“Cloud Chaser knew his face and revealed his presence to us. He is like his sister and possesses a good heart. He did not slay Brules with his firestick and he helped some escape the attack, though he hid his actions from other soldiers.” He paused while she sighed in relief, then smiled in joy. “Cloud Chaser spoke with him at Fort Laramie. He did not tell your brother you live in our camp. He sends what you call letters to the white leaders far away to give them the truth about the massacre and Harney’s evil. Before Cloud Chaser leaves the soldiers, he will let your brother know you are alive and safe, but not where you are. Does that please you?”
“Yes, if fills my heart with happiness and pride. I am glad David does not obey the evil orders of General Harney. That news is the largest gift I could receive. I thank you, Wanbli.”
“Do you hate and blame me for capturing you?”
How, she wondered should she answer? With the truth, she decided. “I do not hate or blame you, Wanbli. A force more powerful than you urged you to … act as you did that day. Much good has come from your … capture of me, so how could it be wrong?”
“Your words and feelings please me, Wahcawi.”
“As yours please me.” As your smile weakens me all over.
“May I give and take a gift?”
“I do not understand. What gift can I give to you?”
“A kiss.”
Caroline stared at him in confusion, astonishment, and delight. She did not move or break their locked gazes as he closed the distance between them. She quivered in desire and pleasure as his mouth met with hers.
The first kiss was long and tender. His arms banded her upper back, and hers encircled his waist. They clung to each other and savored each other’s touch and taste. The kiss soon waxed intense, swift, urgent, probing. It sent their spirits soaring.
War Eagle’s fingers drifted into her sunny locks and stroked her hair, relishing the way the curls encompassed his hands and tickled the flesh on them. His questing mouth left hers for a short time to rove her face, then returned to her willing lips.
Caroline’s hands sneaked beneath his leather vest and adored the firm and soft surfaces she discovered there. His body was warm, appealing, and enticing. She loved him. She desired him. She was enslaved to him. She felt her breasts grow taut and a strange tightening in her womb.
Sensing a slight and sudden tension and hesitation in Caroline, War Eagle surmised it was their rising and perilous passion that was alarming her. He also realized a union of bodies was impossible on this sun, for the same reasons that no doubt troubled her and cooled the heat of her response. He ended the kiss, gazed down at her, and smiled. “When we touch in this way, strange feelings claim us. They are good, but dangerous while we are only friends. We must halt them for this sun and wait to learn if they return and grow.”
“You are kind and wise, Wanbli.” To change the subject, she asked, “Should you not overtake Red Wolf and send me to his camp? With Harney riding in your territory, it is dangerous for me to be with the Red Shields.”
“Do not fear, Wahcawi, for he will not find you among us.”
Caroline misunderstood his meaning and murmured in sadness, “You are sending me away? To the Cheyenne camp?”
“No, we will hide you if he finds our new camp. Do you hunger to leave us? You want to go live in the Fire Hearts camp?”
“No, but I do not want to be a threat to you and your people. I like Red Wolf, and his mother must be a good woman.” To test his reaction to the topic of marriage and to see if he would give her only a clue about his intention toward her, she asked in a casual tone, “Do you think Red Wolf will ask for your sister’s hand in joining?”
“He is my friend and ally. He does not seek my sister as a mate.”
“I think they are drawn to each other.”
“Your eyes trick you, Wahcawi. If such were true, Red Wolf would tell me. He would not seek a prize out of his reach.”
“Why is Hanmani out of his reach?”
“Father would not allow her to join to him and live far away.”
Caroline did not ask him to explain further. She believed it was because Red Wolf was part white, and War Eagle would not want to reveal that to her. If that union was impossible, she reasoned, surely there was no hope of one for her. Her heart and mind in torment, she needed to escape this forbidden temptation. “Then, it is good my senses tricked me about their feelings. I must finish my tasks and return to camp. Dawn will worry if I take too long. Thank you for the good words about my brother. I must hurry now.” She turned and retrieved the half-full sling and headed for camp, praying she would not weep.
