As he advanced and retreated several times, he feared he would lose control over his manhood and cost her their mutual victory. He tried to master his torrid shaft, to use its power to carry her over the mountain that she was rapidly climbing. Briefly ceasing his stimulating movements to cool his fiery ardor, he began tasting love’s sweetness from her lips. He teased her breasts, inspiring her to writhe beneath him. When she feverishly ground her auburn forest against his dark one, he knew he could not wait much longer to have her completely.
He whispered words of caution into her ear, but she was too entranced with desire to hear or to heed them. He gingerly began to move within her once more, his manhood teasing the tense nerves along her dark, damp passage. The moment he realized she was approaching the summit of ecstasy, he increased his rapturous thrusts. The intensity between them was stunning, and he worked until she was driven over the crest of rapture, to go spinning and falling into a peaceful valley. His pace set, Bright Arrow could not have prevented his own release if his life had depended on it. Tossing all cares to the wind, he surged after her, joining her in that serene place of total joy and satisfaction. Rebecca went limp in his embrace, sighing in contentment and pleasure.
When all emotions were spent, he rolled aside, and Rebecca curled against his moist body. His arm encircled her and drew her close. When his labored breathing slowed and eventually returned to normal, he moved to press a kiss on her damp forehead. His fingers lazily stroked her back and arm and she cuddled against him. They lay thus for a lengthy time.
Later, he began to press light kisses on her hair, his fingers trailing up and down her spine. He inhaled her special aroma, as she inhaled his. They were utterly relaxed; yet their desires were growing anew. Bright Arrow’s hands gently cupped Rebecca’s firm buttocks and pulled her hips snugly against his. One hand drifted up her side to capture and tantalize her brown nubs, running a finger round and round them. Then he rolled her to her back, replacing his hand with his lips.
Rebecca closed her eyes and savored the stimulation of her unbridled senses. He stirred and tempted her until she reached down for his head and drew his mouth to hers. Ravenously she meshed her lips to his. Her hands roved his body from head to thigh and, when one hand captured his rigid manroot, she stroked its warm, smooth surface. Bright Arrow groaned and twisted his hips to give her more freedom to pleasure him. They kissed and caressed each other until their desires burned uncontrollably.
Again they joined with a blissfully savage intensity. Raging passions overcame them, passions that could not be governed. They raced over Bright Arrow and Rebecca like wild mustangs galloping across the open Plains, reveling in their freedom and excitement. Their bodies came together in an overwhelming union which devoured their energies and all their past sufferings. As he erupted deep within her, Bright Arrow mentally vowed to begin their new life this very moon. Wonderful emotions washed over them, cleansing and revitalizing them, and their eyes fused in understanding and renewed commitment. Their estrangement was ended.
“Just as our life began under a full moon, it is being reborn under one. You could never betray or desert me,” he whispered.
Rebecca fused her gaze to his. “The choice is not in our hands, my love,” she reminded him.
“It is in mine,” he debated tenderly with new self-assurance.
“No, Bright Arrow, it is not. In all the time we lived in the cabin, didn’t you learn that? Whichever path you take, it is marked by the order of your council. Do not blind yourself to that fact,” she urged. “I will give you time to convince them of our love, to persuade them to allow us to marry. If they reject me again, I will not block your path of return. Neither can I return to live as your white whore. Please don’t ask me to exist in such a degrading way. If I cannot be your wife, I cannot return with you. If that is their vote, you must return alone. Promise you’ll do this for me—for us?”
“I give you my word,” he replied after a long silence. “Come, let us bathe in the stream. The night grows old, and I have much to do on the new sun. Promise you will not leave me until I have the council’s final vote.”
“I promise,” she murmured, a tightness in her chest and throat. There was so much she wanted to ask him and tell him, but this was not the time. Within a month or two, either they would be wed and with his tribe, or they would be parted forever.
They headed for the river, hand in hand. Bathing quickly, they moved toward the camp. When they entered the tepee, they saw that Windrider was not there and the others had fallen asleep. Bright Arrow took the mat closest to hers. Three hours before dawn, Windrider returned and took the mat nearest the entrance.
