Stolen Ecstasy

by Janelle Taylor

  Luck aided him again. Sly Hunter and Lone Horn asked “Clay Rivera” to go hunting with them, suggesting he could use fresh game to trade for traveling supplies. Excitement and utter delight charged over him. The three mounted up and rode across the meadow toward the hills.

  Bright Arrow knew what he was going to do on this hunting trip; he was going to kill both warriors. They rode for a time, entering an area where large rock formations covered much of the landscape. Sly Hunter instructed them to separate and search for a small group of elk or white-tail deer grazing in grassy areas between the boulders. The signal to be given to alert the other two hunters would be a bird call. Sly Hunter spent a few minutes teaching it to “Clay Rivera.” When Bright Arrow pretended to give the whistle adequately, Sly Hunter warned him to be careful of his scent and noise. Then they went their separate ways.

  Bright Arrow secured his horse’s reins to a scraggly bush and stealthily trailed Lone Horn on foot. The Sioux warrior silently and curiously observed the Crow warrior as he dismounted and gathered his weapons. It took but a moment to realize what the man intended—to circle around behind him and murder him! This hunt was a guileful trick! Bright Arrow eased behind a large boulder and, drawing his hunting knife, he waited for the devious Crow to approach his hiding place. As Lone Horn sneaked around the lofty rocks, Bright Arrow clapped a hand over his mouth and skillfully sliced through his jugular vein. Using his strength, skill, and resolve, he prevented the man’s outcry and movement. The warrior struggled vainly for freedom and life. When he went limp, Bright Arrow let him slide silently to the ground. He shoved the body into a narrow opening in the rocks, planning to cover it with Sly Hunter’s, then conceal both from view.

  Bright Arrow knew that if Lone Horn was trying to ambush him, Sly Hunter must also be in on the scheme. He should have realized this hunting trip was a trap. He berated his lack of attention and caution. Slipping between the rocks, he kept alert for Sly Hunter’s attack. As his keen ears detected a snap of a dead branch around the next boulder, he instantly flattened himself against the huge rock. He glimpsed a feather first, then a dark head of hair. But the man who stepped into view was not Sly Hunter; it was White Quiver. They had planned this trap cleverly, to kill the trader and divide his remaining goods. Again Bright Arrow seized his enemy by the mouth. This time, he angrily slammed his sharp hunting knife into the foe’s back. He twisted the blade until the man’s knees buckled. Fury surged through him, and he tossed the body aside to seek the leader, the man who had enslaved his brother and planned his death.

  He could not allow Sly Hunter to escape and return to the village. If this were to happen, he would never be able to get near Sun Cloud. He strained to hear every sound. As he ducked behind a clump of dried bushes, he was careful not to cause their leaves to rustle. He listened, watched, and waited. Surely Sly Hunter would appear at any moment. Moments passed, and he knew he couldn’t afford to hesitate longer. He went in search of his foe.

  With a war cry, Sly Hunter jumped from atop a boulder and attacked Bright Arrow. Alert and nimble, the Sioux warrior threw himself aside, causing Sly Hunter to miss his target. Both men held knives. They crouched and circled each other, their acute senses alive with anticipation and perception. They studied each other, knowing it was best to pick out an opponent’s weaknesses and strengths before rashly attacking him. Keen eyes analyzed the foe—his movements, his expressions, the situation.

  When his friends did not appear after his loud shout, the astute Sly Hunter guessed why. He observed this deadly and skillful challenger. In broken English, Sly Hunter snarled, “You kill White Quiver, Lone Horn. Sly Hunter kill you. You no trader. You fight like soldier. You half-breed. Speak name before die.”

  “I killed my enemies Lone Horn and White Quiver,” the Oglala warrior replied smugly. “I will take the life and scalp lock of Sly Hunter. I am Bright Arrow, son of Gray Eagle, brother to Sun Cloud. You will die, Crow dog,” he warned ominously, his black eyes cold and confident.

  A shudder of fear and disbelief washed over the man. “Bright Arrow dead. You lie,” he declared nervously.

