Bittersweet Ecstasy (46 page)

With his eyes sparkling from unshed moisture, Bright Arrow clasped his brother’s shoulder gently and replied, “I know of your sadness and suffering, for it is the same with me. I wish Grandfather could swiftly reveal who is to walk upon the one path which is stretched before us and concealed by shadows, for only one can travel it safely and happily, but we must wait for our joint vision to seek and learn the truth. Come, we will have the meeting quickly so you can rest and heal.”

Together, the brothers headed for the ceremonial lodge as the summons was sent forth,
“Omniciye iyohi”:
“Come to council.”

As Sun Cloud slept deeply in the tepee of the Oglala shaman, a detachment of soldiers left Fort Dakota for Fort Meade. General Phillip Cooper watched the anxious group, led by Corporal Gerald Butler, leave as a decoy to any Indians who might be spying on the fort. He was not worried about the safety of Butler’s detail, for it was large and well armed and had the power of night for defense. He had a gut feeling that the Indians were not watching them at this time; no doubt, he vexingly concluded, they were home celebrating their recent victories and plotting new attacks. Too, unlike them, the Indians had to hunt fresh game daily and construct new arrows. And, there was worry over that so-called vital buffalo hunt upon which their survival depended; the longer it was stalled, the greater the advantage over the Indians.

Cooper knew Butler was still seething over his fourstep demotion from major to corporal, but he knew the man would watch himself and his people carefully. Except for being a glory-seeking and reckless fool at
times, Butler appeared to be a good soldier. The man was smarter and braver than he had realized, for Butler’s accusations and observations about these hostiles had proven to be lethally accurate. Butler seemed to know a great deal about this wild territory and these uncivilized heathens, and how to battle them with cunning and success, as with that ingenious grenade attack. Maybe, Cooper deliberated, he had been too hasty and harsh with Butler’s reprimand and demotion. Maybe he could use Butler to win a quicker and easier victory out here.

After giving Butler’s detachment time to lure away any Indian scouts or cocky warriors, Cooper ordered his three two-man units to head for forts James, Henry, and White, which were all located within three to five days of steady travel from Fort Dakota: Meade was north of them, Henry was west, James was east, and White was south to southeast. When his men returned in a week or less with four large regiments to add to his, then he could fiercely attack each Indian camp and end this ridiculous and humiliating conflict.

By two o’clock Monday afternoon, Cooper was grinning broadly and praising his crafty intelligence. Since nothing had happened by now, such as having more blue-clad bodies dumped before the fort, he’ correctly assumed that his men had gotten away safely and secretly. He called his officers in for a meeting.

“I want this fort stocked with plenty of meat, wood, and water while those red pigs are wallowing in their bloody
coups
and fatal plans. My instincts tell me they’ll be feeling smug enough to attack this fort real soon, and we want to be ready to defeat the bloodsuckers. All we have to do is hold them at bay but keep them hanging around like a hungry hound after a juicy bone until our reinforcements get here, no more than a week. Once those red bastards are trapped
between this fort and four tough regiments of U.S. soldiers, we’ll mash them into the same dirt which holds the blood of my men,” he stated coldly.

Major William Ames worriedly looked at his new commander and asked, “Sir, don’t you think it might be wise to wait for President Monroe’s special agent to arrive before we declare all-out war? Maybe Colonel Sturgis can work out a truce and sign a treaty with them. You know Ma—Corporal Butler’s actions are the reason they took to the warpath again. Maybe Colonel Sturgis can straighten out this mess. Seems to me like a peaceful solution is the best course of action.”

Cooper eyed Ames for a long time, then allowed his keen gaze to sweep the other officers in the room. “It seems to me, Major Ames, that you’re at the wrong post if you don’t like fighting Indians,” he replied rather sarcastically. “Now that I’ve been given a chance to learn more about this area and these savages, it seems I was wrong about the situation when I arrived, and I’m man enough to admit that error. I realize, Butler has these heathens and conditions pegged right, and I plan to reinstate his rank when he returns from this current mission. And I plan to give him a medal for ambushing their infamous leader Gray Eagle. To offer them a truce after what they’ve done lately would be nothing short of cowardice and stupidity. I know
Mr.
Sturgis is an Indian lover too, and I don’t plan to await his arrival so he can interfere with military affairs. I’m in charge. Is that clear?”

