Sweet Savage Heart

by Janelle Taylor

  Rana smiled, for now she understood his dilemma: he was being torn between two bloods and peoples. One law said they were not joined, and the other said they were. Was this the “truth” that had tortured him? she wondered, knowing there was a simple way to end his suffering, though it was too soon to mention it. Oh, my love, she thought dreamily, you are far more Indian than you realize, and you do not wish me to be your sister! She had wanted happiness and freedom once, but now she wanted Travis more. She had not wanted to marry and he had told her that according to white law they had not, yet she had been extremely pleased by their joining. She had wanted desperately to be allowed to be herself, yet now all she wanted was to be his!

  “I do not like battling you with words each day, Travis Kincade. I promised my people I would go with you, and I will keep my word of honor.” Words she had spoken to Black Hawk returned to haunt her and she repeated them hoarsely: “We are joined only in words, and false words can be broken. I will be your sister and friend. I will try to accept your ways and be happy in your lands. If it is not so by winter, you must promise to return me to my people. Do you agree?”

  Travis sighed loudly in relief and smiled broadly, for he knew she would adjust. “That seems fair enough. It’s a deal, Miss Rana Michaels. Let’s go eat and get some sleep. I’m starving and exhausted,” he announced cheerfully, holding out his hand in invitation.

  Rana glanced at it, laughed softly, and teased, “Do sisters and brothers touch in this tempting manner?”

  “Maybe you’re right. No need to add fuel to a fire that should be left to smolder for now. Come along, sister. It’s late.”

  As Rana followed Travis to camp, she boldly reflected, The sun will set on your resistance sooner than you think, my love, because we are joined in the eyes of Wakan Tanka and in our own eyes…

  As the two entered the small area where they were camping for the night, Nathan instantly detected the change between them. Both were smiling and appeared lighthearted. They looked comfortable side by side and a pleasant warmth seemed to surround them. Nathan relaxed, deciding all would be fine now. He listened intently as Travis hurriedly related the essentials of his talk with Rana. He was astonished to learn that his granddaughter could speak English, but unlike Travis, he did not try to recall what he had said around her. He was too excited by the news.

  Nathan smiled and laughed at the same time. Clasping Rana’s hand between his, he stated exuberantly, “I’m so glad we can talk, Rana. This is going to make things so much easier for all of us. I’ve got so much to tell you. You’re going home and—”

  “Nate,” Travis called to him to halt his rapid and thoughtless flow of words, “we’ve got plenty of time to tell Rana about her new home. It’s late and we’re all tired. Now I understand why Rana kept quiet about speaking English; she didn’t want us to talk her ears off.”

  Nathan caught the hint and tried to master his rampant emotions. He was pleased with the way Travis was handling the matter, letting the facts trickle out a few at a time to keep from drowning Rana in a river of truth. “Old men do have this tendency to babble, don’t they, son? Travis here doesn’t do much talking, but I do. I’m real proud of him, Rana. He takes good care of me and our lands. A man couldn’t ask for a better son or grandson,” he stated affectionately, unwittingly misleading Rana about their relationship.

  “His eyes say he has much pride and love for you, Nate. It is good for families to be close to each other. I will be happy and honored to live in your home.”

  “We’re the ones who are happy and honored to have you join our family, Rana,” Travis told her. “Now that we have a peaceful camp, why don’t we all get busy with supper? Rana, I was telling Nate that it looks like there’s going to be trouble in this area soon between Crazy Horse’s band and the soldiers at Fort Kearny. I would like to be long gone before they start battling each other again. Do you mind riding fast and hard for a few days?”

  “I understand, Travis. I will ride fast and hard at your side.”

  “Good,” he murmured, smiling at her.

  The following morning, Travis, Rana, and Nathan were in high spirits and smiled frequently at each other as they hurriedly ate and packed to leave. As Travis had requested, the small group traveled quickly, taking only short rest breaks for the horses and themselves. At one point they all burst into laughter as a herd of deer bolted across their path and startled their horses as well as the deer.

