Loving and desiring Stalking Wolf as she did, Kionee understood her sister’s feelings toward Runs Fast. She smiled at Blue Bird.
Red Bull, Leaning Tree, and Yar—a tiva—praised the rescuers and asked questions about the victory. Stalking Wolf related the stirring story of Kionee’s ingenuity.
“Atah was kind and wise to give us a fighter as skilled as Kionee. Atah was kind and wise to send Stalking Wolf to help us. You ride well, brave, and cunningly as companions; you are well matched.”
“Your words warm my heart, Red Bull,” the Cheyenne warrior replied. “I thank you for them. Now, if we ride fast, we can reach camp before the light is gone. We will halt for food and water when we are away from this place.”
“We brought them with us; we did not know how long the chase would be. The camp prepared for attack before we rode from it.”
“That is good. We do not know if more bands will raid. I say One-Eye did not tell others about the warnings we gave him or they would not come and risk angering their spirits. We will leave soon to join my people for safety; our tribe is large and strong.”
“We begin our journey in two suns,” the future chief said. “All is being prepared. We will take down our tipis and load our possessions soon. We hunt on the next sun for the last time before we go.”
“That is wise, Gray Fox, for Bird Warriors grow daring this season. I recovered the scalplock stolen from Little Beaver. We will return it to his head before he is placed in the arms of Mother Earth.”
“His family will thank you and honor you,” Red Bull replied.
The still angered Goes Ahead vowed, “We will be ready to fight and defeat them. You give us courage and tell us how to battle them to victory.”
Stalking Wolf smiled. “Hanueva are brave and wise. It is best for them to seek peace first, and battle only when it is threatened.” The warrior believed that since the Hanueva tribe was small and the Crow large, truce—if possible with honor—was the safest and smartest trail to ride, unless the Hanueva could be persuaded to settle near the Cheyenne for protection. That move would place Kionee near him all winter…
“Many times our plans come from Kionee; he is to be honored for them, and for his prowess.”
“We do so, for his deeds are many and large,” Red Bull replied. “My mate and child live by his hand and courage.”
“Come, we must go,” Kionee said after smiling her gratitude. Maja would wonder where she was when the wolf returned home after hunting and found her absent.
Before they reached their destination, they were joined by Night Walker, Little Weasel, and Runs Fast.
Blue Bird’s brown eyes glowed with love and happiness when she saw the man she would join after the buffalo hunt. As the two talked and touched hands, the scary and victorious tale was repeated.
“We came fast after we heard about the Crow,” Night Walker said. “We hoped to battle them at your sides. Your chase was swift and good.”
“You must be on alert when the journey begins,” Stalking Wolf told him. “With their shaman dead and his vision lost, I believe more Crow parties will attempt raids for horses and captives. It will be your rank and duty to guard your people well,” he reminded to appease the other man.
“No Hanueva will die or be taken captive while we defend them. Night Walker and Little Weasel will slay any Crow who threatens us.”
“Do not allow boasting to make you careless,” Runs Fast cautioned.
“Do you doubt my skills and honor, Runs Fast?” Night Walker asked.
“Not when your head is clear of seeking coups. You have an eagerness in you which is dangerous to our people if you let it run wild. You spoke many times of battling them only for praise when gathering coups is not our way.”
“If they are beaten many times and learn fear, they will leave us be. There are times when we must do more than defend ourselves.”
Kionee halted the quarrel. “We must not fight with our brothers and friends. We have much work to do. Let us ride and do our tasks in peace. Our people wait to see if we live.”
“Kionee is right,” Gray Fox told the men. “We will waste no time on bad words and feelings.”
Out of respect for their future chief, they departed in silence.
The following morning, Gray Fox, Runs Fast, and Goes Ahead came to the tipi of Strong rock and Martay to bring gifts of gratitude to Kionee and Stalking Wolf for rescuing their cherished women.
