Lakota Dawn

by Janelle Taylor

  Since Chase had shopped there months ago and spent a lot of money with him today and perhaps would do so again in the future, the sutler said it would be fine, if she hurried and didn’t touch anything.

  Chase thanked him and told Macha what to do, knowing she could manage the buttons and shoe lacings alone following his lessons en route. He waited while she changed, and smiled when she returned with every task performed to perfection, her hair secured behind her nape with the ribbon he had purchased, and her garments and moccasins secured in a bundle. He thanked the sutler again, and they went outside to load their possessions and supplies on their horses.

  Then they headed for their next challenge.

  Chase was delighted when the preacher—who had built a small cabin nearby and who held Sunday services in his yard for soldiers, local settlers, and emigrants passing through the area—agreed to marry them under White law. When the man queried her identity, Macha replied, “My name is Dawn, sir,” just as Chase had taught her to do when his thumb stroked the side of her hand which he was holding.

  “I surely am much obliged, sir,” Chase said, “because I don’t want my children to be born bastards and I want the Good Lord’s blessing on our union. These folks are lucky to have you in these parts.”

  The elderly man smiled. “Let’s get started, because I’m having supper with some friends.” He opened his Bible and read appropriate scriptures from it. “As Ruth said,” he added, “’for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodges, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.’ Do you agree to those Holy Charges?”

  “I do, sir,” Chase responded.

  “Do you agree to those Holy Charges, Miss Dawn?”

  As Chase lightly squeezed her hand, she replied, “I do, sir.”

  After the preacher asked Chase if he took “this woman to be his lawful wife, to love, honor, and protect her in all times and ways,” Chase said, “I do, sir.”

  After he asked Macha, “Do you take this man to be your lawful husband, to love, honor, and obey him in all things and times,” she smiled at Chase and said, as he had taught her, “I do, sir.”

  Then the preacher said, “I now pronounce you man and wife. ‘What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.’ That’s it, son, she’s your dutiful wife now. Go in peace and love, Mr. and Mrs. Martin.”

  Chase’s heart swelled with happiness and victory, for the woman he loved above all earthly things was now his beloved wife. If only, his mind whispered, the rest of his challenges would be this easy.

  In a secluded and lovely area miles away, Chase and Macha made camp near the river and amidst a cluster of tall trees. They tended their horses, ate their meal, and spread out his bedroll just as the sun kissed the distant horizon. Joy and blissful expectation filled them. Probably anyone traveling in the area would be camped by now. Just to make certain, he. studied their surroundings with his fieldglasses. They didn’t want to waste a single moment, for when daylight was gone, it would be dark beneath the new moon sky.

  They stood beside the beckoning bedroll and gazed at each other for a few minutes, doing nothing more than savoring each other’s presence. Love seemed to flow within and around them like a tranquil river of warm and relaxing water. They had no regrets or reservations about what they had done, and they vowed to do whatever was necessary to remain together.

  Slowly, Chase’s quivering fingers unfastened the buttons of her cotton dress. She raised her arms so he could lift it over her head. He dropped it to the grass as his breath caught in his throat at the first sight of her naked beauty and the tender glow in her brown eyes. He had no doubt she loved him completely and wanted this union as much as he did. He smiled when she unbuttoned his blue shirt and peeled it off his shoulders, then trailed her fingertips ever so lightly over his bare skin. As his tawny gaze settled on the gold locket around her neck, he wondered if his mother could see them from her tepee in the sky. If so, Margaret Omaste Phillips surely knew he had done well with his choosing.

  Macha noticed he had no hair on his broad, well-muscled chest. He was tall, so the top of her head only reached the middle of his throat. There were only a couple of scars on his torso, and none marred his enormous appeal. She slipped her arms around his waist and leaned against him, their bare flesh making joyous contact. When his head lowered, she kissed him, reveling in the blissful sensations he created within her.

  As Chase’s lips drifted across her face and close to her ear, he paused there to murmur, “Waste cedake, micante. Kopegla sni yelo. Ni-ye mitawa.”

  Macha responded with similar words. “I love you, my heart; and I am not afraid. I am yours, as you are mine.”

  “I must not rush as I walk this new path, but it is hard not to do so.”

  “Winyeya manke.” She told him she was ready. “We walk it as one.”

  They kissed many times as their questing hands roamed each other’s bodies as if exploring and mapping unknown territory. Their breathing became ragged with excitement and they trembled with rising passion. Soon, she was the one who separated them so she could untie and discard her doeskin breechclout; and he removed his boots, pants, and undergarment.

  Chase took her hand and guided her down to the bedroll. As they faced each other on their knees and with their hands clasped, he said, “See us, Great Spirit, for we ask you to join us as husband and wife in Your way. Guide us and protect us in our union.”

  Macha hugged him before they lay down side by side and resumed their lovemaking. It was not long before he moved atop her and possessed her with great gentleness and caution, and Macha sighed deep within her throat and pulled him more tightly against her as her legs banded his hips. This was what they had craved and anticipated for a long time, this total joining of hearts, bodies, and spirits. Their control was strained from weeks of anticipation, and all too soon their passion peaked and crested, leaving them holding each other tightly as they rode out the wave as one.