  His shiny eyes revealing his genuine happiness, Nathan shouted to Rana, “Wait until you see how many we have on our ranch.”

  Rana had shouted back, “How big is your ranch?”

  Nathan beamed with joy and pride as he replied, “A hundred and fifty thousand acres of prime grazing land. You’ll love it there.”

  Rana instantly concluded that he was right. Excitement surged through her as the lovely scenery moved swiftly past, taking her further from the Dakota Territory and closer to Texas. Each time she glanced at the man riding to her right and slightly ahead of her, tremors of anticipation and desire assailed her. Today she felt at ease with these men; she began to believe that her new destiny held great things for her. Gone were her bitterness and anger; they had been replaced by joy and hope.

  As the fast-paced journey continued, there was little conversation, for neither Rana nor Nathan wanted to distract Travis from his intense alertness. Nearing dusk, Travis rode ahead to scout the area he had selected for their camp. It was obvious to his companions that he remembered this area well, for he always seemed to know where to find water and lush grass for the animals.

  As they gathered firewood and prepared their evening meal, Nathan described his ranch and home for Rana. When he told her she would have her own room and could come and go as she pleased, Rana was amazed, for she had never known such privacy and freedom before. She was also astonished by the large amount of cattle and horses Nathan owned, for it was more than those owned by several tribes combined. She decided these men must be strong and clever to control so much land and to own so many animals. She could tell that both men had deep love and respect for their land, which caused her to feel a similar respect for their great skill and success.

  Nathan told Rana about the neighboring ranchers and towns, explaining as he did so about raising cattle and horses and selling them. He related colorful tales about the history of Texas and his homesteading days, and finally he told her about his wife, Ruth, and a little about his daughter, Marissa.

  “Marissa…,” she echoed the vaguely familiar name. “It is beautiful, soft like music or the spring rain. You miss her now that she lives with the Great Spirit. It is sad to lose those we love and need. My father, Soaring Hawk, lives with Tunkansila. He was a great warrior and chief. My brother, Lone Wolf, walks closely in his tracks.” She wanted to ask more questions about his daughter, but she sensed that the topic was painful to the old man, and to her, too, for some unknown reason.

  “I know you’ll miss them, Rana, but don’t be angry because we’re taking you home where you belong.”

  She looked over at Nathan and smiled. She was glad he felt she belonged with them. “I willingly go where the Great Spirit leads.”

  When Travis joined them to eat, he teased, “I see Nate’s been talking your ears off again. He’s just excited about having a woman in the house again. I think he’s’ forgotten how much trouble they can be.”

  “Women give trouble only when they must,” she retorted.

  “To get their own ways,” Travis slyly came back at her, then grinned devilishly. He sipped his coffee, eyeing her over the cup’s rim.

  “Do you not use clever words and deeds to get your way?”

  Nathan chuckled. “She’s got you there, son. This girl is smart and quick. She’s going to keep us on our toes.”

  Travis sighed dramatically. “I’m sure of that, Nate.”

  When Rana excused herself to prepare for bed, Travis cautioned, “Watch what you say about Marissa, and don’t mention the Kiowa attac
k. She could panic and bolt. Just a few more days, and I’ll tell her everything.”

  “I’ll be careful, son, but I sure am eager for her to learn she’s my granddaughter. She’s really settled down, hasn’t she?”

  “Yep, and I hate to have to upset her again.” Travis did not tell Nathan that he hoped it was not an act on her part to disarm them. He knew what wily deceivers and artful pretenders women could be.

  The following morning, Travis ordered Nathan and Rana to hang back while he checked the area where they would cross the Mormon Trail. As far as he could see in any direction, there was no one in sight. Satisfied, he rode back for Rana and Nathan. They were forced to go several miles out of the way to skirt a large lake and to find a place to ford the North Platte River. After riding on for miles and fording the South Platte River, they eventually came to the Oregon Trail. Again Travis told them to wait for his signal as he rode away to scout the area.