Major Ames felt trepidation wash over his entire body, making his flesh clammy. He knew better than to argue with a commander whose mind was set differently, but he violently disagreed. All he could do was pray that Derek Sturgis arrived swiftly and safely. Cooper had lost numerous lives to the Indians, and that was not sitting well with this tough general. It
looked as if Butler’s coldness and ruthlessness were rubbing off on Cooper, and that was tragic for both sides.

“Tell me, Major Ames,” Cooper inquired mockingly, “how long does it take you to decide if you’re going to obey your commanding officer and if you’re going to give him a reply? Surely you aren’t weighing your rank and loyalty against those Indians’ lives? Surely you aren’t trying to plot against me in favor of Mr. Sturgis’ foolish plans? Just how many could you save by defying my orders and committing treason? How many red lives would make it worth such a sacrifice? If you have any objections to me or my orders, I can have you transferred today. If your Indian friends let you make it to the next fort alive…”

Ames’s cheeks burned brightly with embarrassment and outrage. “I did not realize you were asking me a question, sir; I thought it was merely a statement of fact. If you’ll check my record, sir, you’ll see my obedience and loyalty have never been in question. For the record, sir, I must object to your insults in the presence of other officers. As this supposedly is a meeting, I presumed you called us here to voice our honest opinions and suggestions, which I gave and which I still believe offer the best route to peace for the Army and the white civilians in this area.”

“Rest assured, Major Ames, every word you have spoken will be placed on the record,” Cooper stated, making it sound like a threat. “Anyone else got any
honest opinions and suggestions?”
he queried.

When no one spoke up, Cooper smiled and said, “I’m putting Colonel Moore in charge of preparations. Congratulations, sir,” he remarked humorously to Timothy Moore, whom he had just decided to promote to give Timothy more power and rank than Major Butler. “Ames, see that news of Major Butler’s and
Colonel Moore’s promotions are posted immediately and called to every man’s attention.”

“Yes, sir.” Ames astutely acknowledged the perilous order.

Timothy Moore grinned in pleasure and surprise. The last time he had been at this fort, he had been her commander, and he had been a lieutenant—and he had suffered an awesome defeat: personally and professionally. With luck, he had escaped the Indians’ death traps twice, years ago and one a few days ago. Soon, he would help slaughter every warrior in this territory, and he would savor every minute of their pain and defeat and every drop of their spilled blood. There were three savages in particular to whom he owed severe punishment: Bright Arrow, Fire Brand, and Rebecca Kenny. With a little more luck, they were all still alive and nearby…

Earlier that morning, the Oglalas sent word to their friends and allies to request another intertribal war council, for they needed to strike again at their foes while the soldiers were weak and afraid. Once the bluecoats were intimidated sufficiently, the Indians could carry out their buffalo hunt and sacred ceremonies. The hotter the weather got, the farther northward the buffalo roamed, which drew the hunters too far from their camps and lands. The hunt needed to begin soon, for it was already the second week of May, and a good hunt required six to eight weeks or longer. The war council was planned for the next day at dusk, and Oglala warriors had left to deliver the message to all tribes.

Bright Arrow wanted to see his daughter Tashina and his friend Windrider, so he chose to deliver the message to their Cheyenne band. He was anxious to see
and to speak with Silver Hawk and Singing Wind, but oddly did not want to face either of them at this time. He rode from camp with his good friend, White Arrow’s son Flaming Star.

Deer Stalker and Night Rider were assigned to ride to the Blackfeet camp of Silver Hawk, while Sun Cloud and Thunder Spirit were assigned to the Sisseton tribe of Chief Fire Brand. All seemed to work out perfectly when Deer Stalker secretly asked Sun Cloud if they could swap destinations so he could see the female he was to join soon. Sun Cloud, hungry to see his love once more, eagerly switched.

When Thunder Spirit learned of this change, he grinned playfully at his friend and speculated mischievously, “Perhaps I could ride ahead of you after we give Silver Hawk our message. I could camp alone to think and rest, then you could join me to ride home together when the sun returns to brighten our lands and lives. No one would know we had become separated for the night.”

