She stood up and glared down into his face. She declared icily, “I hate you. Go, and don’t ever return.” Tears filled her eyes and ran down her cheeks. Until now, she had locked the grief tightly inside. Until now, she had needed to be strong for others. Again she raced off into the forest to avoid his presence, tears blurring her vision.
Bright Arrow ran after her. When he grabbed her arm to stop her, they struggled until they fell to the ground. He pinned her beneath him. “You must hear my words!” he demanded urgently.
Rebecca fought wildly for freedom. “Let go of me! I hate you! I don’t need you anymore!” she screamed at him.
“I need you. I love you,” he asserted honestly and tenderly.
“You have a strange way of showing such feelings!” she shouted. “She’s dead. Why weren’t you here to save her?” she asked cruelly.
Bright Arrow sadly replied, “If I had been here, my heart, I could not have saved Moon Eyes. Is that not true? Perhaps I would be sick or dead. Is that what you wish for revenge—my life?” He sighed. “I loved her, as I love Little Feet and Tashina. I cannot bring her back, my heart. Do not punish us for her death.” His dark eyes glistened with restrained tears, and his voice quavered. “Many nights I dreamed of you; I felt your spirit calling out to me. I longed to see you. I sensed danger in my lands. I was returning home to you when Flaming Star found me and told me of the sickness and death here. He told me of my father’s wound and my brother’s capture. I love you and need you, Rebecca. Must I sacrifice Sun Cloud’s life and safety to prove it? Tell me why I am needed here more than another place, and I will remain. Do you wish their blood on our heads? If I refuse to help them, there would be no going back to my people in such dishonor and shame. Tell me what I must do to save our love.”
Rebecca’s writhing body halted its desperate movements. She could not ignore or deny the anguish on his face or in his voice. It was wrong to hurt him intentionally, spitefully. More tears gathered in her somber eyes and slipped into her hair. “Why must we be punished in this cruel way? Haven’t we suffered enough? When will it be over, Bright Arrow? I hunger for peace and happiness once more.”
“I know, my heart,” he murmured tenderly. Drawing her into his comforting embrace, he held her tightly. “How I long to give you such things. I do all I can, but it is not enough. Tell me what path I must walk,” he entreated, the words wrested from his soul.
Rebecca shifted to gaze up into his handsome face, now lined with worry and consternation. He was right; there was nothing vital he could do here. She sensed his turmoil. “I will do as you ask,” she told him. “Perhaps saving Sun Cloud is the answer to ending our troubles.”
“I cannot go if I will lose your love,” he told her.
“I have loved you since we first met. I will love you forever. Forgive my harsh and cruel words; they were not true. Do what you must, my love, and return to me,” she encouraged sincerely.
His lips covered hers in a kiss filled with deep love and gratitude. Their embrace lengthened until passions kindled within bodies too long denied of a union. At this time, they needed each other completely. He looked into her darkened eyes and asked, “Will you yield to me before we part?”
She smiled and nodded. He arose, took her hand, and pulled her to her feet. They walked a short distance to a more private place sheltered by trees. His fingers trembled as he undressed her. While spreading kisses over her face and each breast, he deftly removed his own garments. Gently he pressed her to the ground, and soon their bodies were lovingly entwined. As he teased and tantalized her quivering flesh, she pleaded for his entry. His manhood slipped into her moist and receptive body, and he moved gingerly, his passion raging wildly, almost uncontrollably.
The blissful tension mounted. Rebecca eagerly responded to his consuming kisses and stimulating movements. “Come, ride the stallion of love with me,” he murmured huskily into her ear.
Their movements blended in a perfect rhythm, and as she moaned in anticipation, she heard an answering sound build in his throat. Each strived to pleasure the other, and soon, the rapturous peak was attained. They savored the triumphant moment as long as possible, then let it slowly fade away into peaceful contentment, remaining locked in each other’s arms. They were bittersweetly aware that another such union would be long in coming, and they clung to this one until the afternoon shadows lengthened.