  Then they made love again, savoring each moment, before they slept cuddled together.

  Early the next afternoon, Chase could hardly believe his enormous good fortune when he found a back window opened slightly in Lieutenant Hugh Fleming’s quarters. He had assumed he would have to sit around his camp nearby and wait for the new moon cycle to end to give him sufficient light after dark to carry out his objective. He didn’t know, and dared not ask, why so many of the seventy-one-man garrisoned fort were absent from the post or were laboring elsewhere, but he thanked the Creator for aiding his task. From his observation, the few troops present were working below the bluff with the stock; and the “loafers” were lazing around their tepees on mats. There was no wagon train passing by or supply wagons arriving and he was able to raise the window and climb inside without being seen.

  Despite those propitious conditions, Chase did not lower his guard. He sneaked to the front window and peered out to be sure no one had headed in his direction while he was distracted making his stealthy entry. He found it almost graveyard quiet and still deserted outside. He hurried to a wooden cabinet which had been left unlocked and began to go through the stacks of papers he found stored there. He was elated when he not only discovered a copy of the treaty but also letters from Fitzpatrick and Twiss. Deciding he did not have time to copy them there and probably wouldn’t have another chance to return them later, he stuffed the papers inside his shirt and asked forgiveness for his necessary theft. With luck or divine intervention still on his side, he escaped in the same manner in which he had come.

  A short distance away, Chase saw three wagons heading to the fort with loads of freshly cut hay and wood. A group of soldiers surrounded them as if the wagons were more valuable than the post which had been left so vulnerable to attack. He reasoned that the commander or whoever had been left in charge during Fleming’s absence was taking a huge risk in his assumption the Indians would not assault the fort and fur company. He could not understand why the Army didn’t have more troops assign
ed there and the post didn’t have protective walls when it was in the midst of several very large and powerful Indian nations who mostly despised and distrusted Whites. He hoped that one day a lot of innocent people would not pay with their lives for such reckless pride.

  When her husband reached their temporary camp and dismounted, Macha raced into his arms and hugged him tightly, then covered his face and neck with kisses before burying her damp cheek against his chest. “My fear was great for your safety and survival, my love,” she murmured. “My life would be hard and sad without you in it.”

  Chase lifted her chin and gazed into her brown eyes. He noted the tears of relief and happiness shining in them and upon her lashes and cheeks. “Do not fear or worry, my beloved wife,” he comforted her, “for I am unharmed and my task was victorious.”

  With her arms still laced around his body, she asked, “What did you do at the Bluecoat camp? You were away so long.”

  As he stroked her hair, Chase related his adventure there. His words brought a smile of pride and joy to her face.

  “The Great Spirit guides and protects you, for He has chosen you to do great tasks for His people. My fear and weakness shames me, for I must not doubt His power and purpose for even a short time.”

  “I believe He rides with us, Sunshine of my heart, but fear also sneaked within me at the fort, for I knew capture meant death and a loss of you and the lives and lands of our people. I remember Father telling Wind Dancer when we were boys: ‘It is wise to have good fear, my son, for it gives sharp wits and tells a warrior to be careful and alert.’ That is true.”

  Macha touched the area around his waist where she had felt something strange and bulky and asked, “What is here?”

  Chase grinned. “The Long Meadows Treaty and the words of the past Indian agent and the new one. We will soon know their secrets.”

  Macha watched as he removed the papers, then sat before him in silence on the sleeping mat as his gaze traveled them. While she waited for him to absorb and relate their contents, her thirsty eyes drank in the sight of him. Whether or not Rising Bear ever accepted him, Cloud Chaser favored his father, and resembled his two brothers in small ways. All three sons were handsome and virile men; they were strong, brave, and skilled. If they ever rode together against their enemies, they would make a formidable force. She was blessed he had chosen her to love, for he made her happier and more complete than anything or anyone she had ever known. It would be wonderful to be accepted as mates in their band, to have their own tepee, to have children, to be safe and free. Would the Great Spirit, she mused, reward them with such things? She did not know, for His will was a mystery.

  Chase read the two-page 1851 Fort Laramie Treaty and the third page of names of the signers, both Indian and White. He was grateful the Martins had sent him to school and worked with him at home to teach him this skill, and he was glad the Creator had sent him to such good people and to obtain such knowledge. “It does not say what the buffalo hunters claimed. It does not give white men permission to hunt on Indian lands.” He read Article 2: “It says, ‘The aforesaid nations do hereby recognize the right of the United States Government to establish roads, military and other posts, within their respective territories.’ That means the Army, the soldiers, can make trails, forts, and posts in Indian territories.”

  Chase went to the second page and read part of Article 5: “It says, ‘The aforesaid Indian nations do not hereby abandon or prejudice any rights or claims they may have to other lands; and further, that they do not surrender the privilege of hunting, fishing, or passing over any of the tracts of country heretofore described.’ That means, ally and enemy can hunt, fish, and travel the lands of others if they have done such things on them on past suns; that is what the Crow told Wind Dancer when we came upon them while we were riding and hunting together in the old camp. It is signed by the chosen Head Chiefs of the eight nations who met at Long Meadows and agreed to the treaty, and the White leaders and others who witnessed it.”