“You would sacrifice one of your precious nights with Little Feet to help me? You would take this risk for me, my friend and brother?”

“You would do the same for me. We are as real brothers and our friendship could be no closer or stronger. Soon, we go to war once more, and each sun could be our last. You must have this time with your true love, not be denied it as I was. There is no shame or evil in this deed, for she will become the mate of Sun Cloud soon.”

When they reached the Blackfeet camp just before the evening meal, they discovered that Silver Hawk was not there. It was said their chief had taken a few of his warriors and gone riding and scouting and would not return until the next afternoon. Sun Cloud was relieved that Silver Hawk did not know of the new war
council, just in case he was secretly meeting with his white friends to plan more treachery; now he would learn about the meeting too late to endanger it.

Sun Cloud and Thunder Spirit gave their message to the Blackfeet war chief Strikes Fire and the Blackfeet shaman Jumping Rabbit. They alleged they must return to their camp and could not spend the night with the Blackfeet, but they would accept the invitation to partake of the evening meal in the tepee of Chief Silver Hawk. Catching a moment in passing with Singing Wind, Sun Cloud asked her to meet him by the pond later that night, and she happily agreed.

Sun Cloud paced near the tranquil pond, yearning for Singing Wind to join him quickly. As he waited, his thoughts returned to the Blackfeet camp and Little Flower. Silver Hawk’s Oglala wife did not look happy or calm for a new mate, and that concerned him. When she had served his food, he had noticed marks on her wrists, which she had attempted to conceal with wide, beaded wristlets, and she had refused to meet his gaze or to converse genially. Having seen such marks before on prisoners or on friends who had escaped captivity, he recognized the signs of tight rawhide bindings which had been strained against fiercely. Another fact which piqued his curiosity was her beaded moccasins which came to her knees, as such fancy moccasins were only for special occasions. He wondered what they were concealing, and how she had been injured so oddly. She had been shaky, pale, and withdrawn, which was unlike the vivacious girl who had left his camp. As surely as death followed an arrow through the heart, she was terrified. Most intriguingly, the girl had appeared too intimidated to ask for help.

Sun Cloud advised himself to ask for Singing Wind’s
assistance with this curious and distressing matter. If Little Flower was as miserable and scared as he believed, something should be done to help her. A man should not abuse his wife or children, and that was how it looked to him. Perhaps Little Flower or Shining Feather would enlighten Singing Wind, who could relate the truth to him, then…

“You are too deep in thought, my love, and a foe could pounce upon you,” Singing Wind teased as she wrapped her arms around him.

Sun Cloud sent her an engulfing glance before he swept her off her feet and swung her around, their laughter spilling forth to mingle with the sounds of the night creatures, for near darkness surrounded them. He held her tightly as his mouth captured hers and invaded it. His tongue danced wildly with hers as he seemed to draw her closer and closer to him when no space seemed left between them.

His lips brushed over her face, delighting in her taste and surface. He nuzzled his neck and face against hers, thrilling to the contact between them and the sheer joy of being with her and touching her. “You make me feel so strange, Singing Wind, as if I would cease to exist if you were taken from me. You are like my air and food, my water and my spirit. You cause me to feel weak and rash when I am not with you, and weak and bold when I am near you. You are a fierce desire burning within me, and I must have you in my Life-circle forever or perish. But I want you more than on my sleeping mat; I want to see your smile and hear your laughter each sun. I want to walk with you and speak with you. I want to see our child grow within your body, then sleep within your arms. I want to feel your hand in mine and see you at my side. I want to share all things with you.”

It was as if nature’s beautiful tepee surrounded them and protected them from all eyes and harms. Her body
was a contradictory blend of tension and serenity. Her head seemed to spin dizzily at his nearness, touch, and stirring words. She was enchanted by him and the romantic aura which encompassed them. She gazed into his glowing eyes and said, “It is the same with me, my love. I suffer each moment we are apart. My mind spins from trying to plot clever ways for us to meet and to destroy this shield between us. Sometimes I foolishly and rashly care nothing for our duties or the thoughts of our peoples, only for us. All I desire is to be at your side each sun and moon. I have lost all patience, all modesty, all wisdom, all restraint.”