The incessant drumming began anew. She felt her pulse catch and keep time with it. The two warriors were joined by their two closest friends. Wanhinkpe Ska went to Wanmdi Hota and the brave they had eaten with the other day went to Mato Waditaka. In turn, the friend called the coups of his friend and gave a prayer for his guidance and protection.
When this was done, the two warriors came forward to the chief. Both men stared openly and boldly at her. Their desire for her flickered in both their eyes. She reddened at their heated, lustful stares. Brave Bear’s gaze lowered to her neck and flared in anger for a moment. Then, he smiled in amusement. He thinks to trick me and put me off my guard with his wanapin. She does not know the meaning of his token, or she would not have accepted it. Very cunning, my foe, he thought knowingly.
He smiled at her and she instantly returned it. She shifted her gaze to Gray Eagle as Brave Bear was speaking to his father and embracing him. As usual, he wore a blank, unreadable stare. There was nothing there to remind her of the scene they had so recently shared.
Unable to stop herself, she asked in pain, “It meant nothing to you, did it? Nothing ...” Torment and humiliation filled her face and eyes.
He relaxed his hard, cool stare and spoke softly for her ears alone, “Lese, Cinstinna ...” The husky tone of his voice and his tender expression bewildered her. His gaze lowered to his eagle which was still covering the bear’s head. He raised his gaze to hers once more and gave her a possessive, desirous look which told her she was his and he wanted her, love or no love. Her blood flamed within her body and her eyes automatically answered his. He smiled and nodded understanding.
Her eyes were glued to his beguiling half-smile and gleaming, devilish eyes. God, how she loved and wanted him, even now after everything. Suddenly aware of what was taking place between them there in the open, she flamed deeper and meekly lowered her head.
She was only faintly aware of the chief’s voice as he spoke with the two men of the coming challenge and its deadly consequences. Her senses rocked at Wanmdi Hota’s proximity and magnetism. Her emotions were tossed about in a tempest of conflicting thoughts and feelings. She unconsciously touched the eagle wanapin near her heart.
Each of the men nodded agreement to the rules of the challenge and turned to walk away. She looked on in fear and anxiety. She must not allow her attention to stray for a single moment. She must be on constant alert for that one split-second between victory and death ... God, help me, her mind screamed.
Each of the men prepared himself mentally by blocking out all thoughts but this battle to the death. Gray Eagle was handed a bow and three arrows. Brave Bear was led to a line about twenty feet away. He immediately dropped to a crouching, loose position with feet and legs apart, arms swinging free and nimble at his sides, nerves and muscles alert and tense. He locked his eyes on Gray Eagle’s and nodded he was ready.
Quicker than the flash of lightning, Gray Eagle fired the three arrows directly at him. He moved like a flame in the fire, leaping from side to side, agilely dodging all three. Alisha sighed relief when she saw him stand up straight, signaling his first victory. He was then handed a bow and three arrows. She stiffened, knowing it was Gray Eagle’s turn to be a live target. She watched wide-eyed as he easily and nimbly evaded the arrows. She exhaled painfully, not realizing she had been holding her breath.
The two men remained in their places as three lances were brought forward and handed to each man. Powchutu leaned over and whispered to her, “It will only take the slightest nick, for the points of the heads are dipped in a strong, speedy poison.” Alisha blanched white and swayed against him, not daring to ask how much time he would have if he were nicked.
They simultaneously threw and dodged the three lances. Again, each man was unscathed and had eluded death. Alisha’s nerves were as tight as a bowstring. Which man would die? How much longer could her nerves withstand this pressure? The challenge would go on until one or the other of them won. In time, one would tire or make an error in timing, and that deadly mistake would cost his life—and her fate..
Tension mounted and filled the air as they all watched and waited to see which man would make that first and fatal mistake. She could no longer pray. She could only look on in fear and terror. How could she pray and ask for one to die and one to live? Must it be so? She twisted her hands over and over as she watched the battle go on and on ...
