look very tired, hot and hungry, my kodas.” He teased, “... or had you forgotten you have not eaten and rested?”
Gray Eagle surprisingly threw back his head and laughed loudly. He retorted with, “Who would think of food or rest with hunwi at your side?”
They both laughed in close comradeship. It touched Alisha’s heart to see such total friendship and devotion.
She intently watched the handsome face of Gray Eagle, relaxed in gay merriment, and listened to the deep, rippling laughter of his husky voice. Its rich baritone sent tingles throughout her body. Her eyes saw only him, and her senses were aware only of his nearness. She had not seen him in this strange, wonderful mood and she savored it.
White Arrow observed the way she watched Gray Eagle and commented, “She has had a change of heart since we last saw her, Wanmdi Hota. She sees and hears only you. She caresses and holds you with her eyes.”
Gray Eagle shifted his flaming, jet eyes to Alisha. She flushed at the warm sensations which coursed through her body. His hand went out to caress her rosy cheek tenderly, then slid down her shoulder, back and waist. He pulled her to his side as he continued his talk with White Arrow. Alisha lowered her gaze to the ground, her emotions in fiery turmoil at his behavior and close proximity.
He moved his hand back up to her shoulder and subconsciously toyed with a lock of her auburn hair, her ear, and stroked her cheek lightly with his fingertips. He continued his talk on and on as she began to fidget restlessly. What he was doing had a very unsettling, stirring effect on her senses.
White Arrow asked, “Could it be, my koda, you do not realize the effect you are having on her with your caresses?”
Gray Eagle’s chest rumbled with zest and pleasure at his comment. “Yes, my koda, I do. I can feel her trembling and know it is not from fear. She breathes the air of desire and her eyes lower to hide these feelings from us. I have come to know her well these past two days ...
“Later, I will tell you of the cruelty she faced in the fort at the hands of the wasichus. If they were not dead, I would return and kill each one now.” His tone sounded with coldness and violent fury. “The scout Powchutu befriended her and saved her from many hurts. That is why I granted him his life and freedom. Also, he showed great courage in the face of danger. Such a life should not be taken in haste.�
� He did not tell White Arrow that Alisha had begged for the scout’s life.
Alisha repeated his name in askance, “Powchutu?” He saw the fear and concern in her expression at his words and tones. Again, she asked, looking at him with large, curious eyes, “Powchutu?”
He touched her lips softly with his finger and replied, “Powchutu koda ...” She searched his face for any hidden meaning, then flashed him a happy smile, hugging him fiercely. She quickly pulled back and blushed at her bold display of feelings for him.
White Arrow gibed him, “She seems much concerned about this scout. I would be careful of such feelings in my woman. If he also feels such things, he might sneak here some dark night and steal her from your teepee!”
Gray Eagle ignored his friend’s baited remark and replied, “You will understand her worries when I have told you all. Now, we must go to the...”
A harsh, chilling voice cut into his sentence, “I see you have found your ska kaskapi. You dare to bring her back here to our camp and flaunt her before me again! No doubt she serves your many needs well!” Chela’s sultry voice caused Alisha to tense and lean closer to Gray Eagle. The rancor and tone of her voice warned Alisha of the girl’s fury and hate. She lifted her helpless, panic-filled eyes and ashen face to Gray Eagle, but it was noticed only by White Arrow.
Gray Eagle and Chela’s eyes met and locked in furious challenge. His eyes narrowed and glinted dangerously at the girl who dared to confront him in this manner with such a , disrespectful tone. Such things were not done in his tribe.
But Chela did not behave as the Indian woman was raised to act. She did not behave subserviently to the male. She would fare well in the wasichu society with that fiery tongue and nature. What she was doing now was unthinkable and disgraceful to both of them. He was a great warrior and future chief, and she was a mere woman! The time was near for her to learn and accept her place, once and for all.
She meant nothing to Gray Eagle, but she was the winyan he was supposed to join soon. The thought of having this viper in his teepee angered and repulsed him. He preferred the touch and presence of the white girl at his side, even if she was supposed to be his enemy. It rankled him to know he must take this bold, brazen girl to mate. How could he bring himself to touch her, kiss her or even pretend he wanted her? Lese was all he needed in a woman. Why couldn’t she have been Oglala? he raged inwardly.
The gleam in his dark, furious eyes should have warned Chela to hush, but she was too full of rage and jealousy to comprehend the full magnitude of it. Alisha felt the muscles in his back stiffen and grow taut. His hand on her shoulder had stilled, then clenched into a hard fist. She watched the muscle in his jawline tighten and quiver in suppressed fury. She cringed at the coldness in his stygian eyes.
Alisha could hardly believe the hate and hardness she read there and the warning tone of his deep voice. If he could behave like this to his future wife, how much more could he do or feel for her, a mere slave and captive, his enemy? Her face paled visibly. Fear and mistrust filled her emerald eyes. White Arrow watched her closely as she stiffened and pushed away from Gray Eagle, gazing in disbelief at her lover’s face. Gray Eagle was too full of wrath to note Alisha’s withdrawal.
She backed away, studying the two people who were locked in cold combat before her. Alisha thought, Chela is angry because he has brought me back again. If Powchutu is correct, they will marry soon. How will I ever bear it? How can I let her take him from me, or let him go from our mat to hers? Or will we still be sharing a mat then? Could he have other plans for me this time? If only I knew what they were saying.
He is definitely angry with her, and she with him. He is probably only mad because she speaks and acts so disrespectful to him. Why does he allow her to do this? If that were me, he would flay me to within an inch of my life. Could it be I see wrong? Could he really be in love with her and only seeks to make her jealous or to tame her?