War Eagle perceived a change in her mood and gaze, but he could not guess what had provoked it. He yearned to halt her swift departure to ask her not to reject him while he waited to see if the Great Spirit would clear their tangled path for them so they could join as mates, but it was too soon. He dared not confess his love and desire aloud, but he had given her signs of them to try to bind her to him. Had he failed in his attempts? Was she resisting such feelings for a “savage”? Had she been pretending with him only to trick him into sending her away? Did she have feelings for Red Wolf, as his friend had been in camp with her for many days and they were honored together? Was that why she asked about Red Wolf and Hanmani, to see if he mentioned another woman in the Cheyenne camp?
What truly lives in your heart and head, Kawa Cante? You will not become the mate of Red Wolf or another, for you are mine. Soon, I will learn if you share my feelings or only seek to trick me…
Chapter Seventeen
The next morning, the Red Shields were busy striking camp at the edge of Paha Sapa to move deeper into the sacred hills. The people worked fast so they could make a good distance before nightfall. War Eagle and others scouted the way as the lengthy processional evacuated that site. A rear guard used pine limbs to brush away their tracks and used other debris to conceal old fires before taking up their positions to protect the band’s flank. The large group headed southwestward toward the Cave of the Spirit Winds to set up a new village along the banks of a tranquil sylvan lake. Black spires and pinnacles of various shapes and heights were used as markers to guide them. Soon, an abundance of ridges, evergreens, valleys, and slopes would conceal them from the enemy’s view, be it Indian or white.
While Macha—with Casmu on her back in his cradle-board—rode the animal that pulled the loaded tag-along, Caroline walked nearby, holding the tethers of Cloud Chaser’s buffalo horse, as that special creature was only ridden during hunts. She recalled how War Eagle had joined them at dawn to take down his brother’s Huyamni and pack the three-legged stand and weapons, as women were never to touch them, and Cloud Chaser could not carry them at the fort. They had exchanged looks several times as he did those tasks, but were careful with their behavior while so many people were scurrying around the area. At times, it was almost as if his probing gaze was asking her questions she could not grasp. If a serious relationship was impossible for them, she fretted, what did he want and expect from her? She could not continue to dally with him in the forest. They could be caught, and she dreaded to imagine the result of that exposure.
Worse, Caroline worried, their rising desires could lead to a hazardous and uncontrollable surrender to passion. Yes, she loved him, wanted him, craved him intensely, but she had been reared as a Christian who believed people should be married before consummating their bond. Too, she could become pregnant. If that happened, would War Eagle marry her or would their child be born a bastard, a captive like its mother? Rising Bear had not joined to Omaste, but he had accepted and reared Cloud Chaser as his son, and Macha’s husband did not suffer from his misbegotten birth. Even so, that was not a stigma she wanted to give her child.
After a longer midday break to eat and rest, Caroline glanced around as the sometimes arduous walk continued. She had not even glimpsed War Eagle since their departure because he was riding as an advance scout, as other Lakota bands could be camped al
ong their route or bold enemies could be encroaching for raids or stealthy whites could be trapping or hunting in the forbidden hills. Their pace was steady, but it was the undulating landscape that strained their stamina and energy. The weather was mild and the sky was clear of ominous clouds. So far, no trouble had struck.
The journey became more difficult when gently rolling hills rose to higher ground that they could not skirt, then took sharp turns downward into canyons. The dense forest and scattered woods were filled with deer, turkey, elk, and other creatures. The majority of the trees and bushes were evergreens, but in some places, numerous hardwoods were present, changing colors at that season. The meadows they crossed or viewed displayed mainly yellow to brown grass and many late summer to fall wildflowers, and were dotted by grazing buffalo and other creatures. They encountered streams and creeks along the path to their destination. Although most of the rock was in shades of ebony, some was a pale gray. In craggs or on narrow shelves along the sides of high and rugged cliffs, mountain goats and sheep were sighted, but not hunted during their rush. On occasion, a rambling bear, skulking wolf, or curious coyote was seen, but none challenged their passing.