  “Do I look dead, Sly Hunter?” he mocked. “I was banished for taking a white woman to my mat and side. I have lived as a trapper for many winters. I have returned to my lands. I will avenge my father and my brother. No Crow will dare to attack us when they learn I have returned and slain three of their best warriors.”

  “Sly Hunter no die quick. I fight, slay two sons of Gray Eagle,” he boasted, then lunged at his foe.

  Bright Arrow stepped aside, causing the man to stagger past him. With a sharp blow from his elbow to the back of Sly Hunter’s neck, he sent the Crow warrior sprawling roughly to the rocky ground. He rolled over, prepared for Bright Arrow’s attack. Instead, he saw the Sioux warrior standing with his hands on his hips and grinning down at him. “If you are a man, stand and fight as one. Do not slither on the ground as a lowly snake,” he taunted, then laughed insultingly.

  The humiliated warrior jumped to his feet. He carelessly attacked Bright Arrow with blind hatred and distracting fury. They fought for a time, exchanging blows and shoves. Bright Arrow didn’t want to end this enjoyable, thrilling experience too quickly. He was ecstatic to realize he had returned to his full potential and prowess. He felt unbeatable. His pride and self-assurance were limitless.

  He played with Sly Hunter, increasing the man’s rage. Finally he knew he had to head back to camp. The resting period was the best time to sneak away with his brother. It would be hours before anyone realized three warriors and a slave were missing. He ended the battle with Sly Hunter by stabbing him through his evil heart. He dragged the body over to join the other two, then removed the warriors’ possessions from their horses and freed them. He broke all weapons and destroyed their shields and lances, tossing the ruined items on the bodies, satisfied the warriors could not be buried with them. He collected the scalp lock, medicine bundle, coup feathers, and necklace of each Crow warrior. Bright Arrow hid the items in the bundle on his horse, then concealed the bodies with brush and rode back to the Crow camp.

  He couldn’t risk stealing Arapoosh’s shield and warbonnet, much as he craved them. He wanted to enter the tepees of all three warriors and destroy any possessions there, but he dared not respond to that wild desire. He had avenged his family. Now he had to hurry. He would fetch his brother and leave this place. Nonchalantly, he headed for Sly Hunter’s tepee. Fortunately, he met with no trouble. He ducked and entered the tepee, finding only two sleeping children; both were Crow.

  He couldn’t resist destroying Sly Hunter’s belongings. To conceal the deed as long as possible, he covered them with a blanket. He sneaked outside, wondering where he could find Rabbit Woman and Sun Cloud. He casually strolled around the camp as he searched for them. When he saw the chubby woman trudging behind his brother, he stepped out of sight, just in case Sly Hunter had disclosed his plans to murder and rob him. He watched them enter the tepee and quickly followed.

  The dull-witted woman stared at him. A person did not enter another’s tepee without permission, but since the trader had become a friend of her husband’s, there was no reason to be afraid or mean. She simply assumed he didn’t know Indian customs and was seeking her husband. He approached her, smiling with false warmth, holding out a mirror in a gift-giving gesture. The woman grinned, revealing two missing teeth. As she admired herself, Bright Arrow clubbed her lightly with a rock he had hidden behind his back. He caught her, allowing her to sink quietly to the ground rather than fall roughly or noisily. He quickly bound the woman’s ankles and wrists, then gagged her. He glanced at the two children; they were still slumbering peacefully.

  Bright Arrow turned and smiled at the boy, then placed his finger over his lips for silence. Sun Cloud had been watching this man in great suspense and surprise. The man dropped to one knee before him and drew his ear close to his mouth. In Oglala, the fearless warrior revealed himself and his mission. “I am Bright Arrow, your brother. I c
ome to take you home. You must obey my words without question or hesitation. It is good to see you alive and safe, my little brother.”

  The boy threw his arms round the man’s neck and hugged him. “My brother is brave and cunning. Father was killed by a Pawnee when I was taken,” he whispered sadly in a voice quavering with emotion.

  In a low tone, Bright Arrow told him, “Father is wounded, but he lives, Sun Cloud. I have returned home to help my people against their enemies. Come, we must go quickly. You will be my trade bundle. Remain still and silent. Move for no reason—no reason, my brother. Breathing will be hard until we are out of the village. You are brave and strong. We will escape,” he encouraged the child.