The ceremonial chief came forward and drew a large circle on the ground. The two men were then handed knives and they stepped inside the large circle. The leader chanted a few words and the two nodded readiness to each other, continuing the death ritual.
The signal was given and they both dropped , to stooped positions, feet apart, arms and hands hanging loose, and knees bent and flexed. They moved around each other sizing up the foe for weaknesses and strengths. Each knew that a split-second delay in his reactions could cost him his life. He must be on constant alert. Their eyes met and never left the eyes of the other man. Their faces were expressionless and taut. The knife blades glittered brightly in the sunlight.
With a loud yell, they each lunged at each other and the fight began. They slashed at each other as they slowly circled around in half-crouching positions. They shoved with their arms and kicked out with nimble, hard feet. Alisha felt as though she were viewing an athletic display, but for the knives which-sliced at each other, bringing red, warm blood. They flirted with death, enticing the other to drop his guard. Their bodies glistened with intermingled sweat and blood. Dust rose about their legs from the quick, rapid movements they made.
Alisha could not suppress a scream as Brave Bear tripped Gray Eagle and raised his knife high in the air for a plunge. But Gray Eagle easily blocked his arm and rolled free at the last moment. Alisha licked her dry lips and bit into her lower one.
“Someone must stop this, Powchutul They’ll kill each other! Enough! Stop them!” she cried out in panic.
Mahpiya Sapa curiously observed his daughter’s strange outburst and concern for her enemy. Powchutu seized her and held her tightly, not allowing her to interfere. The two warriors had heard her outburst, but could not afford to drop their attention for an instant.
Time passed on and on as the two men began to show signs of fatigue and strain. They breathed and panted heavily in the arid air, their chests heaving rapidly. Sweat poured from their faces and chests. Their muscles were cramped and tight. Soon, one would miss a step in retreat or fail to deflect a blow, and it would swiftly be over. Only the muffled sounds of scuffling feet, labored breathing and grunts of exertion, the swishing of knives, and that incessant, steady drumming in her heart and chest. She would surely go mad if this lasted much longer. Her nerves were frayed and on edge. Her heart pounded wildly as her chest heaved in labored, quick rasps.
Each hit scored brought fresh, sticky blood and a cry of alarm from her lips. Each miss brought a sigh of relief. Increasing fatigue was overcoming both men. Each was acutely aware of his own waning strength and that of his opponent. He did not dare make an error in judgment and timing or all would be lost.
Each man gained strength and daring from the thought of the prize of this battle. Each deeply respected his opponent’s skills, abilities and power. Each knew the other to be a man of honor and truth. Each was well aware of the other’s courage and daring. It was too bad they both wanted the same woman. Not only would defeat bring the loss of her, but it would also, bring his death.
As they cautiously circled each other closely, Gray Eagle’s words were Brave Bear’s undoing. He spoke low and deep, only to him. His eyes blazed in truth and pride as he whispered, “She is mine. I will die before I allow any man to take or possess the woman I love.”
A look of startled disbelief and surprise lit Brave Bear’s face and eyes. He gave that slight hesitation and dropping of full alert. Like a flash, he was thrown to the ground hard, his free hand pinned securely beneath his body by the full weight of Gray Eagle’s body on his.
Gray Eagle g
ripped his other wrist in a vise of steel and brutally twisted until Brave Bear was forced to drop his knife into the dust and dirt. Gray Eagle’s knees pressed hard into his chest allowing for no movement. His legs twisted back in a sort of fashion to imprison the movement of Brave Bear’s.
His glare bore into the dark eyes of his defeated opponent. Gray Eagle’s eyes and face were alive with the glow of victory and Brave Bear’s glinted with the anticipation and acceptance of his coming death ...
Gray Eagle raised his knife high, but before he could plunge it into the heart of his opponent, Alisha broke free from Powchutu’s grasp and dashed to the warriors. She grabbed Gray Eagle’s wrist and cried out, “Hiya! Wanmdi Hota. Do not kill him! Spare his life. I beg you. His people need him for his father is old and getting weak. You are the victor. Do what you will with me, but I pray you to spare his life.”