  This time, Travis was gone for over an hour, causing Nathan and Rana concern over his safety. When he did return, they openly showed their relief, then noted that he was carrying several items of interest. Travis dismounted and dropped his findings on the ground. Rana and Nathan came forward to question him, curiously looking at the strange pile of possessions.

  “There was trouble over there and not too long ago from the look of things. Four wagons were attacked by Cheyenne warriors. They were chased off by soldiers, probably from Fort Smith. They all left in a big hurry ‘cause there wasn’t any burial detail around and the Indians didn’t recover their dead. They don’t need these things anymore, so I took them. Rana, see if any of the clothes will fit you. If we meet up with other soldiers, it’ll be best if you aren’t dressed like that. Might inspire too many questions and too much time to answer them.”

  Rana sank to her knees while she and Travis looked through the dresses, shirts, pants, and shoes he had taken from three of the wagons. When they found several garments that seemed to be close to her size, Travis told her to change into them while he packed the others.

  “She might have need of these pants and shirt later, so we’ll keep them. You take these, Nate. Extra weapons might come in handy if one of ours breaks or we need some trade goods.”

  Nathan placed a pistol and ammunition in his saddlebag, Travis concealed another knife in his right boot, and each secured a rifle to his saddle.

  When Rana returned, her nose was crinkled in dismay and she was walking clumsily.

  “What’s wrong?” Travis inquired.

  “The dress is fine, but the moccasins do not feel good.”

  “Shoes, Rana,” he gently corrected her. “Let me check them.” He looked and felt around each one, determining that they were slightly large. “Sit down,” he instructed, then wrapped torn strips of material around her feet before putting on the shoes again. “That’ll have to do until I can buy you a better pair. You said you could use a bow and arrows, didn’t you?” When she nodded, he handed them to her and said, “Keep these in case you need them later. Take this too,” he added, handing her a larger knife in a fancily carved sheath. “When we get time, I’ll teach you how to handle a gun and you can have the one I just gave Nate.” He ripped off a ribbon from a dress that was too large for her and cut it in half. “Here. Tie your braids with these. Soldiers might wonder about those Lakota rosettes. Better hide that wanapin too. Let’s get moving before those Cheyenne or the soldiers return.” He packed the few supplies he had taken, then they mounted and rode away, leaving the discarded items behind.

  Each day the weather became warmer and the days longer. When they camped on June ninth, Travis scouted the area thoroughly, then remained on full alert. Twice he left camp just to “take one more look around.”

  During the next two days, Travis ordered a more cautious pace, knowing they were only a few days’ ride from Fort Kearny, the object of Crazy Horse’s destructive design. They were too far out for hay gatherers or woodcutters from the fort, but not for patrols, especially during such intimidating times. Having learned that the Sioux and Cheyenne were determined to recover this area from the soldiers and homesteaders had made Travis wary and tense. He knew he could defend himself and escape danger, but he had Nathan and Rana to protect. He felt as if he were escorting them through a prairie fire with so much smoke that he could not accurately and swiftly determine which trail would lead to safety.

  Sensing his concern as they sat around the fire that night, Rana coaxed, “Do not worry. We will reach home safety.” Then, before she could stop herself, she asked, “Why did you leave your mother’s camp and people? Did your heart feel strange stirrings returning to these lands?”

  Travis focused his keen gaze across the river and nodded. Tomorrow they would be in Kansas, a day closer to the truth. “I know how much the Lakotas want to drive the white man from their lands. It cannot be, Rana, for they are strong and many and they have weapons that can slay a whole tribe or destroy an entire camp in a few hours.” He did not tell her how the soldiers were using the six-year-old Gatling Gun, powerful cannons from the recent war, and dynamite, a new weapon that had been discovered last year, in order to drive the Indians off their ancestral lands and kill any resistors.