Caroline found the vast location beautiful, the terrain sheltered in winter, and very serene, at least for now. It was apparent to her why the Indians loved and frequented this area that seemed to leap from the earth amidst an enormous prairie as a gift from their Great Spirit to sustain their lives. She could imagine the awesome changes wrought upon it with white settlement. She hated to think of this land falling into the hands of her people for trapping, hunting, homesteading, farming, and lumbering. But it was not within her power to prevent that. If it were, she would do so.
At last, the first day came to an end and the band halted to rest, eat, and sleep, to repeat the same actions for many days…
Far away at Fort Laramie on that same morning, Cloud Chaser stood within the shadows of the sutler’s door as he watched Spotted Tail, Long Chin, Red Leaf, and others ride to the camp of General Harney to surrender to him. He noted that the chiefs and warriors were clad in their finest array and were singing and chanting their death songs as if they were certain their executions awaited them. The surviving members of their band rode or walked behind their leaders, their heads lowered in shame and sorrow.
Cloud Chaser grieved with them and feared for their lives, though he recalled no mistreatment of the past prisoners. He noticed that Little Thunder and his band were not with them as War Eagle had told him last week. He wondered if Harney would be satisfied with the event in progress and with the report of Little Thunder’s move from the territory and promise never to raid whites or challenge soldiers again. Having witnessed Harney’s crushing intent and bad feelings for the Lakotas at large, he doubted it.
The next morning, Cloud Chaser watched as a troop of soldiers left to escort the prisoners to Fort Leavenworth via Kearny. Ben had told him one of the Fort Laramie men had disclosed that the chiefs and elite warriors were to be hanged there and the others would be imprisoned. He prayed the army would change its mind, as that incident would provoke more hostility, distrust, and warfare from other bands and tribes. He knew that Harney planned to leave on his “Sioux Campaign” on Saturday, September 29, three days from this sad one. The general’s plan, according to what he had learned, was to take the old fur trade trail that snaked its way across their territory to Fort Pierre, checking every camp for “hostiles” and “escapees” along the way and attacking any party that challenged him. But what worried Cloud Chaser was the map a Crow scout had made for Harney, one with large X’s where Lakota camps were said to be situated. Somehow and some way, Cloud Chaser plotted, he must steal and destroy it…
When Cloud Chaser saw David walking toward the store later that day he palmed the note he had prepared about Caroline. He headed out the door fast as David—with his head lowered—was about to enter it, causing them to bump into each other with force. Cloud Chaser grabbed David’s arm to steady the soldier’s balance and, while doing so, stuffed the note into the man’s pocket to be found and read later. He shook his head and apologized, “Sorry about that jolt. Guess my thoughts were elsewhere.”
“So were mine, and the accident was half my fault, so I apologize, too.”
“I suppose you boys are getting ready to ride out soon.”
“At sunrise on Saturday, but I’m not looking forward to the journey.”
“Where you boys heading? Heard it was straight into Sioux country.”
“That’s General Harney’s plan, stalk right through the heart of it.”
“Sounds as if you don’t want to go with him, and I can’t blame you. By now, all Lakotas know about the Ash Hollow incident and will be prepared for trouble. Harney won’t be able to pull any more sneak attacks, and he’ll be challenging them on their terrain, something they’re familiar with and he isn’t. Fact is, I’m heading for Fort Pierre, so I might stick close to you boys for protection in case the Indians get riled by his encroachment and start attacking every man they see. You think General Harney will object?”
“I don’t see why he would. If he refuses to let you ride with us, you could just stick as close as possible so you can join us if trouble strikes.”
“How much longer you got in the army’s confines?”
“Two years, and then I’m out, permanently. After I find my sister, I plan to head to California and start fresh there. It’s been good talking to you while I was here and you taught me plenty. I’m grateful to you, Chase, and it might help me stay alive while I’m searching for Caroline.”