He stared into the ashen face with large, misty, imploring eyes and thought, this. I will do for you, Cinstinna, to show my love and because I, too, do not wish to take the life of Mato Waditaka. Gray Eagle was secretly grateful she was giving him an honorable way out of this challenge.
While Gray Eagle studied her eyes, Alisha quickly removed the bear wanapin from around her neck and returned it to the neck of Brave Bear. Desperately thinking of how to show her capitulation to Gray Eagle, she hastily untied her headband with the red and gray queque and secured it around Gray Eagle’s arm for all to see and know she yielded to him.
“Free him, I beg you,” she pleaded once more. She had done all she could. Would he listen this one time? Would he grant her just this much? He had what he had come for and there was no need for the death of Mato Waditaka.
He looked down at Brave Bear for a moment. He took his knife and slid the blade under the ikan on his arm and cut it free. He said to him, “The match is made and won. Your life is in my hands and I grant it back to you. She begs for this and I will grant it for her and myself. I have no desire to claim the life of Mato Waditaka. I only wish to claim what is mine for I love and want her above my own life. Do you accept truce and defeat with honor?”
Brave Bear had seen the look which had passed between them just now. He had also seen the look and words between them before the challenge, but had ignored them as a trick of light. It is him she loves. She wishes to spare my life but not share it. She has chosen him in challenge and in heart. There is no need for my death, he conceded to himself. He nodded agreement.
Gray Eagle threw his knife into the ground above Brave Bear’s head and, holding the ikan high for all to see, he spoke. “I do not wish the death of Mato Waditaka. I only wish the life of my woman. I grant him his life with honor and I will take my woman, the daughter of Mahpiya Sapa, to join on the full moon.”
There was loud shouting and joy at his words. The Si-ha Sapa shouted both their names in respect and happiness. They chanted this latest coup of Wanmdi Hota’s with great relief and joy. Generosity was one of the highest coups a warrior could earn. What could be more generous than sparing the life of their future chief? Gray Eagle had proven himself once more to be a great and daring warrior. The battle had been fought with honor. Both Alisha’s and Gray Eagle’s actions had freed Brave Bear from any shame at his defeat. It was their way to grant life whenever possible or the best for both men.
Would Mato Waditaka have done the same if he had been the victor? they all wondered, hoping he would have. Would Alisha have begged for the life of Wanmdi Hota if he had been the loser? Would Wanmdi Hota have spared his life if she had not begged for it? These are things they would never know, but in the hearts of the two warriors, they knew all the answers were yes.
Gray Eagle stood up and pulled Alisha to her feet. He extended his hand to Brave Bear in a gesture of truce and friendship. Brave Bear met his steady look and accepted it. They all three walked to the waiting chief. He handed him the severed armband, greatly relieved it was not the body of his dead son.
They spoke for a few minutes, then Gray Eagle said to them, “We can twice join our two tribes in friendship and truce if your son will , accept the Shaman’s daughter Chela to join.”
Brave Bear turned to him with a look of surprise and puzzlement. He asked incredulously, “You will give me the one promised to you to join? You do not wish to make her your second wife? I have heard she is also very beautiful. Would she accept me in your place? Why do you wish to favor me with this great honor?”
Gray Eagle looked at him steadily and answered, “I have no need of a second wife. Shalee is the only woman I need. Chela is indeed very beautiful, but also fiery and stubborn. She will need taming by a very strong-willed, forceful man.” He grinned broadly and jokingly asked, “Do you think you can handle this she-cat of an Oglala, my koda? She will accept you, for my father will order it. You are a great and honored warrior. This will seal the truce and join our tribes in great friendship. I do this also because of your kindness to Shalee while she was here with you.”
Once more Gray Eagle laughed and joked, “Besides, Shalee was raised as wasichu and they take only one mate. I do not think she would be happy if I shared her place with others. Life would be hard and sad with the two of them, for they are still enemies. It is for the best if Chela comes here. Then too, she is very demanding of my time and love.” They all laughed and knowingly shook their heads.