Chapter Nine
Bright Arrow left the Cheyenne camp two mornings later, riding out on his new pinto in the company of White Antelope. He didn’t tell Rebecca how long he would be away, only that he must be gone for a while and would train hard and swiftly when he returned to camp, When Rebecca asked if he were going to see his parents, Bright Arrow grimaced and told her he was not yet ready to enter the Oglala camp. Then, removing his silver arrow and handing it to her, he instructed her to keep it until he returned. He didn’t tell her why, but she guessed. It would be perilous for him if anyone saw that particular wanapin. After she thanked White Antelope for his help and friendship, the two men rode away.
Windrider was behind her when she turned to enter the tepee. “We will seek your answers from Gray Eagle,” he reminded her.
Rebecca wanted to ask him where he had been the other night, for he didn’t seem to know about her passionate evening with Bright Arrow. If he had, surely he would have ceased his overtures toward her. Since her life with Bright Arrow was at stake, she felt that perhaps it would be best to test the emotional waters with Shalee and Gray Eagle before she and Bright Arrow appeared together in their camp. She wanted to explain matters to them, perhaps to convince them to help Bright Arrow if the council voted against her once more. She needed to see if there had been any changes in the Sioux camp, changes that might affect the tribe’s attitude toward her.
“We can’t leave yet, Windrider. Kajihah is… in the… woman’s tepee,” she murmured modestly. Rebecca knew that there were certain rituals Kajihah and Sucoora performed during their monthly flows. She had been told that it was a Cheyenne custom to have a celebration when a girl had her first menses. The village was told of the fact, allowing all to know she was entering womanhood. For most Indian girls, this happened around the ages of fourteen to sixteen. It was a proud and exciting time, for the Cheyenne held their women in high esteem. After a special ceremony, the girl was sent to a separate hut for women undergoing their menses. There she received instructions on becoming a woman, a future wife, and a mother. Each time she had her monthly flow, she was to seclude herself in that special lodge, for if she did not, anything she touched became a carrier of evil and danger. If she touched any weapons during that time, they would lose their powers of protection. “There are too many children and chores for Sucoora to tend alone.” Rebecca continued. “We will leave when Kajihah returns to your tepee.”
“I will give Shooting Star’s daughter two pelts to help Sucoora. We must go quickly. I do not know when Bright Arrow returns. The Oglala camp is four moons from my camp. We must leave with the rising sun or risk discovery. Do you agree?”
“Yes, Windrider, I agree. Will others talk if we go alone?” she worried aloud, praying she could control this persistent warrior.
“We will not ride alone. Cloud Chaser will ride with us. He came to speak with Chief Yellow Robe. I asked him to stay another moon. I did not wish others to think badly of you. It would not be wise for us to ride alone; my hunger for you is too great to trust.”
Sometimes Windrider was too honest! she thought, flushing a deep scarlet. He chuckled, then walked away. Rebecca entered the tepee, quickly learning that Sucoora knew all about her plans. The woman was glad Rebecca was taking matters into her own hands and reminded Rebecca that she could live here if the
Oglalas spurned her.
That night, Windrider was in a genial mood. He played with the children and talked with the two women. The tepee was very obviously more peaceful with Kajihah gone. When Rebecca inquired about Cloud Chaser’s absence, she was told he was sleeping in Yellow Robe’s tepee. He grinned and confided that the Sioux warrior was studying Yellow Robe’s daughter. Medicine Girl was a lovely creature who was skilled in healing and herbs. Cloud Chaser couldn’t decide if he wanted to ask for her hand or that of a girl from his own tribe.
Sucoora laughed and jested, “A warrior must take best woman as first wife. Beautiful woman. Smart woman. Woman he love and desire. Then, he take second woman to help his true wife and love. Becca a first woman, even if she become second wife to warrior.”
