Lakota Dawn

by Janelle Taylor

  After the excitement of the Sun Dance rite and the unexpected union between Two Feathers and Sisoka subsided, calm settled over the summer village. Even so, after what he had glimpsed in his vision, Chase worried it was only a quiet lull before a loud storm.

  As if that thought summoned the first strike of trouble, Chase sighted Two Feathers returning to camp with a lovely young woman trailing behind him on her horse. He didn’t want to spoil his sunny mood, so he turned toward his horse and stroked him.

  Two Feathers used his skills to sneak up on his cousin from behind. “Why does a Red Shield warrior who heals and grows strong fast stay in camp with women, children, and old ones while others hunt and scout?” He saw Chase whirl in surprise at his voice, and grinned at catching him off guard. He was about to boast of his cunning and his cousin’s lack of caution, but Chase responded before he could speak.

  “I do as I am commanded by our chief and shaman. I hunt on the next sun with my brothers and our friends. You took a wife while I was upon my mat. May the Great Spirit bless you with happiness and children. It will be good for all if we can become friends now.”

  Two Feathers scowled at him and shook his head. “My largest joy will come when others view you as I do. In the suns ahead, Cloud Chaser, you will make a big mistake and all will see you as the worthless half-breed and evil trickster you are. After it rises and you are here no more, Dawn will become my second wife and will be happy to do so.” He smiled as Rising Bear’s bastard son glared at him in anger.

  “Why do you hate me with such a force, my cousin? No ears will hear your words but mine. Speak from your heart if you have the courage.”

  Two Feathers matched Cloud Chaser’s glare as his mind scoffed, Reveal to you that, as a child, I wanted to be our chief’s son and the next Red Shield chief? Reveal to you that my love and respect for Rising Bear have lately turned to hate and shame? A warrior who mates with a white woman and plants his seed in her body is not worthy to be our chief, he is not worthy of breath. You are the outcome of that dark mating and a sign forever of his weakness and shame. If the Creator is all-knowing and all-wise, He will slay you both; and He will slay the other two seeds of my mother’s brother. Then I am next in the bloodline of my grandfather Ghost Warrior and will become chief I will lead my people against all enemies and defeat them.

  “From your fierce look, my cousin, your head speaks to you as loud as the thunder and as hot as a roaring fire, but your mouth stays silent and cold. Why must there be conflict between us? Why do you refuse to take my hand in friendship? There is great peril ahead for our people and we must battle it as one powerful force; that cannot be if we are fighting each other.”

  “I am Oglala; you are White. We are enemies; we will not fight as one.”

  “I am only Oglala now, Two Feathers, for I have emptied myself of my White blood at the Sun Dance pole and purified myself of their touch in the sweat lodge. We are cousins; we are family; we are Red Shields. We must have a truce between us for the good of our people.”

  “You do not love and honor such things. You trick all into believing and accepting your false words and feelings. No truce. Never friends.”

  “If that is so, Two Feathers, it is of your doing alone, not mine. I—”

  Their talk was interrupted when a shout went up in camp that riders were approaching.

  “Our words are finished, half-breed. My duty as a warrior and Sacred Bow Carrier summon me to see what is wrong. I go now, but my eyes and ears will stay on you.”

  After the chief, shaman, war chief, council, and warriors gathered in ever-widening circles on the grassland beyond camp, the three weary Brule visitors—who had been given water and food with which to refresh themselves—began their revelations; and all Red Shield men listened as they told of the horrible event which had occurred seven suns past and on the same day Cloud Chaser had returned to the Red Shield camp.

  “We come from Spotted Tail to bring his words to our ally the Red Shields. We have entered many camps of other Oglala allies to speak with them during our long journey. Brave Bear, Head Chief of all Lakotas for the Long Meadows Treaty, is dead; he was slain by the Bluecoat called Grattan. Many iron balls from their firesticks entered his body and stole his life.”

  “Why did they slay a man of peace, a great chief?” Rising Bear asked.

