Macha was always stimulated and enslaved when Chase looked at her as he was doing now with his sienna-colored gaze so tender and adoring. She could almost feel the powerful emotions flowing from him and engulfing her warmth. She had no doubt he loved and desired her, that he was happy they were together, were mates. Every time she realized they were truly joined forever, her love for him increased, though she wondered how it was possible for her to love him more than she already did. “I love you, Cloud Chaser, and will never leave your side,” she said with deep emotion. “Each sun and moon, I thank the Great Spirit for returning you to me.”
“As do I, my cherished wife. No matter where we must settle later, we will be together and happy.”
“That is true, my love,” she murmured before they kissed.
As slowly as they could, they let their passion build, each enjoying the anticipation of what lay ahead. The sounds and scents of the coming night filled their senses as they lost themselves in the giving and receiving of love. A gentle wind wafted over them, but its summer heat did not chill their fiery, naked bodies.
Their desires grew and grew until they could wait no longer. With a soft groan, Chase joined with his beloved bride, surrendering to her sweet, welcoming heat until he had brought them both to blissful release.
As they lay entwined under the darkening sky, Chase told her, “When we have more time and privacy, my wife, I will give you more pleasure than I can do here so close to the Bluecoats and settlers. When I touch you in this way, my wits become clouded. I must not allow myself such joyous distraction for too long in enemy territory.” Nor did he want them to be discovered while naked and vulnerable.
Macha laughed softly and jested, “How can there be more pleasure than I receive each time you possess me? If it were any larger, my body would melt into Mother Earth as the snow does beneath a hot sun.”
Chase embraced her with a proud and possessive hug. “That is true, but I do not like to rush such a wonderful journey.”
Macha wished she could view his expression—but it was now too dark—when she asked merrily, “Is such a ride more enjoyable if a slow pace is used?”
Since he was the first man to join with her, Chase surmised there were certain things she did not know. “No, but different paces offer us different adventures,” he half explained. “A slower one will give us time to do other special things during our journey.”
Macha had overheard women with husbands whispering during their chores and mothers giving daughters enlightening talks before their joining days, so she understood some of what he was trying to say, and found herself eager to make those discoveries. “When a safe moon rises, we will take a slow journey, for I hunger to learn all such things with you as my scout and teacher.”
After a pleased Chase vowed they would do so, they nestled together until slumber overtook them.
Macha paced their camp for what seemed to be an alarming amount of time during her husband’s absence the next day. As instructed, she stayed ready to leap on her horse and escape from any danger which threatened her while he was gone. Just in case she had to flee, they had chosen a place where they were to meet afterward. She had bathed in the river, put on clean garments, washed the dirty ones, and hung them across bushes to dry while he marked upon what he called “paper.” Then she had packed their possessions, kissed him farewell, and watched him leave.
Her worries threatened to distract her. She could also not stop thinking about her family and Hanmani. She could not help but wonder what they were doing, if they were safe, what their reaction had been about her behavior, and what—if any—action had been taken about it. Surely if a search party had been sent after them, they would have been found and captured by now. That led her to believe their escape had been ignored, and she could not imagine why. She was certain that Two Feathers had said and done all he could to persuade Rising Bear and the council to send braves after them and to have them punished. Perhaps, she speculated, something or someone—probably the Great Spirit—had halted them from coming to prevent intruding with the Creator’s plans. What would happen when they returned to the Red Shield camp, she could not imagine.
* * *
At long last, Macha saw Cloud Chaser coming and her heart pounded with elation and relief. When he reached her, she asked, “Did you find another victory, my cunning love?”
Chase grinned and joked, “It was an easy one with the Great Spirit’s help. I went to the dwelling of the leader to speak with him, but he was gone. Another man, one called John Grattan, has taken his place until the leader returns soon. I told him I had come to ask if he knew of trouble in the area where I planned to ride. Before he could speak, another Bluecoat summoned him outside. While he was gone, I returned the words I had taken.” He went on to tell her what Lieutenant Grattan said following his return, that the Indians were being quiet for now while they hunted buffalo. He also had checked the schedule for the stage from Fort Kearny along the North Platte Road. After he completed his revelations, he said, “We must ride to the place where the man lives who killed the Bluecoats and stole their weapons. We must entrap them so they cannot do this wicked deed again.”
“You have already conceived a plan?” she asked.
“Yes, my clever wife, and I will speak of it while we ride.”
“We will eat and go, for there is much sunlight left.”
Following their quick and light meal, Macha retrieved her garments from the bushes, mounted her horse, and left beside Chase as they headed toward the farmhouse.
The next day, as Chase scouted out the farmhouse, he saw men gathering there. He was convinced the stage robbery would take place as their leader had planned. All he had to do now was gallop to Fort Laramie and entice Grattan to the site the villains were going to use tomorrow, west of Prayer Circle Bluffs. He had learned from a talkative soldier at the fort that Grattan was seen as cocky and eager to make a name for himself. Hopefully, his ambition would make him useful to Chase.