  Again, he cautioned the astonished boy to keep quiet and obey his orders instantly. Sun Cloud obeyed fully and promptly. The Sioux warrior took a blanket and rolled Sun Cloud inside of it. He secured it with long thongs to make it appear to be a bundle of goods. Carefully he placed the precious burden over his shoulder, then calmly and casually walked to his horse, grateful it was the sluggish time of day. He loaded the priceless bundle on his horse, in case he had to make a run for safety. Then he mounted and led the mule from camp. Two miles away, he severed the thongs and freed his brother. Jumping to the ground, he unloaded the mule and set the beast loose.

  He placed Sly Hunter’s wanapin around Sun Cloud’s neck. He didn’t have to reveal the name or fate of its past owner. He showed his brother the items he had stolen, saying the medicine bundles were for Gray Eagle, to give him more power and strength. The boy was amazed by his brother’s courage, daring, and cunning. Pride and love filled his heart. Taking only the necessary supplies and new possessions, Bright Arrow placed Sun Cloud before him and galloped toward home.

  Chapter Twenty

  Princess Shalee sat on the mat beside her sleeping husband, Gray Eagle. It had been twenty-three days since he had been wounded. For a time, she had believed and feared he would die. Never before had she been so afraid, so aware of her love and need for him. When he finally started responding to medicines and treatments, he had attempted to leave his mat and go after their youngest son. The only way she could keep him down was by drugging him lightly without his knowledge. She knew that if he rode off in this condition, he would never make it to the Crow camp, much less rescue their child. She despised tricking him, making him believe he was weaker than he actually was, but it was necessary, and she would continue doing so until he recovered fully. She could bear no more losses.

  The woman who was once Gray Eagle’s white captive, Alisha Williams, boldly asked the medicine chief to call the council together. It was past time to intervene for her oldest son, to halt this madness, to make a truce and to find peace for all! Mind-Who-Roams looked at her strangely, probingly, then smiled in comprehension. His instinctive understanding never ceased to amaze and mystify her. Seeing his expression, she smiled and ventured, “You know what must be done?”

  He nodded, then affectionately patted her shoulder. “It is time, Shalee. I will send out the call for council.”

  Shalee entered the ceremonial lodge, raising eyebrows and creating many a stare. Holding her head high and summoning her courage, she walked over to stand at Mind-Who-Roams’ side. The medicine chief and visionary told the council that she wished to speak with them. The men listened reluctantly, yet with curiosity.

  She prayed her voice would hold steady and positive during this crucial speech as she began, “I know a woman does not take part in the council meetings and votes. This time, it must be done. There is much I must say to you. My husband, your chief, lies wounded. Our son is a captive of our enemy the Crow. The Crow and Pawnee bite viciously at our camp. I have come to speak for mercy and truce.”

  The men exchanged bewildered glances, thinking she was referring to their two foes. “My other son was banished for choosing to love a white woman and share his life with her. Bright Arrow is in the Crow camp. He has dressed as a white trader and has gone to rescue his brother, your future chief if he survives. Have you forgotten all my first son has done for his people? Have you forgotten his love for us? He risks his life to help us, even after we turned our faces away from him. He is a warrior. He is an Oglala. He is the son of Gray Eagle. Where is your mercy? Where is your justice and kindness? Have you no understanding, love, or forgiveness for him? Is it so wrong to protect the woman you love? Do we choose who causes our hearts and bodies to burn with love and desire?” she challenged.

  “Who among you can swear without a doubt that Rebecca was not chosen for Bright Arrow by the Great Spirit? And if this is so, can we resist Grandfather’s wishes any longer? Why do you punish him for obeying Grandfather, for following his guidance? Can such a pure and strong and unselfish love be evil? Who are you to judge Bright Arrow’s actions and feelings? Have you forgotten his courage? His daring and cunning? Have you forgotten his blood and value?” Her entreating gaze went from one man to the next as she spoke from her heart.