  “One of the white man’s animals entered his camp. High Forehead of the Minneconjous was visiting with family and friends there. He killed the animal. Many Bluecoats soon came and asked for the animal’s return. When Grattan was told it was slain and eaten, he said he must punish the man who killed it and all who had shared its meat. High Forehead and his friends would not surrender to them for such a foolish reason and prepared to fight. Spotted Tail, cousin of Brave Bear, also prepared to fight, for the Bluecoats had two giant thundersticks and many smaller firesticks. The man Grattan brought with him to translate the words of both sides was bad; he was feverish on the white man’s firewater; he spoke many insults and made many demands. The Minneconjous, Brules, and Oglalas were filled with anger.”

  When the Brule paused to catch his breath, Nahemana asked, “Who struck the first blow and brought forth the first blood?”

  “They talked much, but no man would yield because each saw the matter with different eyes and hearts. A Bluecoat brought his weapon to life first. Many warriors sent forth arrows in return; and more Bluecoats used their firesticks against them. The Bluecoat leader used his big weapon to send forth the sound of thunder and bring death. Brave Bear was slain. Fierce fighting began. All Bluecoats were killed during the battle.”

  Chase was angered by Grattan’s recklessness and arrogance, as it could precipitate a full-scale war on the Great Plains. It was ironic that the first battle of a possible war had taken place so near where Fitzpatrick and Mitchell had negotiated the peace treaty and Brave Bear had served as Head Chief of the Lakotas. He recalled that Chumani was Brule and wondered if her band was involved in those ill-fated slayings. If so, Wind Dancer had to be deeply concerned over his wife’s people, as her father was their chief.

  “All Bluecoats at Fort Laramie are dead?” Wind Dancer asked as he imagined the repercussions of what would surely be viewed as a massacre. He could not help but be glad Chumani’s people were not in that area.

  “No, for all did not ride to Brave Bear’s camp,” the second Brule answered. “Spotted Tail spoke in favor of attacking the fort while it was weak, but the council would not allow it. They said the fight in camp was to defend ourselves, but to attack the fort would be viewed as a challenge for war.”

  “The council was wise,” Nahemana said, “for if women, traders, and good Bluecoats were slain, much bloodshed would come to our land.”

  “That is true, our shaman, but the words and deeds of Spotted Tail also speak of the truth,” Two Feathers said. “He said a man of honor cannot allow himself and his people to be attacked without fighting back. Is it not best to challenge and punish a powerful enemy or to drive an encroacher from our land when he is weakest, as Spotted Tail says? The White Chiefs will not believe the Bluecoats attacked first, and all Lakotas will be blamed and challenged for Grattan’s evil deed. Is it wise to do nothing while our enemy summons more forces and weapons? Is it wise to let him grow larger and stronger to attack us for a deed we did not do? What did others do after the victory over the Bluecoats who hate us and enslave us and say we cannot even fight our enemies or defend our hunting grounds as we have done from father to son for more circles of the seasons than any here can remember?”

  Before the Brule could reply, some Red Shield warriors who had existed for three years without the glory, excitement, and coups of battle nodded or murmured agreement with Two Feathers’ conclusions.

  Chase worried over his cousin’s sly attempt to arouse their men against the Whites. He had knowledge of the white man’s large number and awesome weapons, things he did not want his family and band to confront unless absolutely necessary. He had no doubt war
would come eventually, but it was best to postpone it as long as possible. Somehow and some way, he had to convince them not to fight.

  “Warriors took horses from the Bluecoat’s travois and from the fort,” the Brule said. “Others raided the American Fur lodge and took away the treaty trade goods promised to them, for the Whites there had refused to give them out on the chosen sun. Others raided Bordeau’s Trading Post, but Little Thunder, chief of another Brule band, would not allow Bordeau and his friends to be slain. The camps were moved to another place before more Bluecoats could come to attack. Scouts told us Bluecoats and traders came and took the bodies to Fort Laramie. One among us who speaks their tongue said the Bluecoat leader Fleming is angry and afraid; he has sent for more Bluecoats and weapons. Spotted Tail says a big war will come soon and all Lakotas must fight or die. He calls for a war council on the next full moon. If the Red Shields wish to come to speak and vote, we will gather where the White River halts her flow,” he disclosed and pointed southwestward.