  “I’ve lived with the white man and I know his power and greed. These lands must be shared, or the Lakotas will be pushed aside or killed. My mother’s people have hunted on these lands for more winters than I can count. Her father, and her father’s father, and his father have fought and died here; they are buried on the sacred mountain. Children have played and learned here. Victories have been celebrated. Enemies have been conquered and driven away. Laughter and songs have filled the air. This land is the Lakotas’, and that too must pass. Once Grandfather smiled on his children; He gave us plenty to eat and protected us. Many times I rode into battle and returned with great honor. Then the white man came and wanted what was ours. Now the Lakotas must relent and change, or die. My words and fighting would change nothing, so it would be foolish to sacrifice my life for a battle already lost when the white man first set his eyes and heart on this land. My sons must be born free, where they can claim land to hunt and raise children and die in peace, a land where they will not be shamed for their mixed blood.”

  When he glanced at her, she was watching him with a tender expression that charged through him like a bolt of lightning. There was a deep, dreamy stare in her eyes that said she would withhold nothing from him. “I’ll go check on the horses,” he stated quickly, wondering why he was pouring out such private feelings and thoughts to her.

  Rana grasped his arm to halt him. “Do not pull within yourself, Travis. How can I know you if you shield such feelings from me? You keep much a prisoner inside when there is comforting freedom outside. Is it wrong to share such feelings with your… sister?”

  “Not wrong, Rana, just hard. I’ve never talked with anyone like this except Nate. Get some rest; it’s late.”

  Rana watched Travis’s defensive retreat, then turned to Nathan. “He carries much pain and many secrets inside his heart. Why did he leave his mother’s people? Why did she marry a white-eyes?”

  “I think it would be best if Travis answered those questions, Rana. The Indians gave him a hard time because he was a half-breed. That boy was hurt deeply and it isn’t easy for him to talk about the past. If those Hunkpapas hadn’t rejected him, he would still be a warrior. I’m glad they did, ‘cause he would be fighting a losing battle. That’s why we couldn’t leave you there. If them Indians don’t make truce with the white man, it’s over for them, and Travis said they won’t.”

  Lines of sadness marked her face. “He spoke the truth, Nate. My people will die before they yield their lands to the white-eyes.”

  “Your people are white, Rana,” he gently reminded her.

  “Only by birth. The Oglalas raised me and loved me, and my heart belongs with them. I was taught to hate and mistrust white-eyes, but I do not feel this way about you and Travis. I do not understand this, but I accept it
. Where we go, are the white-eyes as you are?”

  “It’s like with Lone Wolf and Black Hawk, Rana; there’re good and bad whites, like good and bad Indians. But don’t you worry none. You got me and Travis to take care of you. We’ll be a family again.”

  Rana looked off toward the woods into which Travis had vanished. She went over his words and Nathan’s as she drifted off to sleep. Sometimes she had trouble understanding their meanings, as when Nathan had spoken of “a family again.” She knew she would have to listen carefully and work hard on her English before she reached their home.

  Rana realized now how fortunate she had been that Soaring Hawk had captured and for several years had enslaved a white school teacher. She had been a spirited, resilient woman who had taught Rana many things, including the importance of having an independent, bold nature, which had proven so vexing to the men in her life. For now, she would not reveal the extent of her knowledge, for she felt she could learn a great deal about Travis and Nathan as they attempted to teach her what they thought she should know.

  The next morning, they resumed a similar travel pattern. Just before their noon break to rest and eat, Travis detected signs that seized his attention. He moved off to have a closer look, leaving Rana and Nathan camped near Beaver Creek. He had chosen a spot where the creek grew wide and deep and was banked heavily on one side by trees, which would provide cover during his absence. He knew the Indian tracks he had spotted were fresh, and he wanted to trail the party for awhile to make certain they had not stopped nearby or were doubling back. Less than thirty minutes after Travis’s departure, trouble struck.

  Rana had been about to excuse herself when, through the underbrush, she saw the band of crudely dressed soldiers dismounting and making signals about surrounding their camp. Her heart pounded in fear, for she realized that soldiers would not attack other whites unless they were evil men bent on evil deeds. Evidently they had either sighted them farther back and had trailed them here or they had discovered their fresh trail and had tracked them to this point.