Rebecca blushed once more. Windrider laughed heartily, guessing the jolly Sucoora’s meaning. The two women put the children to bed. Tashina was restless; new teeth were trying to push through her gums. Rebecca held her and sang to her, and as she did she could feel Windrider’s potent gaze on her. The scene was uncomfortably cozy for Rebecca.
Sucoora retrieved a parfleche which contained a packet of medicine for Tashina’s problem. She had taken wild prickly lettuce and cut off the stem tops. The milky liquid had been collected and dried. She had mixed the white powder with finely crushed bark from the prickly ash and wild plum. Sucoora knew the mixture would relieve the gum pain and help Tashina sleep. The potion worked, and Tashina ceased her whimpering and fell asleep in her mother’s arms.
It was shortly after dawn when Windrider nudged Rebecca and told her it was time to dress and leave. Rebecca moved sluggishly, dreading the impending confrontation. She had to go to Shalee and Gray Eagle and beg forgiveness for taking Bright Arrow from his destiny’s path. She had to persuade them to compel the Oglalas to allow Bright Arrow to come home where he belonged. Suspense and doubt chewed at her nervous stomach this morning, and she prepared herself for the worst.
Mounting the horse Windrider had loaned her, she respectfully followed the two warriors from camp. Windrider reined his mount and informed her she was to ride between them for protection, and Rebecca urged her horse into position. They rode away at a steady but leisurely pace. Windrider knew that Rebecca was a rider but that she hadn’t been on a horse in a long time. He set their pace to prevent excessive discomfort until her body had again familiarized itself with such exercise. Furtively he observed her along each mile they traveled.
The small group rode all day with only two stops. They halted at noon to eat a light meal and to rest. At mid-afternoon, they stopped again to rest and water the horses. As it neared dusk, they reined in near a copse by a shallow stream. To prevent discovery, they did not build a campfire. The horses were hobbled near the stream to drink and graze, then Windrider unpacked their supplies and passed out each one’s portion. They consumed a cold meal of dried prickly pear and yucca seeds with small chunks of dried venison. With that mixture, they enjoyed dried camas bulbs which were sweet on the tongue.
Again for protection, Rebecca was told to sleep on a mat placed between the two men. Knowing she shouldn’t debate their instructions, she reluctantly obeyed. Clearly Windrider had noticed that it was a habit of hers to sleep on her left side, for it was on that side that he placed his mat. She tried to lie on her back but was too uncomfortable to relax or sleep. She tried reclining on her right side, but had the same problems. She twisted to her stomach and allowed her hair to fall over her face, sighing loudly without meaning to do so.
Windrider inquired, “Do you have pain from the long ride? Do you fear the end of your journey? Do you wish a herb to help you sleep? You do not rest, and we must ride with the waking sun.”
Rebecca shoved her auburn waves aside and looked over at Windrider. She was going to be exhausted and tense if she didn’t get some rest and sleep. “Yes, please,” she said, accepting his offer.
Windrider fetched his pezuta wopahte, his new medicine bundle, and withdrew a small leather pouch. From it he took a pinch of white powder, which Windrider told her was the dried, milky juice from wild lettuce. He mixed it with water and handed it to her. Without hesitation, she drank it. He told her to lie down and relax.
She reclined on her left side and smiled at him. “Thanks,” she murmured, then closed her eyes. Whether the result of the herb or her fatigue, she was soon slumbering peacefully.
Windrider watched her for a time, then closed his eyes to shut out the haunting picture before him. He had to have her…
The next day, their schedule was the same. They passed within easy range of several deer, but neither man would shoot one, saying it would be wasteful only to use a small portion for their evening meal. Without proper care, the meat would not last in the hot August sun. That night, they hungrily devoured raw breadroot, leeks, and more dried venison. How Rebecca longed for a hot, delicious meal—that, and a soft bed made of feathers.
That night, without her asking or his suggesting, Windrider mixed the white powder with water and handed it to Rebecca. After swallowing it, she reclined on her left side, too tired to worry about facing him. And she felt as if she had just closed her eyes when, many hours later, Windrider nudged her to rise for a new day.