  “Come, my companions,” the third Brule said, “we have shared our words and must ride for the camp of another ally.”

  “You must stay here this moon to eat and rest and sleep.”

  “We cannot, Rising Bear, for others must be warned and told of the war council. We thank you for the food and water and parley. We go now.”

  After the three men departed, an awed Nahemana said, “It is as Cloud Chaser saw in his Sun Dance vision: ‘Trouble has already come to our land and will be revealed to us soon; after that sun, we must decide to break or honor the treaty.’ It is true as the vision warned. Soon, we must choose between peace or war.”

  “When that sun nears, we must ride to the gathering place of our allies to see how they speak,” Blue Owl said. “If they vote against war, it would be dangerous for Red Shields to challenge the Bluecoats alone. If they vote for war, we must do the same and fight with them, for all Lakotas will be blamed and attacked after more White blood is spilled from their bodies.”

  “Our war chief’s words are wise and true, Father,” Chase said. “Before our council rides to speak and vote at the gathering of allies, I must go to Fort Laramie to scout the Bluecoats’ number and plans. It is twenty-four suns until that time and they are sure to challenge Lakotas for this deed. We must not walk in darkness of the mind before the war council meets while events take place which will affect our survival.”

  Nahemana nodded concurrence and urged, “Send him, Rising Bear, for this is why he was returned to us. We must learn such things and soon.”

  “It smells of great peril, my son, for the Bluecoats will be seeking trouble in all directions. If they learn of your true name, you will be killed.”

  “Even if they watch for tricksters, Father,” Chase reasoned, “I can walk among them with my eyes and ears open, for my looks and the ways I learned from Whites will deceive them. I have visited there on past suns, so I am known to them and will not be doubted. It must be done, for we must know their plans and numbers to defeat them. You can share such things with our allies at the war council.”

  “My brother can do it, Father,” Wind Dancer coaxed. “If we learn their secrets, we can fight them in sly ways. Do not forget how Dewdrops and Bird scouted for us long ago at Pierre Trading Post during the sacred vision-quest journey. This is the path Cloud Chaser must walk as we did long ago to defeat our enemies, the Crow and the Whites.”

  “What does the council say?” Rising Bear asked the band leaders.

  The group leaned close together and talked for a while before one of the oldest and a past great warrior said, “We vote he goes to scout for us.”

  A reluctant Rising Bear nodded and conceded to their decision.

  “I will take Bent Bow with me. After I spy on the Bluecoats and see the changes at Fort Laramie, the son of our war chief can return to camp to bring you my message while I stay behind to learn more things.”

  “Why do you choose Bent Bow?” Two Feathers questioned, as all knew he had shown weakness and fear at the Sun Dance pole.

  “Bent Bow has a brother to hunt with his father, or to hunt for Blue Owl if he is injured. All others have families to hunt for and protect. I say this task will teach Bent Bow courage, cunning, and strength. His heart and head are good; he will do what is best for his people. I trust him.”

  Bent Bow wriggled forward from another circle and vowed, “I will not fail you again, my father, chief, and people. I am honored to be chosen by Cloud Chaser. Such a task will remove the stain on my face. I will go.”

  “It is a generous deed for Cloud Chaser to pick one who has a great need to fill,” Nahemana said. “I say, send Bent Bow with him.”

  “What does the council say?” Rising Bear asked the leaders again.

  After another short talk, each of those men nodded agreement.

  “When will you ride, my son?” Rising Bear asked in dread.

  “We will prepare ourselves to leave on the next dawn.”

  “So be it, my son. May the Great Spirit guide you and protect you.”

  “He will do so, Father, for we follow the path He marks for us.”