Later, they refreshed themselves in the stream, then redressed. Bright Arrow pulled Rebecca into his arms once more. Without words, he held her for a long time, then kissed her tenderly. “No matter what happens after this sun, I will never let you go. You are my life, my heart, my breath. If I must choose between you and my old life once more, I know I cannot live without my heart and breath. If my people refuse you in my life, I must refuse them. This I have learned and accepted since my return to my lands. Do you agree to remain my woman?”
Sheer ecstasy enveloped Rebecca, and tears of joy flooded her golden brown eyes. “I will always be your woman,” she vowed, hugging him fiercely. “Please be careful, my love. If you do not return from the Crow camp, I will surely die without you. Why must I go so far away? Why can’t I wait for you here?”
“I must know you and our children are safe from all evils. I give my word of honor to return safely to your side,” he promised. He didn’t want to spoil this beautiful moment by telling her his other motive—that he wanted her away from Windrider. He wanted his friend to be susceptible to Bonnie, the object of his vision quest. Once Windrider accepted Bonnie, his enchantment with Rebecca would end, and this would be best for all of them. Too, he feared the Crow might attack the Cheyenne while they were too weak to protect themselves and their camp. He didn’t want Rebecca and his children taken captive or perhaps even slain during a raid; nor was he convinced that this disease was fully conquered. He couldn’t leave them in peril again, for, to insure victory, he had to have his full attention on himself and Sun Cloud. Bright Arrow breathed a prayer of thanks to the Great Spirit that Rebecca was willing to leave.
Rebecca snuggled against his strong shoulder as they walked back toward camp. She smiled as she wondered if his jealousy of Windrider was behind his urgency to see her gone from the Cheyenne warrior’s sight. Still, she would try to persuade him to leave her here. There was no danger of her falling in love with his friend, or of her succumbing to him. Even if she had to live here in another tepee and wait for occasional visits from her love, she would. She felt sure that, with persistence and intelligence, they would find a way to be together forever. She wanted to be close by when this new mission was over, for winter was approaching, and she didn’t want them to be separated or stranded by it. She knew that traveling in winter could be as perilous as entering the Crow camp.
Chapter Nineteen
When Rebecca and Bright Arrow returned, the perceptive Windrider noted that something was different between them. On his arrival, Bright Arrow had been distant and cool toward Rebecca, for he had been distracted by other matters. But whatever Bright Arrow had said or done in the forest had brought to both countenances looks of love and commitment.
Windrider’s spirits sagged, for he was now certain he would never have Rebecca Kenny. Clearly his two friends loved and needed each other, and this perception cooled some of his passion for her. He was a man accustomed to accepting the inevitable, the unchangeable. The possessive look he saw in Bright Arrow’s eyes told Windrider that his Sioux friend would never discard this special woman. Windrider couldn’t deny they were perfect for each other, and he resolved to find the strength and courage to master his feelings for her. Grandfather was never wrong; it was meant that he seek his new woman elsewhere.
He glanced over at Bonnie as she tended the last of Little Turtle’s sores. He noticed the gentleness in her voice and touch. He allowed himself to study her intensely. She was beautiful. She was brave and smart. She, too, was a special woman. In astonishment, he realized his body was warming and responding to what he saw! He grinned in
satisfaction, for the white girl belonged to him. Perhaps he had been drawn to Rebecca at a time when he was lonely and vulnerable, a time when she felt the same emotions and needs. Perhaps he had confused affection, respect, and physical appeal with love. Perhaps it was meant that Rebecca be nothing more than his friend, a comforter and helper during a hard time, a woman to open his eyes and senses to new feelings. He was acutely aware that budding affection for Bonnie was making his loss of Rebecca easier.
Windrider made a decision. While Rebecca and Bright Arrow were gone, he would delve into this mystery and learn more about Bonnie Thorne. He would discover how she affected him; he would see how he affected her. He had slain her people and destroyed her possessions; he had captured her and almost traded her. How did she view him? Was she the faceless woman in his vision? Had the heavens painted their signs on her as promised? How could he argue with the messages given for his quest? Everything in his vision pointed to Bonnie. Could he resist Grandfather’s will? And now, did he want to?