“How can you search for her while you’re riding with Harney?”
“As soon as we reach Fort Pierre, I’m requesting a leave to look for her. Maybe the general will send a troop with me since he has men and weapons missing. If not, I’ll figure something out. You’ll have to excuse me now. I have to mail a letter and return to my area. I guess I’ll see you later.”
“I hope so. Good luck.”
“I’m sure I’ll need it, and thanks.”
Cloud Chaser left the store to return to his campsite. Soon, he would be heading home. That day could not come fast enough.
After David gave Ben a letter to mail to Washington and thanked the sutler, he headed to rejoin his unit. As he pulled out his handkerchief to dab blood from a scrape, the dislodged note fell to the ground. A gust of wind seized it and blew it away without him noticing it…
“Lacetkiya, Wanbli. Wociciyaka wacin.”
When his grandfather called out for him to “Come this way. I want to speak with you,” War Eagle halted his task and looked at Nahemana. He surmised something was afoot but could not imagine what it was. He headed to obey, his curiosity aroused…
They walked a short distance from their new campsite so they could speak in private. When they halted, they sat on large rocks amidst trees.
“What troubles you on this sun, Grandfather?”
“A dream was sent to me on the past moon. I saw a glowing hand come from the sky and push Wahcawi toward you. But it halted her before she reached you and would let her approach no closer. I believe the Great Spirit has chosen her to become your mate, but the sun has not risen when that truth should be revealed to others. I saw the shiny hand return and take her far away before she was returned to your side and you were joined. The Great Spirit has given her many chances to prove she is worthy of you, and she has grasped victory each time. But more challenges are ahead in the shadows for her to meet before all accept her and you lay claim to her.”
War Eagle was astonished and elated by that news. Yet, he also was worried by some parts of it. “What remaining challenges stand between us? Where will she go, Grandfather? Why must she leave? For how long?”
“That was not shown to me, but I saw a white blanket on the land and ice in the water when you joined. The moon before her honoring ceremony, another message was sent to me; it revealed I was to give her a Red Shield name. While you were scouting at the bluecoat fort,
we talked much and shared healing skills. It is good she knows such things, for she can tend those injured by bluecoat firesticks and those sickened by their diseases. Is it not true you love and desire her?”
“It is true, Grandfather. But I feared I could not have her.”
“Has the Great Spirit placed those same feelings within her?”
“I believe he has. Surely He would do so since she was chosen for me. My spirit soars as my name. Much joy and pride fill me.”
Nahemana cautioned the happy man, “Do not forget, War Eagle: you must not reveal your feelings to others or lay claim to her before the right sun rises. To do so could bring great harm to the Creator’s plan.”
“It will be hard to do so, Grandfather, but I will walk the path you pointed out to me,” he promised. Now that the Great Spirit had given him the long-awaited sign of victory, he could calm his fears of never having or of losing her. But he must be careful not to do anything to prevent that dream from coming true. He yearned to run to Caroline’s side to reveal his love and share this good news. Yet, he must avoid her today, as his joy could make him careless. Just seeing her while knowing the truth could cause him to expose his feelings before others when the Great Spirit commanded secrecy for a while longer. Even if he could control himself, perhaps she could not. Soon, Kawa Cante, all will know and you will be mine.
The next day, the Red Shield Band of the Oglala Lakotas gathered as they awaited the start of the Sacred Bow ritual, which was believed to yield powerful medicine for war and for peace. Despite the anxiety of impending war, all knew that each person’s existence traveled in a circle as with the Sacred Hoop of Life, and death was a part of it, though a fallen one’s spirit dwelled with Wakantanka and that fact was soothing.
The Sacred Medicine Bow Society’s meeting lodge had been set up in a forest clearing early that morning, with a sweat lodge erected beside it. The three other Bow Carriers—War Eagle, Swift Otter, and Broken Arrow—were to participate in the event to prove that Bent Bow’s skills were equal to theirs and that he possessed the prowess to join their high rank.
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