Chase was worried about endangering his wife if he left her near the farm and she was discovered, but he could not take her with him to dupe Grattan. Nor could he sneak her to the post and leave her there, as she might panic if he was gone too long. Besides, she was too beautiful and tempting to leave unprotected amidst so many Whites and soldiers. Too, the “loafers” might become suspicious of her if she lingered around their area. “I must go, Dawn, to reach the fort and return with Bluecoats before their next attack. You must ride with me for a distance and hide in the place we chose where you will be safe.”
Later at that location, Chase leaned over to stroke her cheek and kiss her. “Hide yourself and your horse in the trees and rocks,” he instructed. “Do not make a fire when it is dark, for others may see its flames and smoke. Stay alert, and flee to the other place we have chosen if danger approaches you. If you are not here when I return, I will come there.”
Macha trailed her fingers across his cheek. “I will obey you, Cloud Chaser. Do not worry or fear for me.”
“I will do so, as you will for me,” he refuted with a broad smile.
“Wakantanka nici un. Waste cedake, mihigna.”
“May the Great Spirit go with you and guide you, also. I love you, my wife.”
At dusk in his quarters at the fort, John Grattan looked at him and said, “We met yesterday. Chase Martin, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir; I was checking out any possible Indian troubles in the area before I headed out,” he reminded him. “I returned today to speak with Lieutenant Fleming, but I was told he isn’t back yet and you’re still in charge.”
“That’s right; Lieutenant Fleming went to the American Fur Company downriver to check on the Indians’ annuity goods before visiting Fort Kearny. He’s expected back in a few days. Is it important?”
“Yes, sir, mighty important. It can’t wait.” Chase told him how he had come upon a small band of Indians who were planning to attack the stage from Fort Kearny tomorrow just east of Prayer Council Bluffs.<
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“How did you know what they were saying?”
“I speak a little Lakota, enough to understand them.”
“How many were there?”
“Seven. All seasoned warriors from their looks.”
“You think they’re expecting others to join them?”
“No, sir, it didn’t sound that way to me. Renegades is my guess.”
“Why did you take a chance sneaking up on their camp?” “It just seemed to me they were up to no good, sir. Indians don’t paint their faces and horses and go prancing and chanting around a campfire if they aren’t up to something. There’s a lot of settlers and travelers and soldiers in these parts, so I figured I should creep up and see what I could learn, and the terrain offered me plenty of cover. Probably renegades from a tribe around here and working on their own. Since we know where and when they plan to attack, I figure we can set a trap for them. Since Fleming’s gone and you’re in charge, I guess it’s your duty, sir. Might even be a stroke of good luck for you.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’d think any officer would be eager to put down Indian trouble and show the Government and Army he’s more than just doing his job. And it surely would liven up things for a while in this quiet place.”
“How did you learn the Indian language?”
Chase had expected him to be suspicious, so he had answers prepared. “I’ve trapped in their territory north of here for three winters, ever since they signed that treaty and made it safe to work their waters. ‘Course the beaver and other creatures are playing out, so I’ll be moving on soon. While I was trapping, I did some trading and talking with the Lakotas. It don’t take long to pick up their simple tongue and signs. I even did some translating for the boys at Fort Pierre Trading Post.”
“Why did you come to this area? It’s a long way from Pierre.”
“Not too far over easy terrain like them grasslands. I was hoping to hook up with a wagon train and travel northwest with them to find new trapping grounds. I figured it would be safer than riding alone. A man by himself with money in his pocket, supplies, a good horse and saddle, and a fine rifle could disappear out there, if you catch my meaning. And accidents do happen along the trail. Might even be a young and pretty widow who needs a hand with her wagon and chores in exchange for meals and washing my clothes. Since I didn’t see any wagons here, I was heading to Kearny to see if any were coming soon. If not, I can’t hang around and get stranded here during winter. Would cost me too much time and money. That’s how I happened up on those Indians camped miles away. So I turned around and headed back here since it was closer to their target.”
“I’ll get my men ready to leave at first light,” Grattan said, satisfied with Chase’s explanation. “We should reach that area in plenty of time to lay a trap for them. No need to go racing out there tonight when there’s hardly a crescent moon showing herself. Why don’t you bed down at the stables? You are riding with us, right?”
“Yes, sir; you might need a translator along; and I can ride on to Kearny afterward. I’m much obliged for the use of the stable. See you at dawn, sir,” Chase said before he left to spend what he knew would be a restless and long night with his beloved wife so far away and alone.
Macha pressed her body against the rock formation and prayed no snakes or other perilous creatures would invade her space. At least a tiny part of the moon was showing, so she was not engulfed by blackness. The only times in her life when she had been so alone had been recently during Cloud Chaser’s absences. She did not like feeling so vulnerable and helpless. She had a knife, but that weapon did not offer much comfort. Even so, she was skilled in self-defense, thanks to her brother’s teachings and practices; and she would not hesitate to slay for survival.