The chiefs son spoke for them, “You are our friend and brother, Stalking Wolf of the Cheyenne; your name and deeds will not be forgotten; they will be recorded on our tribal hide, and on those of the families you have saved. The same is true for Kionee, son of Strong Rock and Martay, whose past markings are many upon it. You bring honor to your father and your people. As long as you are with us, we will learn and gain much from your courage and skills. You trained your son well, Strong rock; Atah chose him well. In this season, no Hunter-Guardian matches him.”
Kionee was glad her father thanked the men. She had done nothing more than perform her duty out of love for her family and tribe. She was happy the Creator-High Guardian had guided and protected her and her companion. She was pleased and touched by the admiration and respect her people felt for Stalking Wolf. She hated to think of the day, after the buffalo hunting season, when he would be gone, forever. Her life would seem so cold and empty without him. Thoughts of being alone with him soon both excited and intimidated her. Yet she knew how things would change between them after they joined his people and the great hunt began.
Stalking Wolf was elated by the Hanuevas’ respect, friendship, and praise. He realized he had to do everything within his power to increase his standing with them in order for them to even consider allowing Kionee to join with him later. As he walked toward that goal, he must be careful not to reveal his knowledge of the tiva secret.
“Come,” Goes Ahead invited, “hunt with us this sun.”
Kionee and Stalking Wolf gathered their weapons and departed.
Strong Rock rested on his sitting mat, lost in thought and worry.
Martay returned to the tipi with wood and water. She noticed her love’s strange mood and asked, “What troubles you, my mate?”
“Kionee is a great hunter and fighter, but I fear for our son’s survival when we part. The Crow are eager for his scalp and medicine, and those of Stalking Wolf. They are too close as friends and companions. They will be alone and far from us for many suns and moons. Another should go, one who is not a mask-wearer. I fear the Cheyenne might learn the tiva secret.”
“Kionee will not forget or dishonor the tiva rank and duty. You are no longer able to guide and protect our son. He was safe in your large shadow, but it is gone now. The Cheyenne is brave and skilled; he can guard our child from danger. Kionee will be careful to hide the truth from him.”
“Perhaps evil spirits attack Kionee’s life and heart this season. Our son has much feeling and respect for his new friend. Kionee takes much happiness and pride from working with him; our son has known no man such as he is. I do not want Kionee to be misled by the excitement and joy he finds while they ride together, for those moons will end. Then Kionee must return to a quiet life and must not hunger to share more challenging moons as Stalking Wolf’s companion.” Strong Rock took a deep breath. “They both have the symbol of the wolf. What if that is a bad sign, Martay, one of warning?”
“If our son’s destiny is to change, only Atah can do so. Atah has chosen them to work together; that is why He sent Stalking Wolf and why Kionee was the one in the forest to meet him. We must not intrude.”
“Stalking Wolf is unlike Hanueva men,” Strong Rock stressed. “He does not know our ways. What if he stirs her female spirit to life?”
Martay suspected her child’s attraction to the visitor, but she told herself she must trust Kionee to hold true to their laws, so she kept those doubts to herself. “Kionee will not dishonor his father, himself, our people, and our laws.”
“I will
pray for Atah to give her strength and courage to do so.”
Martay noticed that he used the word “her” for the first time since Kionee was age five, but she did not correct his slip. It was natural for Kionee to admire and be impressed by a man with Stalking Wolfs good traits. She believed her loyal and obedient child would and could resist such a temptation. “I will do the same, my mate,” she responded. “Do not fear, Strong Rock, for Kionee is strong and true.”
The Hanueva women packed family possessions, took down tipis, and loaded travois as men readied weapons and horses. Plans were discussed for a last time, children were given instructions, babies were placed in cradleboards, and the elderly were assisted with tasks too heavy or difficult for them.
The setting was noisy and everyone was busy with their tasks. Water bags were full. Food was ready for consumption on the trail. Anticipation and suspense filled the people, who hoped they would get away without trouble.