  “You say the White hunters spoke with false tongues, but the Bird Warriors did not?” she asked to make certain she understood him.

  “That is true, but it is a foolish and dangerous demand of the treaty and White leaders. The next time White hunters encroach, we can capture them and take them to the soldiers for punishment. With our Indian enemies it must be different: Lakota chiefs must go to the White leaders and tell them enemy tribes cannot ride and hunt in the same lands if the peace they crave is to last for many circles of the seasons.”

  “Will they change the treaty words if our chiefs ask them to do so?”

  “I do not know, but it would be wise of them to listen and obey.”

  “The one who would have ears for us is dead; the agent who sits in his tepee does not possess the same kind of heart and interest in us.”

  “Perhaps Thomas Twiss is entrapped by White laws or controlled by other leaders with more power and he cannot do as we believe he must for peace to live among us. Now, wife, prepare our food while I look upon their words,” he requested in a gentle tone, “for another task lies ahead for us.”

  “What must we do before night comes and we sleep?”

  Chase grinned, patted the bedroll, and murmured in a seductive tone, “It will be a good task.”

  Macha also grinned as she caught his tantalizing hint, aroused by his voice and intention. “I will hurry so we can eat soon.”

  As she busied herself with their evening meal, Chase began reading old letters, or rather copies of most of them. He soon discovered that Thomas Fitzpatrick had brought about another treaty last year at Fort Atkinson with the southern tribes who had refused to attend the 1851 peace talks at Fort Laramie, along with a few minor treaties with smaller tribes and considered less important. He learned something the Indians didn’t know about the man they had respected and trusted: it was clear to him that Fitzpatrick had been doubtful years ago that parleys with the Indians were useful or any treaty would be honored by them until the Indians had been taught the awesome power of the American Government and had been subjugated. The one they had called Broken Hand had warned, “It must certainly appear evident that something must be done to keep those Indians quiet and nothing short of an efficient military force stationed in their country will do this.” Fitzpatrick had related he was certain the forts were garrisoned too low and were constructed too far apart to protect emigrants and settlers—or the troops themselves—or to prevent enemy tribes from warring with each other, which usually overflowed onto Whites. Yet, Fitzpatrick also believed the Indians should be praised and rewarded for allowing White encroachment, and their territories should not be entered without their permission.

  As soon as Chase was about to change his mind about the deceased man, he read that Fitzpatrick thought it would be smartest and cheapest and safest if annuities were used to make the Indians become dependent upon the Whites for their survival, how they could be “civilized” and taught the White customs and farming; that way, when the buffalo was gone, tribal wars would not break out and settlers would not be attacked for subsistence.

  Chase was disturbed when he read a letter—dated years ago—to the fort’s past commander. After the treaty council, Fitzpatrick had taken eleven of the so-called Head Chiefs to Washington with him to let them observe the strength and number of White Power. One of those chiefs had been so alarmed and depressed by what he saw and heard that he took his own life, something which rarely happened in the Indian culture.

  Chase was astonished to learn something he was certain his father and brothers did not know: the United States Senate had altered some of the treaty terms: the amount of the annuity and length of time it would be awarded. Fitzpatrick had been upset with those changes and, only last year, had convinced a few of the Head Chiefs to concur with them, while others refused. The agent had then written to the government telling them the Indians were “in abject want of food half the year…Their women are pinched with want, and their children are constantly cry
ing with hunger.”

  Which tribes, Chase wondered, had the man been referring to, for he had not witnessed such a desperate need? Had Fitzpatrick mistaken the “loafers” as representative of the Indian plight? Had some of the tribes duped him in order to obtain more rations? Or duped him so he would believe they were weakened and subjugated when in reality they were growing stronger and hoped to crush the White force invading their land? Or were there bands somewhere—ally or enemy—in such dire need?

  Chase realized these letters must be returned so they would be on record for the current and perhaps future commanders to read, and the treaty, for reference, so its terms could be checked and honored. He must copy the treaty and any important letters, then find a way to replace them. How, he didn’t know, but surely the Great Spirit would show him a cunning path…

  Chapter

  Ten

  Chase was relieved Macha didn’t ask him about the letters, as he did not want to discuss depressing news, at least not at that special moment when they were about to make love for the third time since their marriage. He noticed she had washed her long hair during his absence today and the summer heat had dried it before his return, making it shiny and sleek, as if the midnight black strands possessed an inner glow. He enjoyed burying his fingers in its depths and feeling its texture against his flesh.

  He watched her for a while, reveling in her beauty. Her dark-brown eyes were large and expressive, her lashes long and thick. High cheekbones and a perfectly curved jawline added to her charm, as did her full lips. Her teeth were white and healthy; and her breath was sweet, as she often chewed on a fragrant herb or grass which she kept in a pouch suspended from a beaded belt. He could stare at her forever and never tire of her.