Unfortunately, Powchutu and Alisha had left the group unnoticed and did not hear the conversation among the men. She would not know of these events and Gray Eagle’s feelings until too late. This talk could have prevented a lot of pain and fear on her part. It could also have prevented hatred and spite on Powchutu’s part. These few words could have changed what was shortly to take place ...
Black Cloud exclaimed to Gray Eagle, “You are indeed a great and noble warrior. You speak with much wisdom and kindness. You bring pride and honor to your father, yourself and your people. I do not fear for Shalee to go with you now. You have proven your love and worthiness to have her. I will miss the light of my daughter in my life. I will accept the hand of Chela for my son for joining. Our tribes will be forever joined in peace and friendship.”
Brave Bear spoke up, “Shalee does not know of your love, does she? I can see that she fears and doubts you. When will you tell her of these things?” Brave Bear realized even if he had won her to join, Wanmdi Hota had already won her heart and love. Did she even realize herself how much she loved him? I will take the beautiful and fiery-spirited Chela to join. It will prove another challenge in itself to tame her! Maybe in time, she will take the place of Shalee in my heart. It is best not to have one whose heart belongs to another.
Gray Eagle met his look and replied, “She will soon learn of these things. She will learn trust, then love will bloom and grow in her heart for me once more.”
Brave Bear commented, “Her love for you already shows in her eyes. She might not be aware of these feelings for you. If she is, then she tries to hide them from everyone, including herself.” Gray Eagle nodded affirmatively.
The ceremonial chief came forward and led the two warriors to the pezuta teepee where the Shaman would treat their wounds and injuries. They talked and laughed like two kodas as he worked on the cuts and scrapes.
“I am happy I did not have to take the life of Mato Waditaka. I could not give Alisha up to any man and I saw no other way but the challenge. She is and has been mine for many, many moons, since the day of my capture by the wasichu.”
“Why have you not shown her or told her of your love? If you loved and wanted her this much, why did you treat her as you did?”
Gray Eagle related the reasons for her treatment. He explained the things she had done, how she had behaved, the reactions of his people, her defiance, her rebellion, her interference, her betrayal of his trust, escape, and her attempts to strike him physically. He told him how he treated her when they were alone. “She refused to be subdued. She defied me many times, bringing shame and dishonor to me as a man and warrior.” He told him why he had treated
her the way he had at the fort that day when he had reclaimed her.
“I met and knew her as wasichu and our enemy. How could I have shown weakness in treating her less than a kaskapi? I tried to show her in my teepee how I felt in my heart, but she was too hurt and afraid to see this. I could not lose face before my warriors and people by showing love and kindness to a ska wincinyanna. You did not have this problem, my koda. You have only seen and known her as Shalee, a Si-ha Sapa and your chief’s daughter. I saw and knew her as Alisha, a white girl and prisoner. You had no honor to lose as I did.
“I did not tell her of my love that morning you took her away for I felt it a cruel taunt for her to learn of it and then be forced to leave me to marry another. I had tried to teach her love and trust the two days before you came and I was to tell her all that very day. Your coming wiped out her trust in me. She felt betrayed and would not have listened or believed me. I also thought it cruel for her to know of my love and then join with you. I did not tell her this morning because I believed if I died this day it would be easier for her to forget me as her enemy, rather than her lost love. It would not have been good for me to have forced her to reveal her love for me to you, her promised one.
“So many things seem so pointless and cruel now, but at the time, they seemed to be important and unbending. I see where I have made many mistakes with her. I was much too harsh on her even as my enemy. I have not known the love of a winyan before, and I have treated her very badly. She will have much to understand and forgive. There are many things I wish I could undo, but I cannot. Things would have been very different if I had shown her my love long ago. I should have been kinder and gentler with her. There were many things I, too, had to learn to trust and accept in her.
“With Shalee as Si-ha Sapa, I could have told her of my love for her. I could have told her all the things I have longed to tell her for a long time.”
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