  In Chase’s tepee a short time later, his wife stared at him in astonishment as he related the grim news of Grattan’s defeat and the other raids and his impending departure to spy at Fort Laramie.

  Macha almost flung herself into his arms and nestled her face against his chest as she hugged him and pleaded, “You must not go, my husband. You are still healing, and it is too dangerous, for the Whites and Bluecoats will remember you. They will remember you rode with Grattan to help the Indians against evil Whites; they will believe you are our friend and ally and will not trust you.”

  In a gentle tone, he refuted, “They will remember I helped expose and punish Whites who raided and killed Bluecoats and attacked the stage to do the same, so I will appear as their friend and ally. Do not forget I can act the part of a white man.”

  “One who took an Indian wife,” she remarked.

  “Only the shaman there knows of our joining, for others did not see us approach his dwelling or hear us speak those words.”

  “What of the trader who saw us together?” she reminded him.

  “He told me many trappers and traders take Indian wives. If our paths cross, he will not doubt me, for he does not doubt them or refuse their trade. I must go, my beloved wife. Do not worry. I will be alert and safe.”

  Macha realized there was nothing she could do or say to change his mind, so she accepted the inevitable; yet, she pleaded, “If you must go, wait a few more suns so you will be stronger.”

  “I cannot wait, for our enemy grows stronger and slyer each sun. If they plan to challenge any or all Lakotas, we must know swiftly so we can prepare for battle and watch the direction from where danger will strike.”

  “Take a different companion to scout your back, not Bent Bow,” she begged.

  “Do not fear,” Cloud Chaser coaxed as he read her skeptical expression, “for he will not show weakness and fear a second time. He is a good choice.”

  “I pray those words will remain true, my husband.”

  “Gather what I will need to take with me,” he requested. “I must speak with others and will return soon to eat and sleep. I do not leave until the sun rises again,” he hinted with a seductive grin.

  * * *

  Two Feathers sat with some of his friends and talked about the change in events which could return them to exhilarating lives as warriors. That was an existence to which they had been born and trained and which many missed, including himself. “It is strange trouble struck in the place where Cloud Chaser left not many suns past. The Bluecoat he rode with to expose the White tricksters was the one called Grattan. He did not tell us of that leader’s great hatred for Lakotas. It is good Grattan’s attack failed and he was slain. Perhaps Cloud Chaser sensed trouble was coming and that is why he thought he saw it in his vision. We must pray he does not allow his White half to be deceived by Evil Spirits. If they tr
ick him into revealing the plan for a war council to the Bluecoats, they will attack the gathering and slay all who meet there.”

  “Do not worry, my friend,” one said, “for your cousin has proven himself. He is strong, cunning, and brave; he will not fail us or betray us.”

  Two Feathers shrugged, sighed deeply, and muttered, “I pray your words are true, or great peril will come to us.”

  Chase met with Broken Lance at the river and asked his cousin to guard and hunt for Macha during his absence, as he had a brother to do the same for their parents. He observed the seventeen-year-old’s elation and pride, but also noted a gleam of disappointment in the brave’s eyes.

  “I am honored you chose me, my cousin. But why did you choose Bent Bow to ride as your companion on your journey?”

  “I did not ask you, Broken Lance, for I need you to stay here to protect Dawn for me and to provide for her. Your skills in such things are larger than his, and the one who rides with me is only needed to bring a message back to Father. I asked Bent Bow to do so, for he is in great need to prove himself. He will do this task and it will remove his father’s sadness and shame, for Blue Owl must not have such things to distract him when he leads us into battle soon. The same is true of me: with Dawn living under your skilled eyes and hands, I will not be distracted by worry over her.” Chase witnessed how those words pleased and assuaged the young brave; and they were true, from all he had seen and heard.

  “Upon my honor, I will protect her in all ways, my cousin.”

  Chase clasped wrists and exchanged smiles with a grinning Broken Lance before he headed to his tepee to spend time with his wife before their bittersweet parting…