Gray Fox, Bear’s Head, Spotted Owl, and their families took the lead. Others followed according to the position they were assigned. Night Walker, Little Weasel, and his chosen band rode at the end of the long line. The defenders were alert and prepared for any threat; two of them were eager for it.
After final waves were exchanged, Kionee, Stalking Wolf, Leaning Tree, and Yar headed in the opposite direction from the departing tribe. Maja loped beside Kionee and Tuka, ever watchful for danger.
The journey was under way.
* * *
Three days later, the scouting party halted to camp at the base of the mountains of the big horn animals where it was ten suns’ travel to the yellow stone land, wintering ground for the Crow. Red cliffs and white sandstone hills presented an awesome sight. Their journey had been quite easy in the canyon of wind nestled between two ranges and across the rocky terrain of black slate outcroppings they had just traversed. Scrubs and grass were abundant, as were colorful and fragrant wildflow-. ers. The scent of countless pines wafted on clear and pleasant air. Water was plentiful, most of it a vivid blue like the sky above it. Snow was visible on the highest peaks and in deep crevices northeast of them. Game roamed the vast forest beyond and frequented the benchland nearby, but there was no need to hunt this day. Many species of birds and insects were busy hunting food, mating, and building nests. Red, blue, and green dragonflies whose iridescent wings were patterned like spider webs glided, hovered, and performed loops on air currents. It was a wildly beautiful and verdant spot to spend the night.
The signs were apparent to all four that a large Crow party had camped there many days ago. There were no messages left on trees, in rock piles, or by grass knots, so they assumed there were no stragglers left behind as scouts or raiders. From the direction they had taken, they knew the Crow had chosen the easiest canyons and passes to use to reach their final destination.
Kionee, Stalking Wolf, Yar, and Leaning Tree ate honovohko and ame and drank water from the river. The dried meat and pemmican were necessary trail food as they dared not make a fire. If the night turned cool as was probable this time of year so close to the whitecapped mountains, they had buffalo hides upon which to sleep and robes with which to cover themselves. Besides, no worthy hunter or warrior ever complained of being tired, hungry, thirsty, or afraid; to do so made him appear weak in body and prowess.
Stalking Wolf gave clear instructions to Leaning Tree and Yar; “When the sun rises, you will travel along the red fork of the river of Powder. Cross to the south fork and go to meet your people near the badlands of flaming rocks. Look for tracks which say others do the same. If you see Bird Warriors sneaking to find and attack your people, do not challenge them if they are many. Circle their party, ride fast, and give warning. If Hanuevas have passed that area, check for Crow tracks following them. Hawate-Ishte and others are sly and eager; I believe they will shadow your tribe and nip at their heels for horses and coups and captives. Warn Night Walker to be alert and ready to battle them. Tell your chief and council we follow the big Crow party along the north fork to the grasslands. After we see where they camp for the first hunt and count their number, we will join you.”
“It is a good plan, Stalking Wolf, and we will obey.”
“Thank you, Leaning Tree; your tribe’s survival is in our hands on these early suns. With Our People as allies, Crow will not slay or raid them.”
They talked a while longer before they settled down beneath a waxing half-moon. Yar and Leaning Tree went to sleep within minutes. Stalking Wolf pretended to do the same, but his thoughts were too consumed by Kionee, and the reality of being alone with her the following day.
Kionee kept her breathing slow and even to conceal her restless state. For the past three days, the short distance kept between riders to be ready to react speedily to danger and enforced attention to their surroundings had saved her from concentrating on their leader. But now that they were so close…
Maja lay beside her, providing warmth and protection and comfort. As Kionee’s fingers nestled into the animal’s ruff she felt the beaded collar she had placed around his neck to make certain the Cheyenne people knew he was a pet when they reached the joint encampment. She thought about the collection of kims that were hidden in a small cave near their winter living grounds, left behind to prevent breakage and the extra work of transporting and guarding them on the plains. She recalled the repaired cracks in hers and wondered if she should hope and pray they held fast. If the Spirit Vessel crumbled, her female essence would soar in freedom. But for now, she was with Stalking Wolf and should enjoy his companionship; she did not want to think about how soon their time together would end, forever.