She was careful not to complain or sulk or lag behind. She didn’t want them doubting her mettle and stamina. As with the first two days, the third passed similarly until midday. After their rest stop, the pace increased steadily and noticeably every few miles. Rebecca didn’t remark on the swift gallop, and she managed to keep up with the two men. The mount she was riding was strong and nimble and, as her soreness vanished, her excitement grew. The wind raced through her hair and over her flesh. It was an exhilarating sensation.
Just before the sun kissed the far horizon, they slowed their pace to unwind the horses. At a leisurely walk, they entered the area where they would camp. It was obvious to her that both men knew this territory by heart, for each campsight had been near water and grass. After the horses were unloaded, the men walked them into the edge of the river and splashed the animals with tepid water to cool them, then hobbled them nearby.
Their meal was no different that night. Rebecca ate it at a snailish pace, wishing she could survive and function without it. There was only one camas bulb left, and Windrider grinned as he handed it to her, telling her to take small bites between her other food. She hadn’t meant to make her dislike of the repetitious food noticeable, and she grinned ruefully.
“On the new sun when we camp, we will have fresh meat and greens,” he promised, extracting a smile and sigh of relief from her.
Cloud Chaser had been quiet for most of their journey. He spoke rarely, and then only to Windrider. He did not frown or scowl, but neither did he smile. His mood was private, and his expression stoic. She wondered what he thought about her quest. After all, he was an Oglala Sioux warrior from Bright Arrow’s tribe. She wanted to ask if he were on the council but decided he was too young. She wanted to ask what he thought their decision would be. She couldn’t.
Cloud Chaser excused himself to go upriver to bathe and swim in a spot secluded by tall bushes and twisted cottonwoods. Rebecca sat on her mat, hugging her knees to her chest. Windrider asked if she would like to bathe and change clothes after Cloud Chaser’s return. She beamed and nodded hastily. He laughed. When he said he would go along to guard her, her smile faded instantly. She gazed at him indecisively, uneasily.
A playful grin flashed over his face, then he laughed aloud. “I will guard you, Rebecca. I will not gaze at you. I dare not,” he declared humorously. “You must not face danger, but you will have privacy. I give my word I will not let my eyes touch you this moon. But soon they will grow fat from feasting on you,” he teased.
Rebecca felt ridiculous for doubting his integrity. Of course a woman couldn’t be allowed to leave camp alone, she mused, especially not to strip and bathe. She was confident he would keep his word until she made her choice known to him and Bright Arrow. How she wished that choice
did not exist, as she knew it would hurt one of them.
She glanced over at Windrider. He was observing her strangely. “Something troubles you?” he questioned astutely.
Without exposing the amorous details, she revealed the highlights of her talk with Bright Arrow following Little Crow’s feast. Windrider had been semi-reclined on his back, his shoulders propped up by his elbows. He immediately straightened and came to his knees beside her. “What did he say when you spoke such words?” he probed anxiously.
“He tried to tell me his problem wasn’t my fault, but we both know it is. It wasn’t intentional; it just happened. He gave me his word to obey the council’s demands. He knows I cannot and will not return to his camp as… without marriage. And he promised to return home without me if he must. He asked me not to leave him until he had the council’s final vote.” She waited for this last statement to have its effect on Windrider.
“What did you tell him?” Windrider pressed in rising tension.
“I promised to make no decision until the vote. After that, we would either be joined or we would part,” she answered in a shaky voice.
“You are very brave, Rebecca. It is best to prepare him for losing you. Cloud Chaser told me of two other warriors banished for taking white slaves over Oglala maidens. They have not changed in heart or mind, Rebecca. Do not hope it will be different for you. Cloud Chaser says the Oglalas refuse to allow any white to enter their village. He says we must camp while he rides there. You must have permission to visit their leader. If you enter without it or against it, you will be scorned and rejected. Cloud Chaser fears they may punish you if you defy their orders. If that happens, it will ruin all for Bright Arrow’s return. He would be angry and bitter over your treatment. You must do as Cloud Chaser commands. Do you understand?”
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