Macha wished she were more like Dewdrops, for Wind Dancer’s wife was a skilled warrior who had ridden into the face of danger alone and at his side many times in seasons past and showed great courage, and prowess. She would feel more worthy of being Cloud Chaser’s wife and helper. But all she could do was wait and worry and question Wakantanka’s will for her part in this quest.
She felt weary, but not sleepy, and doubted she would close her eyes all night. But if she did, surely her horse would alert her to any threat, and he was standing nearby, which provided a little comfort. Watch over us, Great Spirit, for I am weak and afraid, and Cloud Chaser will soon face much peril amidst our enemies and many challenges amongst our people.
By midday, Chase, Grattan, and twenty soldiers were concealed west of Prayer Council Bluffs and awaiting the arrival of the raiders and stage, which was due to appear on the road within the hour. The trap was set, and all that remained to be seen was if it could be sprung with success.
As they watched and tarried, Chase remembered one of the orders given by Grattan about shooting to kill so none of the seven warriors would escape. He wondered what Grattan would think when he learned the truth about his prey.
When the culprits—dressed like Indians on the warpath—came into view and hid themselves behind trees, bushes, and rocks, Chase felt calm and ready for what was to come. To avoid jeopardizing the lives of the driver, guard, and passengers, the soldiers were to strike as soon as the “Indians” made their move against the stage.
Soon, it rumbled and jostled into view. After the stage passed the villains, the action began when seven riders took off after it, whooping and shooting. As the first shots were fired, Grattan told his men to charge, and to pursue any warrior who tried to flee the scene.
As they galloped toward the action, firing as they went, the raiders tried to escape. Grattan and the soldiers pursued them with haste and resolve. As much as he despised their quarry, Chase didn’t want to be one of their killers and made sure his shots didn’t hit any of the villains; he would leave justice in the hands of the Army.
It was not long before all seven men had been slain. Only one soldier was slightly wounded. As Chase joined Grattan near the bodies, he observed the officer’s reaction as he inspected them.
“These aren’t hostiles. They’re white men dressed and painted as Indians and wearing full head scalps. Did you know about this?”
“Yes, sir, but I figured if I told you the truth, you wouldn’t believe me.” Grattan didn’t respond to him, but the lieutenant’s expression told Chase that assumption had probably been right. “I knew if the Indians were blamed and their camps were attacked, they would retaliate and a war would break out. This was my way of preventing something which would get a lot of innocent people killed on both sides.”
A lower ranking officer told Chase, “We have some real Indians doing raiding and robbing and we’ll have to go after them as soon as we can learn which ones are involved. We’ll have help by fall because more troops are expected by then. If you ask me, it’s going to come to war. I hate to see that happen, but the Indians won’t honor their word.”
“What about our people’s broken promises to them?” Chase responded as calmly as he could. “I hear some of the stock and rations are so bad even vultures wouldn’t touch them. Some Whites are taking advantage of the treaty and settling in areas they shouldn’t. And troublemakers like these men are pretending to be Indians to trick the Army into killing or running them out of the area. You’ve got Whites slaying buffalo for nothing more than their hides and sometimes their tongues. Maybe you haven’t been here long enough to learn the Indians take great offense to that, because they use every part of a slain buffalo. It riles them to find meat rotting on the Plains, and to realize our hunters are destroying the main source of their survival. You’ve got enemy tribes being ordered to share hunting grounds. You’re confining men who’ve roamed, hunted, and lived free and proud to one territory and they’ve been ordered not to fight each other, which goes against all they are, know, and have been for generations. You’re talking about mixing tribes as different in customs and languages as the English are to the French and Spanish.”
The soldier shrugged. “We had to
drive them out of our country and may have to do the same with the Indians if they don’t settle down.”
“They might settle down if the Army and Government would listen to their protests and grievances and do something about them.”
“That isn’t for us to decide; we just follow orders. Right, Lieutenant?”
As Grattan nodded, Chase realized it was a futile waste of energy and time trying to reason with the soldiers. He wanted to finish his part in this matter and return to his wife. He related how he had stumbled onto the culprits after they attacked an army supply wagon heading to Laramie.
“We were expecting that supply wagon last week,” Grattan said almost to himself after Chase finished relating the whole story. “We thought it was just late. Fleming’s checking on it while he’s gone.”
“Well, now you know what happened to it and you’ve already gotten the men responsible. All this should look good on your record, Lieutenant Grattan. Since I’ve done my duty, I’ll be riding on. But I’ll give you one more piece of advice— if you hear about any more attacks by Indians, make sure they’re truly to blame. I surely would hate to hear about this area becoming a bloody battlefield because of a foolish mistake. Just remember, the Indians can be pushed so far before they’ll retaliate. If it comes to war, you’ll discover their warriors are far more skilled and cunning than you realize, and they’re superior fighters on this kind of terrain. Good luck, Lieutenant; I have a strange feeling you and Fleming are going to need it before summer’s over.”
As Macha cuddled in Chase’s arms in the Wildcat Hills that night, he told her, “We must go share our findings with my father and our people. They must be told about the treaty words and warned about white men’s tricks, so they will not fall prey to them.”
Lakota Dawn Page 16