  “Can you deny Rebecca loves him beyond her own pride and life? Was she not willing to live among us, to call us friends and family? Was she not willing to accept our feelings and words against her in order to be at his side? Is not such love uncontrollable? Unselfish? Can she change her white skin? Can she cease her love for my son? Can he cease his love and need for her? Many winters have passed. Many have suffered from this punishment. Is it not time to halt the pain and sadness? Is it not time to open our hearts to forgiveness and understanding? Can we show no mercy and justice for him?”

  She sank to her knees, not wishing to tower over them. Her voice held notes of pleading, firmness, urgency, and disappointment. She revealed Rebecca’s help to the Cheyenne. “Is this the action of an enemy of the Indian? Why must we be cruel and blind? Grandfather should decide whether or not she lives at Bright Arrow’s side. In his fevers, many times my husband has called for his sons. Why do you punish your chief by denying him his son, his happiness? Why do you make him choose between his son and his people? This is wrong.”

  She halted a moment to catch her breath. “Hear me, Oglala, you must unblind your eyes and open your hearts to understanding. You must show mercy and generosity. You have sent all whites from your village; you prevent others from coming. Is this one white girl a threat to us? Bright Arrow should be among his people. He should live by his customs and ways. He should ride at his father’s side. He should help protect his people. He loves us. He longs to return. We destroy him by sending him into a white world. Do you hate him so much you wish to see him suffer and die alone? Why must you continue to do this cruel and evil thing? It is time for peace with his family and tribe. It is time for him to come home.”

  She dared not ponder the men’s reactions and thoughts. She had to use her every means of cunning and daring to gain her son’s return. “Is it not better to learn about the whites? One day many will enter these lands. The day will come when the Oglala must fight and kill many whites, or learn to make peace with them. Have you forgotten white blood flows in my veins? Have I not been loyal to my husband and his people? In your hearts, do you also hate me and reject me for this white blood? Do you wish to see me banished? You are strong and wise men. Why must you see this one girl as your enemy? Why must you hurt so many with this vote? It is not fair; it is not right.”

  She related Bright Arrow’s experiences with the expedition. “Does a man who rejects his people seek to save them from enemies? He has not rejected us; we sent him away because he could not deny his love or cast her aside. How could you demand he do such a cruel thing?”

  “If our sons die in the Crow camp and Gray Eagle does not survive, you will answer to Grandfather when you meet him on the Ghost Trail. What will you say when Grandfather asks why you interfered in his plans for Bright Arrow? Is your pride and hatred larger than Grandfather’s power and wishes? How can you banish a great warrior and feel nothing? There are two more children with the blood of Gray Eagle flowing in them. Will you force them to become whites or despised half-b
reeds? If they had not been sent away, a third daughter would not be dead. We must tell Grandfather why Moon Eyes did not live to see five winters. We must tell Grandfather why a great Sioux warrior lives as a lonely and useless trapper. We must tell Grandfather why the noble and fearless Oglala allowed one tiny white girl to change so many lives, to cause such unnecessary suffering. We must tell Grandfather why we did not ask for his guidance in this grave matter, listening to our own hatred and fear instead of his voice. What will you tell Grandfather when he asks such questions?” she challenged, passing her defiant gaze over each man.

  “Bright Arrow knows he cannot become chief. He walks the path he believes Grandfather has made for him. He also believes his place is here with his people. He wants to return to us. My son’s daughters should live with us; they should be raised with their people. Do not punish them for their father’s action. One has died; we must save the others. Rebecca is willing to send Bright Arrow and the girls home without her, if you once more demand it. Is this not unselfish and powerful love? Do you not remember how she risked her life to rescue him from the old fort? Do you not remember how gentle and kind she is? Do you not recall her obedience, respect, and skills? What more must she do to earn your approval? My son is an honorable man; he will not accept her rejection. To do so would go against Grandfather’s message to him. He seeks to earn your forgiveness and acceptance, but he will not beg for them. Will you deny them? If you cannot do this for Bright Arrow, I beg you to do it for his children, for your chief, for Grandfather. In my heart and mind, I know she is the woman for my son. Let them return and join together. The day Rebecca proves unworthy of your trust and acceptance, you can take my life as payment and punishment,” she stated bravely, her green eyes glittering with honesty and sincerity.