The sun seemed to blaze to life within her hair, he mused, as if it had stolen some of that golden orb’s glow and color. Her skin was as white as snow, as soft as a white ermine pelt, and her eyes were as blue and clear as Grandfather’s sky covering. She only stood as high as his heart, small and delicate for one so strong. He was glad he had not been cruel to her. He recalled the terror in her sky eyes when he had pursued her into the woods and captured her. He remembered how she had bravely tried to flee from his tepee and her ensuing wisdom in bowing to his power. He was called a handsome and virile man and a great warrior. He could win her affection and respect! He could win her heart! He had to force his desire for Rebecca from his mind and body. She belonged to another, by her own will. He hoped the Sioux council would realize that Bright Arrow and Rebecca should remain together. If not, he would keep his word and take her into his tepee. Two special women would not be a burden for a strong and healthy male, but it would be best for each warrior to have his own unique woman.
Bright Arrow, Flaming Star, and White Antelope spent that next day hunting game for Windrider’s camp. Rebecca gathered her belongings and prepared to leave early the next morning. Without getting too close, she spoke with Windrider, thanking him for all he had done. “I could not have survived these last months of trouble and sadness without your friendship and help. I shall miss you greatly, Windrider. Do not worry about the sickness; Bonnie will care for you and any others who become ill. She is a very special woman, with many good traits and talents. Be kind to her, my friend, and allow nothing and no one to harm her. She adds good fortune to your life and tepee. Until this dark evil has left your tepee and camp, please obey her words. I could not bear for this foe to take the life of one such as you.”
Their gazes fused as they shared this bittersweet parting. “No matter the distance between us, our bond will always be strong and alive. I will pray for you to have all happy moons.” Did she also feel Bonnie was the woman for him? he wondered. That speculation touched him. An unspoken message had passed between them, each feeling it was not meant that they share life together. They exchanged smiles. Both were glad they had not surrendered to their physical desires, to stolen ecstasy.
“You have renewed the life in my heart and body. I shall not forget our suris and moons. If death strikes my friend, return to my tepee,” he told Rebecca. “Do you return my gift?” he mischievously asked, nodding toward Bonnie, who was too far away to overhear their words.
“Yes. She belongs at Windrider’s side,” she stated boldly, then blushed. “I will take care of Silent Thunder until our return,” she hastily added, trying to change the subject in fear she had spoken too freely.
“Does she agree? Does she not hate the man who captured her?” he asked in such a way as to make his implication clear to her.
Rebecca laughed merrily. It felt wonderful to be happy once more. “Only as much as I hate the warrior who captured me,” she teased. “You stole her eye and heart that first day! Let her love you, Windrider. Let yourself love her,” she encouraged. “For you there will be much joy, for it does not matter to the Cheyenne that she is white. Send White Antelope and Little Turtle into your tepee; they are healed enough. Be alone with her; claim her.”
“You are wise and kind, Rebecca Kenny. I am honored to know such a friend. I will do as you say. And if…” he began, then faltered as he wondered if he should mar her happiness by mentioning a looming possibility.
“If what?” she pressed, watching him closely.
“If the Oglalas reject you, you are welcome in my tepee,” he offered as gently as he could.
She smiled. “You are generous and honorable, my friend, but Bright Arrow has told me he will not choose his tribe over his family. We will see what a new sun holds for us.”
“It is good. Love is rare and powerful. It should not be tossed away at the blindness and selfishness of others. You opened my eyes to such truths and feelings. I will seek a love as you and Bright Arrow share. May Grandfather watch over you.”
They parted, unaware of the perils they would face separately and together in the future…
Rebecca sought out Bonnie. Both woman wished they could hug each other in farewell and speak privately, but they dared not touch. They talked for a time, and Rebecca told her, “There is something you must know, Bonnie. I love Windrider only as a friend, nothing more. I will share my life and love only with Bright Arrow. Whatever happens in his camp, he will not desert me. Windrider also views me as his friend, nothing more,” she added purposefully, then smiled.