12
DURING THE NEXT TWO DAYS, Stalking Wolf and Kionee journeyed at a tranquil pace as they rode northeast while her friends headed southeast. They did not want to catch up with the Crow; they only needed to learn where the enemy would camp on the plains and how large their band was. On a separate path from Leaning Tree and Yar, the quiet and watchful couple traveled into the lofty range which was forested with aspen, pine, juniper, fir, and other trees. They made their way over grassy knolls, sharp ridges, through canyons, over passes, around piles of boulders, and across short flower-filled meadows where deer and antelope grazed. Sandstone bluffs were covered in dense stands of tall pines and spruce. Red rimrocks and gray cliffs made a startling contrast against the expanse of green below and azure above.
Waterholes and seeps bubbled and pooled at the foot of the cliffs and fish were plentiful in the many streams and rivers. Small animals bathed and drank in shallows along verdant banks. A vivid blue sky was clear of ominous dark clouds. The wind was brisk and air was cool. In the distance to the north, snowcapped pinnacles dazzled in brilliant sunlight at midday and softened in the sunset’s fading glow.
While the trip was physically undemanding for Kionee, the company of the handsome and virile warrior was extremely exciting. Soon they would make camp for their second night alone, and she did not know how or for how much longer she was going to be able to continue her deception. Kionee’s wayward heart begged her to tell him the truth, but she dared not relent to the yearning to expose herself, or yield to her desire for him. Every moment spent with him was a mixture of bliss and anguish.
Kionee watched him furtively. He sat tall and straight on his horse. His unadorned buckskin vest did not conceal the strength and beauty of his torso. His back and shoulders were broad and hard, and covered with dark and smooth flesh; his arms were muscular and strong. His flowing golden-brown mane was clean and shiny. She smiled in pleasure as mischievous winds lifted and played with strands of it. His waist was narrow and firm; his legs, long. She caught glimpses of skin and hipbones where his leggings were attached to his breechclout belt. Those two garments and his moccasins also were unadorned with beadwork. He had told her the plain clothing was worn to prevent revealing his tribal identity and rank if they were sighted by enemies. He was so cunning and wise, so skilled and strong, so fearless and generous. Just the sight of him ma
de her heart beat rapidly. Imagine how she would feel if he took her in his embrace…
Kionee glanced at the encompassing terrain to calm herself, as she was becoming aroused just looking at him and thinking such forbidden thoughts. They had not talked much since their journey began; both realized how reckless it was to let their attention stray when flanking Crow scouts could be lurking ahead. She let him be the leader, the one who checked the tracks and watched for messages left behind. Rarely had he paused to look back at her or even glance over his shoulder. He appeared in tight control of himself and the situation.
Kionee’s stomach told her it was nearing meal time. Roots, berries, and edible plants were abundant in this territory, and she had collected some during rest stops to eat at a later time. She knew from observation while guarding Hanueva women which ones were safe to consume and could be eaten raw, as a cook fire remained a hazard they could not risk. Yet, what she longed to taste were his lips, and to feast herself full in his arms.
Kionee saw Stalking Wolf halt, so she reined in her pinto. He twisted on his horse, propped a hand on the animal’s haunch, and told Kionee it was time to camp. She followed him off the well-worn trail and into the forest to a stream where she dismounted and unloaded her belongings while he did the same. Tuka was well trained and loyal, so she left him untethered to graze and drink, to be free to escape if danger came. She ruffled the fur on Maja’s neck and allowed the silver wolf to go hunting and roaming; she knew he would return to her side before departure.
After eating their sparse meal, Kionee and Stalking Wolf reclined on their mats.
“What tribe did your blood father belong to?” Kionee asked. “You said he was not Cheyenne. How did he join to a chiefs daughter?”
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