Alisha’s eyes filled with anguish and her chin trembled. Tears glittered in her grassy eyes as she concluded, it is Chela he loves and will marry. I am just a tool to vex her with. He wishes to show his power over her and bring down that haughty, bold spirit. He wishes to tame her as he did me ...
Her eyes left the battle scene and darted about until they met White Arrow’s. Their eyes fused and spoke without words. He saw she needed to leave this warring ground. He saw her expression of doubt and fear.
He spoke to Gray Eagle, “I will take her to your teepee while you settle this matter with Chela.”
Gray Eagle nodded assent, his eyes never leaving Chela’s face. White Arrow did not dare mention Alisha’s worry and fear, not for Chela’s triumph. He would tell him later of her look of dread.
White Arrow gave Alisha a reassuring smile and gently pulled her by the elbow to lead her away. She cast frightened eyes at Gray Eagle, but he did not even notice her. He was arguing hotly with Chela. He grabbed Chela by her shoulders and shook her fiercely as he spat words of warning out between his clenched teeth. Chela was boldly staring into his ebony eyes and yelling back at him. For once, there was no pleading, sultry tone to her voice, only one filled with rage and rancor.
Alisha looked at White Arrow in confusion, but he motioned for her to come with him. “Hiya, Lese. Kokipi sni. Ku-wa.”
She knew the few words he said and the soft tone he spoke them in. Bewilderment crossed her face. He smiled broadly and repeated his words gently.
“Ku-wa. Ya Wanmdi Hota teepee.” She realized he was getting her away from the trouble at hand, and she smiled. She followed him down the path toward Gray Eagle’s teepee.
About halfway to Gray Eagle’s teepee, Matu stepped from behind another teepee and blocked their path. She stared at Alisha for a long time, sending chills down her spine. Matu had not gone to Black Cloud with her news. She waited to see for herself if the girl was unharmed and returned.
At her cold, close scrutiny, Alisha felt a foreboding of coming evil, danger, or even death. She shuddered involuntarily as if she felt someone walk upon her grave. All color seemed to drain from her face at this chilling, strange premonition. She somehow knew the old woman meant to ensnare her in misfortune. But how and why, she could not guess.
White Arrow tensed at the cold aura surrounding the two women. He asked Matu what she wanted and why she stared at Alisha that way. Matu quickly veiled her eyes and answered innocently. She told him she had taken care of the girl for a long time and she only wished to see if she had been returned unharmed. He knew she lied, but could not fathom why, nor did he understand the look which had passed between them.
Matu thought, I will now go to Mahpiya Sapa. He is camped not far from here. He can be here by morning. In a few moons, I will be returned home with my people. I must thank the Great Spirit for protecting and returning the girl to me. Matu made her plans as she walked away from White Arrow and Alisha. She scoffed to herself, neither you, nor Wanmdi Hota will have her or save her. Matu has big plans for her to buy my way home to my beloved Si-ha Sapa. Wanmdi Hota will join with Chela, as it should be...
White Arrow lifted the flap of Gray Eagle’s teepee and led Alisha inside. She glanced around the interior of the teepee where she had lost her childish notions about love and had become a woman. Her eyes strayed to the buffalo mat and her face burned with the knowledge of what had happened there.
White Arrow lightly touched her arm and she turned to answer his call. He smiled down into her eyes tenderly and kissed her on the forehead, much to her surprise. He grinned again and spoke one word, “Koda?”
She returned his smile and replied, “Koda ...” He turned and left.
Alisha aimlessly paced the teepee area, recalling so much of what had taken place there in that short time. This place held many good, but many sad, painful, memories for her. There were things she longed to forget and others she savored the thought of reliving.
Her eyes caught sight of an object hanging on the center pole. She lifted it off the peg and carefully examined it. It wa
s a necklace made of the rattler rings. Between each ring, there were many small white beads. In the center, a delicate, exquisitely-carved, white eagle was suspended from a row of aqua and white beads. She turned it over and over in her hand, fingering the fragile handiwork.
She thought of the beauty of the many forms of jewelry and adornments she had seen the Indians wear. Her father had imported and shown her many gems and stones, but none as beautiful and rare as the desert-barite-rose which Chela wore. It was a stone in the shape and color of a fragile, pink rose.
Alisha felt eyes upon her back and turned to see Gray Eagle standing just inside the opening. He relaxed his hand and allowed the flap to lower for privacy. He came to her. She remained motionless and tense as she returned his stare. He noted the wariness in her expression and manner. White Arrow had told him of her reaction during the confrontation between him and Chela. She was uneasy in his presence. He knew his friend had sized the situation right.
He came to stand before her and put his hand out for the necklace she held. She passed it to him and he studied it for a moment, pleased with the way it had turned out. To her utter surprise, he placed it over her head and around her neck. He let the little eagle rest slightly above the swell of her breasts. She looked at it in confusion and touched it with her fingers.
In a rich, mellow voice, he said, “Lese wanapin,” as he touched the necklace, then her shoulder. There was an umistakably victorious look in his eyes.
She stared at the wanapin and lovingly traced its delicate lines and noted its beauty. She lifted her luminous, sparkling eyes to him and timidly asked, “For me? Is it truly for me?” She smiled at him in stunned silence, then whispered softly as tears of joy filled her eyes, “I shall love and treasure it always. It is the most beautiful and precious gift I’ve ever received.”
Their eyes met and fused with the heat of passion and love. Gone from their hearts was the scene with Chela and the fears and doubts it had stirred. He opened his arms to her and she willingly entered them and clung to him. He enfolded her in his embrace and kissed her hungrily.
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