Bonnie stared at her. “Do I hear you correctly? There is nothing between you and Windrider? He does not love and desire you?”
She playfully responded, “I know a lovely captive has captured his attention, but I think he’s afraid she hates and fears him.”
“That isn’t true,” Bonnie hastily protested. “Why didn’t you tell him?” she implored nervously.
“I think it would be better if you showed him,” Rebecca mischievously suggested. “He asked if White Antelope and Little Turtle were well enough to return to his tepee. I wonder if he wants to be alone with his enchanting doctor…” Rebecca shrugged and laughed.
“Please don’t tease me, Rebecca. Whatever would I say to him while we’re alone?” she asked modestly.
“Be yourself,” Rebecca told her.
“What if he doesn’t like me?” she fretted.
“It’s too late for that. What’s more romantic than sleeping together under the moon and stars? Take this chance and use it, Bonnie. If you want him, go after him,” she advised seriously.
“I do want him,” Bonnie dreamily confessed.
“Good, because I believe he wants you.” Rebecca responded with confidence.
“I could hug you and kiss you, Rebecca Kenny. I will when you return. I need a bath and hair-washing,” she stated wistfully.
“So do I. We’ll stand guard for each other. We’ll probably chill our fannies in that water, but it will be worth it. I’ll fetch my things.”
On October seventh, Bright Arrow, Rebecca, Flaming Star, and three children left Windrider’s camp. They would travel together to the Sans Arc camp, and there Flaming Star would borrow a boat and hire several braves to accompany them on their journey to Yankton. Bright Arrow would become Clay Rivera and travel to the Crow camp.
In Windrider’s camp, White Antelope and Little Turtle would scrub their bodies and burn all their belongings, then move into the tepee with Sucoora. Together, the three would begin preparing for winter. In the lean-to, Windrider and Bonnie would spend their first day in privacy, talking and subtly enticing each other. Their first night alone would be spent surrendering to fiery passions, passions that would inspire the planting of the seeds for Windrider’s next child within her receptive body. Before the night passed, each would experience the birth of love and powerful desire. By the next morning, Windrider would yield to fiery fever as the disease challenged him and Bonnie to a vicious battle fo
r his life.
The little group traveled all day, making only two stops for rest and food. Bright Arrow knew he was pushing his family hard, but he appreciated Rebecca’s help and understanding. By the ninth, they had reached the Sans Arc camp. Hearing of the actions of the Crow, the chief and braves were angered and agreed to help. Arrangements were made for a boat and two braves. Bright Arrow bid his love and children farewell just before dusk. He told Rebecca he would have to ride all night to make up time. They hugged and kissed, then she watched silently as he rode away.
Flaming Star, Rebecca, Silent Thunder, and the two girls spent the night in the chief’s tepee. Early the next morning, they stepped into a canoe loaded with supplies and began the next leg of their journey. They assumed that Bright Arrow would reach the Crow camp two days after they reached the Yankton village.
Flaming Star watched over Rebecca and the girls carefully. The trip down the Bad River to the Missouri, then down the Missouri to the Yankton village was an easy one, without trouble or discomfort. On their arrival, Flaming Star explained Bright Arrow’s wishes to the Yankton.
Chief Red Tomahawk welcomed Rebecca and the girls to his tepee. He told them they could remain there with his wife while he and his son Six Feathers went to the fall trading camp between the James River and the Big Sioux River. There, members of many tribes would meet to bargain with each other and with white traders. They would smoke pipes, relate the news, and share plans for the winter. There would be games and contests, dances and a large feast.
Red Tomahawk told them of the great leaders who would soon assemble. Red Thunder of the Sisseton tribe would be present. Black Buffalo of the Minneconjou never missed a trading fair. Tamaha, the one-eyed Wahpeton chief, was coming this time. Wamdesapa, chief of the Wahpekute, hated whites but traded with them. Turkey Head of the Two Kettle would arrive with great show. Kicking Bear of the Brule would bring many warriors and women, as usual. Robert Dickson from the British trading post, Jean Truteau of the Spanish trading post, and other white traders would be there with many items. It was a festive time, the last before winter.
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